About Interior Wood French Doors

French doors frequently consist of two separate doors that hinge on opposing jambs. They swing out from the center of the doorway of a room. French doors traditionally served as exterior doors, often opening to a deck, garden or patio. Today, French doors function inside to dens, formal dining areas and master suites or baths.  

Features

Interior French doors feature lightweight wood construction. Available in ash, alder, cherry, oak or pine. The most common designs feature one to 15 lites, or panels, of glass. Lites come in beveled, frosted, solid or patterned forms. Lites are divided by mullions, or wooden slats. Some doors have grooves stamped in the glass that provide the illusion of lites. 

Size

Most interior French doors come in standard-sized prehung units. At minimum, they measure 60 inches tall and 16 inches wide. The standard thickness of most doors range from 1 3/8 inches to 1 3/4 inches. Overly narrow or expansive doorways require custom-made French doors.

Misconceptions

French doors demonstrate a variety of styles and shapes. Some manufacturers offer arched doors, sidelights and transom versions. French doors do not always include glass. French bifold or multifold doors often have raised panels, or louvers, instead of glass.   

Considerations

Determine what size French doors you need before you purchase. Measure the rough opening from the unfinished framing members, if you plan to hang the doors in an existing doorframe. You could also buy the prehung unit, then make changes to the existing frame. This strategy requires the installation of a rough opening slightly larger than the door's dimensions to accommodate the doorjambs. Prehung units add 1/2 inch to the height and 1 inch to the width.