I would look for a fiberglass door and Low-e/argon will be a minimum.

You will need to decide ultimately what you want for an operator type and work from there.

A sliding door will be cheaper than a French door.

Hi,

I am not sure what you mean by operator type. We want the door to swing inward -- is that perhaps what you mean? We know the French door is more expensive than a slider, but we really prefer the look. We are prepared to pay for a quality door. Any brands you would recommend?

Carol

Carol

The look of a French door (i.e. taller bottom rail) can be duplicated with a sliding door.

The difficulty with French doors is the fact that they will not come with a screen option. You will need to look into the sliding/hiding screens (i.e. Phantom or similar) to screen a French door.

Thanks dgmarie!

I happen to be going to a Marvin showroom this week. I will ask about the same door you mentioned. Glad to hear a recommendation about a good quality french door.

Carol

dgmarie,

Are the non-moving panels able to be unpinned and folded inward? If not, what you have is called a hinged patio door and does come standard with a screen.

ok, well I'm not an expert but we always called them french doors since they are all glass, all the same look, but only one opens. It is this one:

http://www.marvin.com/patio-doors/swinging-french-doors/

Marvin calls them French doors and that's what the order form calls them, too (inswing french door). The other panels are all separate but we cannot move them. They are installed fixed shut.

This post is 8 years old, but curious what you went with and how its holding up?