The Buyers Guide to French Doors

Add a Certain 'Je Ne Sais Quoi' With Stylish French Doors

internal view of steel alternative aluminium steel look french doors in Harrogate
Comparing bi-fold doors with sliding doors

2. What style is right for my home?

All homes have an architectural style, choosing windows and doors that are sympathetic to our design is the first step to us making the right choice.

Whether we have a modern, contemporary home or a traditional cottage with mullions it is usual to try to adhere to our home's character, however, let's not rule out the dramatic effect that a complete contrast could play.

Let's also think about how our french doors will be used daily and not only during the summer time.

Here's just a few examples of styles that complement their homes character:

listed building replacement windows

Someone once said 'keep it simple', these doors show how to not over-complicate things.

Minimal bespoke french doors echo the modern space, and create a real joie de vivre.

Rated 5.0 out of 5 Myar Craig-Brown

I'd wholeheartedly recommend Marlin Windows. We ordered Steel Replacement French Patio doors and Windows.
They are absolutely beautiful. And they were an absolute pleasure to deal with. Thanks Marlin!

 

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aluminium french doors on London rooftop

In this classic installation to a roof top apartment in a conservation area in central London aluminium french doors have been accurately positioned within existing lead lined openings.

steel style white french door in Ilkley

Using elegant slim frame aluminium profiles these french doors replicate the appearance of traditional steel doors from a bygone era.

Classic glazing bars and panel design further enhance the vintage look.

Rated 5.0 out of 5 Anne Corrigan

I felt like I was in safe hands with a company who actually cared about me and my kitchen extension & my two sets of alluminium french doors!
Even though they've done work on Z-listers mansions & been on the telly (the installers were telling me!) - my little project was given due care & attention. The product looks amazing too...

 

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aluminium french doors installed at grade 2 listed 14th century property

3. What material should I choose?

The team of expert installers at Marlin Windows are often asked about the benefits of aluminium windows and doors over other alternatives such as PVCu and wood. So, here is an honest appraisal of what they say about the different materials:

wooden-french-doors

Wooden French Doors

Natural charm and warmth are qualities that attract people to timber. Although it is the most expensive of the three materials, timber windows and doors do have an authentic nostalgic look.

upvc-french-doors

PVCu French Doors

As a more economical option, PVCu is often the first choice for homeowners looking for replacement windows and doors. PVCu provides excellent thermal performance. One downside is that the profile can discolour over time.

aluminium steel look heritage french doors installed in London

Aluminium French Doors

An incredibly resilient and strong material, powder coated aluminium is one of the most durable finishes available. It won't discolour, rust or peel, giving it a long-lasting, attractive appearance which can last for decades.

Aluminium frames can be slimmer than both wood and PVCu, they have more space for glass so let more light into the home.

"Beautiful doors" - George Clarke (Channel 4 - George Clarke’s Old House New Home)

 

"Really happy with those doors" says homeowner Lauren

 

secure by design sliding patio door locks

At Marlin all door locking systems are fully protected as standard with the tried and tested Police recommended Avocet ABS euro cylinder to keep you and your property safe.

4. Will I be secure?

Ensure your doors include a protected locking system, such as the Avocet Break Secure (ABS) lock, which incorporates the latest technology, is incredibly secure and which burglars can't get past.

Look for the 'Secure By Design' logo.

winter view of steel look windows and french doors in Sheffield

5. Will I be warm in winter?

Look for glazing with a U value of 1.8W/m²K or lower.

This ensures glazing exceeds the minimum thermal requirement for Building Regulations and as such will be an efficient insulator against adverse weather.

steel look heritage french doors in Sheffield

Marlin's Qualicoat standard powder coated paint finish is guaranteed for a full 25 years.

6. What upkeep do they need?

Timber does require regular painting to keep the wood sound.

If you're looking for a design that requires very little maintenance, aluminium is the perfect option as it requires virtually no upkeep.

colour charts for glazing

7. What colours are available?

Powder coating means a huge range of colours and textures are available including stunning anodised finishes and textured paint.

We can mix it up by choosing a different colour on the inside to out.

View the extensive range of RAL colours along with two ranges of textured paint finishes here.

Like to see a textured finish colour sample?
Just contact us and we'll be glad to post this out to you.

diagram showing french door configurations

8. What configurations are available?

French doors can open in or out, with the master door on the left or right, with any arrangement of kick plates and midrails.

For advice and guidance on achieving the best most pleasing design and configuration based on system limits
call an expert on 01535 603909 or

contact us here

steel look alitherm heritage doors at the Marlin showroom in Keighley, West Yorkshire

See these French Doors at our showroom in Keighley, Yorkshire

9. What do you recommend?

Our most popular aluminium french doors are from our bespoke, made to measure Alitherm Heritage range available to view at our showroom.

It's thin profiles make it the preferred choice for replacing steel windows and doors and ideal for french doors.

Find out about quality aluminium French Doors from Marlin Windows here

Rated 5.0 out of 5 Helen Westwell

Fantastic company, great product and extremely helpful throughout.

 

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10. View Our Featured French Door Projects:

 

Rated 5.0 out of 5 Caroline Dyson

Excellent customer service from enquiry to delivery . Thank you to Hannah ,Adrian and the team for going the "extra mile".

 

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NEW STEEL LOOK HERITAGE BI-FOLD DOORS

new heritage steel look bi-fold doors doors

Combine retro steel style with modern strength and exceptional thermal performance

Technical advisors are on hand at the aluminium window and door showroom in Keighley in West Yorkshire

11. Where Can I Get Further Advice?

Our high quality window and door products are backed by the same high quality customer service. Technical advisors are just a phone call away to answer all your questions no matter how technical.

Typical help provided includes:

  • Choosing the right product
  • Getting the right made to measure size
  • Help with ordering
  • Threshold advice

We provide a FREE sample service to assist with surveying decisions, design considerations, or planning applications – just pick up the phone and ask.

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Help & Advice Guides

Replacing Windows In A Listed Building

Read our guide to replacing windows in listed buildings

Read our guide to listed building window replacement

Alternatives To Steel - Buyers Guide

Read our guide to Crittall® window and door alternatives

Read our buyers guide to the best Alternatives To Steel Windows and Doors

Replacing Windows In Conservation Area Properties

Read our guide to replacing windows in conservation area buildings

Read our guide to conservation area property window replacement

 

Why Choose Marlin Windows?

We care...

about the quality of finish
about you, your project and your property
about your 100% satisfaction

And we are rated ★★★★★ on Google

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"our builder said they were the best supplier and fitter they had ever used"
Mrs Nellist Haworth, Yorkshire

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