Replacement French patio doors are hinged doors that swing open to connect a room to a patio or backyard. They're a great fit when you have room for the panels to swing and want a wide, traditional opening. Choose a door based on your existing opening size, swing clearance, glass package and locking hardware.

The Window Depot carries French patio doors in several sizes and configurations at its stores in Tucson, Phoenix, Chandler, Surprise, El Paso, Albuquerque and National City. This guide helps homeowners and contractors compare their options before replacing a patio door.

What Are French Patio Doors?

French patio doors are glass-paneled doors that open on hinges instead of sliding on a track. Some have two panels that both open. Others pair one operating panel with a fixed panel. Either way, the large glass panels bring in natural light and give the room a classic, architectural look.

They work well in dining rooms, living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms that open onto a patio or covered outdoor space.

French Doors vs Sliding Patio Doors: Which Is Better?

Neither style is better for every home. French doors give you a wide, traditional opening but need room for the panels to swing. Sliding doors take up no swing space, which makes them easier to fit into tight rooms and small patios.

For a deeper comparison, see our guide to hinged vs sliding patio doors.

How Much Space Do French Patio Doors Need?

French doors need enough clear space for each panel to open fully without hitting furniture, walls or railings. Before you choose French doors, look at what sits directly inside and outside the opening, including dining tables, rugs, patio furniture and steps.

If the space is tight, a sliding door may be the more practical choice.

Should French Patio Doors Swing In or Out?

It depends on your layout. An inswing door works well when the patio is crowded with furniture or a grill. An outswing door saves floor space inside the room. Whichever you choose, make sure the panels can open all the way without blocking a walkway.

For contractors: French doors are handed, so confirm the swing direction and which panel operates for every opening before you order.

What Size French Patio Doors Do You Need?

The right size is whatever fits your existing opening. The Window Depot's current French patio door listings include sizes of about 59.5 x 79.5 inches and 71.5 x 79.5 inches, so both narrower and wider openings are covered.

Measure the opening carefully and compare it with the actual unit dimensions in the product listing. Don't assume a listed size will fit. Keeping the existing opening size is usually the simplest approach. Switching from a slider to French doors, or widening the opening, can require framing changes. A qualified professional should look at that kind of project before you order.

Our door replacement guide covers replacement considerations for entry, interior and patio doors. 

What Is the Best Frame Material for French Patio Doors?

Fiberglass is a strong choice for French patio doors. It insulates well, resists warping and can have a wood-look finish without the upkeep of real wood. The Window Depot offers fiberglass French patio doors with Low-E glass, including models designed for replacement projects.

Vinyl is another low-maintenance option that resists moisture and never needs painting. Aluminum gives a slimmer, more modern look, but it conducts heat more easily, so compare its ratings carefully if you live in a hot climate.

What Glass Is Best for French Patio Doors?

Double-pane glass with a Low-E coating is the best starting point for most homes. Since French doors are mostly glass, the glass package has a big effect on comfort and energy performance.

• Double-pane glass puts an insulating space between two layers of glass, which reduces heat transfer.
• Low-E coatings help control how much of the sun's heat comes through while still letting in daylight.
• Privacy glass, including textured, frosted or decorative glass, works well for bedrooms or patios that face a neighbor.

Check the NFRC label for U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) to compare specific doors.

Are French Patio Doors a Good Choice for Desert Climates?

Yes, with the right glass. A west- or south-facing patio door in Tucson, Phoenix or El Paso can take hours of direct afternoon sun. Low-E glass with a lower SHGC helps keep that heat out of the house.

French doors have one advantage in dusty climates: there's no sliding track for dust to collect in. That makes them a practical choice in Arizona, El Paso and Albuquerque, where monsoon dust storms tend to clog slider tracks. Monsoon storms also bring wind-driven rain, so check the threshold and weatherstripping on any patio door each season. In National City, salt air near the coast makes it worth checking hinges and locks regularly for corrosion.

How Secure Are French Patio Doors?

Modern French patio doors can be very secure when they have the right hardware. Look for a multi-point locking system, which locks the door at several points along the frame rather than just one. Strong hinges and a solid frame matter just as much. Some doors also offer laminated or other security glass, depending on the product.

When Should You Replace a French Patio Door?

It may be time to replace your patio door if you notice:

• Drafts around the frame or between the panels
• Fog between the glass panes
• Panels that sag, stick or won't latch
• Worn locks or hardware
• Water coming in around the threshold

If the door is solid and only the weatherstripping or a handle has worn out, a repair may be all you need.

For a full walkthrough, see our patio door replacement guide. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Replacement French Patio Doors

Are French doors a good choice for patio door replacement?

Yes, when you have room for the panels to swing. They create a wide opening and let in plenty of natural light.

What is the difference between French doors and sliding patio doors?

French doors swing open on hinges, while sliding doors glide along a track. Sliding doors are often the better fit for small spaces because they need no swing clearance.

What size are French patio doors?

There's no single standard size. The Window Depot's current listings include French patio doors around 59.5 x 79.5 inches and 71.5 x 79.5 inches. Measure your opening before you choose.

What glass is best for French patio doors in hot climates?

Double-pane glass with a Low-E coating and a low SHGC helps limit heat from strong sun. Compare the NFRC ratings of the specific door you're considering.

Where can I buy French patio doors in Tucson or Phoenix?

The Window Depot carries French patio doors at its stores in Tucson, Phoenix, Chandler, Surprise, El Paso, Albuquerque and National City.

Shop French Patio Doors at The Window Depot

Compare French patio doors in person at The Window Depot in Tucson, Phoenix, Chandler, Surprise, El Paso, Albuquerque and National City. Bring your opening measurements and a note of which way the door needs to swing, and the staff can help you narrow down the options. Browse exterior doors online, or find your nearest store.