French doors are a popular and stylish choice for connecting indoor and outdoor spaces, creating light-filled rooms, and enhancing the overall look of your home. However, choosing the right door hardware for French doors is essential to ensure they function smoothly, securely, and look polished.
Whether your French door is rebated (with an overlapping edge) or non-rebated, each style requires specific French door hardware components to fit properly, provide symmetry, and offer the necessary security. This guide covers essential hardware for French doors and helps you select the right components based on your door type.
What We Will Cover:
• The key difference between rebated and non-rebated French doors and why it affects your hardware choices.
• Essential lock kits for securing the active door leaf in both door types.
• Dummy leversets for creating a symmetrical look on the inactive door.
• Recommended flush bolts and surface-mounted bolts for stability and security.
• The importance of durable ball bearing hinges for long-lasting support.
• Optional weather stripping to insulate exterior French doors.
Introduction: The Importance of Specific Hardware for Rebated and Non-Rebated French Doors
French doors come in rebated and non-rebated styles, which affects the door hardware for double doors you’ll need. A rebated double door includes one door with an overlapping edge (rebate) for extra insulation and security, requiring specialized french door locks and door latch hardware. Meanwhile, non-rebated French doors meet edge-to-edge, needing a different type of door lock and door latch for a flush fit. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of each door hardware element you’ll need for a French door with a lever and how to choose the right options for either style.
1. Lock Kit for French Doors (Rebated and Non-Rebated)
A strong double door lock is vital for the active leaf of double door French doors. However, the choice of lock will differ between rebated and non-rebated doors:
• For Rebated Doors: A rebated mortice lock provides a secure fit without disrupting the overlap. The IVER Mortice Lock Euro Rebated is designed for rebated double doors, ensuring a flush, secure lock that won’t interfere with the rebate.
• For Non-Rebated Doors: A standard mortice lock is ideal, fitting snugly with edge-to-edge contact. The IVER Mortice Lock Euro is an excellent choice for non-rebated French doors.
In addition to the mortice lock, you’ll need:
• Entrance Handle: A lever such as the Sarlat Shouldered Entrance Lever adds both style and functionality, enhancing the elegance of glass French doors or contemporary French doors exterior setups.
• Key Cylinder: For added security, a compatible key cylinder is essential. The Euro Cylinder Key & Thumb Turn by IVER offers key access on the outside and a thumb-turn for inside convenience, ideal for both external French doors and inside double doors.
2. Leverset (Dummy Set) for the Inactive Door
For symmetry, many homeowners choose a dummy leverset on the inactive door leaf to match the active handle. This set is purely decorative, offering a balanced look without any locking function. However, for french door handles and locks, adding a dummy lever gives a polished look.
• Optional Product: The Sarlat Shouldered Dummy Leverset is a great option for symmetry, adding an elegant touch without any locking features.
3. Flush Bolts or Surface-Mounted Bolts for the Inactive Door
To secure the inactive door, flush bolts or surface-mounted bolts are a must. These door latches for double doors keep the inactive leaf secure, ensuring stability when the active door is opened.
• Flush Bolts: Installed on the top and bottom edges, flush bolts are hidden and maintain a sleek look.
• Surface-Mounted Bolts: For easier access and a visible bolt, surface-mounted bolts work well.
• Recommended Products: Try the Tradco Locking Flush Bolt or the Tradco Panic Bolt for reliable security on narrow French doors or white French doors leading to patios or gardens.
4. Ball Bearing Hinges
Ball bearing hinges are a necessity for both rebated and non-rebated double door hardware due to the added weight of glass double doors. These hinges provide strength and prevent sagging, especially for patio French doors or exterior patio doors. Three hinges per leaf are standard for stability and smooth movement.
• Recommended Product: The Ball Bearing Hinges are ideal for door hardware for double doors, ensuring secure movement and a polished look.
5. Weather Stripping (for Exterior French Doors)
If your French front doors or outdoor French doors lead to an exterior space, weather stripping is recommended for energy efficiency. This is particularly useful for rebated French doors but also adds insulation to non-rebated French doors.
• Pro Tip: Ensure the weather stripping fits the door’s design without interfering with door levers for French doors or rebated edges.
Summary Checklist: Essential Hardware for French Doors with a Lever
Here’s a quick checklist of the door hardware for French doors you’ll need to ensure your doors are both functional and stylish:
• 1 x Lock Kit for the active door, including:
• For Rebated Doors: Rebated Mortice Lock
• For Non-Rebated Doors: Standard Mortice Lock
• Entrance Handle
• Key Cylinder
• 1 x Leverset (Dummy Set) for the inactive door, optional for symmetry.
• 2 x Bolts (flush or surface-mounted) to secure the inactive leaf.
• 3 x Ball Bearing Hinges per leaf for stability and smooth movement.
Choosing the Right Hardware for Your French Doors
Selecting french door hardware is more than functional; it enhances the elegance of glass French doors or exterior French doors while securing them. Here’s how to make the best choices:
• Prioritize Security: For external double doors or back door locks, ensure high-quality locks and bolts.
• Coordinate Style: Match finishes across French door handles and hinges for a cohesive look. Black French doors might suit a modern, sleek handle, while white French doors pair beautifully with classic finishes.
• Durability Matters: Choose hinges and bolts that withstand the weight of external French doors or interior door locks for long-lasting function.
With the right french door handles and locks, door latch for double doors, and keyed door hardware, you’ll enjoy enhanced style and function in your French doors. This setup not only brings beauty and light to your space but provides peace of mind with robust security for your front door, house door lock, or patio French door.