The Game-Changing Hardware That Will Transform Your French Doors!
French doors, also known as double doors, are a stunning addition to any home. Whether you have them internally to create a smooth flow between rooms, or externally with glass panels to let the sunshine in and allow for a refreshing breeze, French doors offer both beauty and practicality. With all the hardware available to accompany your French doors, there’s a lot of choice to spruce up the feel of your home.
Whether you’re installing new French doors or looking to upgrade the hardware on your existing ones, we’re here to guide you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover locks, handles, hinges, and more, so you can make informed choices that fit your lifestyle and home.
Securing the First Door
The first thing to consider with French doors is securing the inactive side (the door that closes first.) Although you’ll want to be able to open both, typically the inactive door will remain closed, while the other is used for day-to-day access. It is important to properly secure the inactive door to prevent it from swinging freely, and to enhance security.
Internal Doors
For internal French doors, a simple set of barrel bolts (top and bottom) is usually enough to keep that first door locked in place. Barrel bolts are straightforward to install and can seamlessly blend into the overall look of your doors.
External Doors
When it comes to external doors, security is a bigger priority. A regular sliding door bolt at the top of the door does a great job of pinning it in place, but it’s the key lockable bolt at the bottom that’s truly crucial. If the inactive door is not fully secured, then then both doors can be opened. Hence, without a key lockable bolt, an intruder could easily slide a standard door bolt open giving them full access through the doorway. Key lockable bolts range from basic Patio Bolts all the way to decorative Locking Surface Mounted Bolts.
Flush Bolts for a Sleek Look
If you’re going for a more modern, minimalistic look, consider recessed flush bolts. They’re installed directly into the edge of the door and cannot be tampered with when the door is closed because they’re hidden. While they’re a little trickier to install, the security and clean look they provide are well worth the effort
Locking Systems: The Key to Securing Your French Doors
Once you’ve secured the first door, it’s time to think about the locking system for both doors. For French doors, a rebated mortice lock is the go-to option. It offers solid security and a clean, integrated look. There’s a few things to go over before you choose a setup for your internal or external doors.
How Do The Handles Work?
The latch and/or locking mechanism is operated on the active door. To accomplish a symmetrical look, matching handles (‘dummy’ handles) are typically installed on the inactive side which are purely decorative. While turning the handles on the active door releases the latch and opens the door, the dummy handles don’t engage any mechanism. In addition to achieving symmetry, they simply provide a convenient grip for the inactive door when you want to open both doors.
Understanding Backset Sizes:
When choosing a mortice lock, you’ll need to think about the backset. The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the keyhole, and there are three main sizes: 30mm, 46mm, and 60mm. The width of your door’s stile (frame) will determine the size of lock that you can fit. A wider stile allows for a larger backset lock, with more space for the lever’s backplate. For narrower stiles, you may need a smaller backset lock, paired with a lever with a slimmer backplate to ensure a proper fit.
Euro Cylinders:
The Euro Cylinder is used with a Euro Mortice Lock. There are two types available.
-
Key-Thumb Turn Euro Cylinder: The inside is a thumb turn snib, and the outside is operated via key.
- Allows for easy inside locking/unlocking with a simple thumb turn. This is convenient for cases such as fire safety & evacuations, and just general use. However, a key-thumb turn euro cylinder is less secure as someone could potentially break through the glass, reach in, and turn the snib to gain access through your doorway.
-
Key-Key Euro Cylinder: Both sides are key operated.
- If the key is left on the inner side of the lock it acts as a turn snib. With a key-key Euro Cylinder, you retain the ability to take the key out which prevents someone breaking through glass and turning the key to unlock the door.
Internal
For internal doors, you can opt for a passage system, with a tube latch paired with levers of your choice on the active door, and the striker plate on the inactive side. If you want the option to lock the doors, instead of a tube latch you can choose a Rebated 3 Lever Mortice Lock with a skeleton key, or you could go for a Rebated Euro Mortice Lock with a Key-Thumb Turn Euro Cylinder.
External
For premium security on your external French doors, pair the levers of your choice with a rebated Euro Mortice Lock and your preferred Euro Cylinder. While not as common anymore, to capture a traditional feel in both operation and style, you can use a Rebated 5 Lever Mortice Lock which will be operated with an old-style skeleton key.
Knobs vs. Levers: Make the Right Choice for Your French Doors
Here’s a small detail that can make a big difference: Should you go with knobs or levers on your French doors? While you might think it doesn’t matter, knobs aren’t the best fit for French doors.
Why Levers Are Better
Levers offer better clearance than knobs, which is especially important on French doors because the handles are often close together. Grabbing and turning the knob on one door can make your hands/knuckles hit the knob on the other. Levers on the other hand, give you more space and are easier to use.
Plus, there’s an extensive range of levers on offer in a range of styles to complete your French doors and add to the aesthetic of your home.
French Door Fasteners: A Simple & Secure Solution
French door fasteners are a great option for internal French doors, or even external doors with a narrow stile that can’t accommodate a full lock setup. French door fasteners are a great alternative. They’re easy to install, decorative and do the job well.
Internal
French door fasteners are much easier to install compared to rebated mortice lock kits. You simply drill a hole for the spindle and attach the fixings. The handles are placed on both sides of the active door, with the spindle running through, while the catch is installed on the inactive door. This setup allows the door to be opened from both sides. Additionally, the fasteners offer a privacy feature, where you can screw down on the catch to prevent the door from opening—ideal for maintaining privacy, such as in a bedroom when changing.
External
In the case where you must use a French door fastener on its own on external doors, you just need to install a key lockable bolt at the bottom of the active door. This is so in the event of a break in, both doors are still secured via key.
Hinges: What You Need to Know
Hinges provide the essential functionality to allow your doors to open and close. We previously covered everything you need to know about hinges, which you can read about here. When selecting hinges for your French doors, the most critical factor to consider is the number of hinges to use.
For soft timbers, using three hinges is recommended to provide extra support. Heavier or taller doors will also benefit from three hinges for added stability. On the other hand, you can generally get away with using two hinges for harder woods, or doors of a regular size and weight.
Keeping French Doors Open: Cabin Hooks vs. Magnetic Catches
When you want to open up your living space, you’ll need both of your French doors to remain open and held back. Luckily, you’ve got a couple of great options for this.
Cabin Hooks: A Robust Solution Best for External Doors
Cabin hooks physically link the door to an eyelet on the wall, making them a great choice for external doors. This is because they’re strong enough to withstand high winds, keeping your doors securely open without slamming shut at the slightest breeze.
Magnetic Catches: A Sleeker Option
For a more modern and minimalistic option, consider magnetic catches. These are easier to operate, as they simply catch on their own as you open the door to the wall, but they come with a downside. Magnetic catches aren’t as strong as cabin hooks; their magnetic hold can only handle so much, and may struggle against strong winds, so it’s worth reconsidering them for external doors.
FAQs About French Door Hardware
Can I Use Knobs on French Doors Despite Less Clearance?
While knobs are technically an option, they’re not ideal for French doors. You can install knobs on your doors if you really want to, but keep in mind that your hands will have less room to turn the knob as opposed to a lever handle.
Do I Need to Install Dummy Handles on My French Doors?
Since the ‘dummy’ handles don’t engage any mechanism, there is no real need to put them on. However, many homeowners choose to install them for aesthetic reasons to create a symmetrical and balanced look on your doors. These handles also provide a convenient grip for the inactive door, but you can also just open it by grabbing onto the frame.
Can I Just Use Barrel Bolts on External French Doors?
For external French doors, security is paramount. This is why it’s essential to have a lockable bolt at the bottom of the inactive side to ensure it is properly secured. Additionally, if you need to use French door fasteners in an external setup, it’s recommended to have a key lockable bolt at the bottom of both doors.
Conclusion: Elevate Your French Doors with the Right Hardware
Choosing the right hardware for your French doors can make all the difference. From security to style, choosing the right hardware will not only protect your home, but also enhance its aesthetic appeal. At Paddington Hardware, we offer the full range of options to suit every need and taste, helping you bring your vision to life. If you have any further questions, feel free to call us on 07 3369 6588 or drop by to speak with our friendly team in store.