What To Know About French Doors With Screens

French doors, or French patio doors, are glass-paneled entryways that seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor living spaces and usher beautiful natural light into homes. However, many homeowners hesitate, believing these doors mean sacrificing fresh air and pest protection that a good screen can provide. What they don’t realize is that French doors can be fitted with custom screens that still preserve their charm.

Discover the different types of French doors, compatible screens and their advantages.

Why Choose French Doors and Why Screen Them?

You might choose French doors for their symmetry, expansive glass and the way they visually extend a living space into the outdoors. Their classic design brings in natural light and elevates the look and feel of an entryway.

Even with those benefits, some homeowners may worry that adding screens will disrupt the refined look that drew them to French doors. And it’s true – older screen options were once limited and bulky.

has completely changed what’s possible.

Today, that’s changed. Modern, custom-fit screen solutions are designed to complement French doors. They are tailored to the exact dimensions of the opening, remain discreet when not in use, and allow you to enjoy fresh air while keeping pests out.

Understanding French Door Types

While French doors share a recognizable look, their operation and performance vary. Those differences matter once you start thinking about adding screens. Door movement, clearance and alignments influence which screen systems will work best and how well they will perform. Common types of French doors include:

Hinged French Doors

Hinged French doors are the classic configuration most people envision. Two full-size panels meet at the center, with hinges mounted on the outer jambs. They can be inswing, opening into your living space, or outswing, opening to the exterior. Inswing doors have exterior weather sealing. The clear exterior opening is the natural location for a screen system, as they can operate independently with a tight seal. Outswing doors are best when you have limited interior space or wind concerns.

Sliding French Doors

Sliding French doors look like typical swing French doors, except they’re weighted and set on a track so that they easily slide together to meet in the middle. They create elegant-looking entryways while saving space, since they don’t need clearance for swinging. Homeowners can place them in areas where space is at a premium, both inside and out.

Double French Doors

While French doors imply a pair, double French doors refer to two sets of French doors installed side by side. This creates a more expansive opening, delivering a grander sense of space and light. Double French doors can also offer stunning panoramic views of your outdoor areas.

The Best French Door Screen Solutions

There are two screen solutions when it comes to French doors, and you’ll want to choose the best one depending on the type of door you have. These screens can preserve the beauty and functionality of your doors, blending well with your home’s design:

Retractable Screens

Retractable screens are often the ideal choice for French doors, as they’re designed to fit discreetly with your door frame. They retract into a slim housing when not in use, so you can still enjoy unobstructed views and the full beauty of your doors, with the screen only appearing when you need it. They also come in various color options and materials, perfectly blending with your decor.

The discreet design makes them ideal for French doors with screens and blinds, as they don’t interfere with them. They offer the complete package — comfort, light control and insect protection.

Sliding Screen Doors

If you have sliding French doors, a custom-fitted sliding screen door might be the best option for you. Designed to operate on a track like your doors, these screens offer a durable solution and can be installed and customized with heavy-duty features. This ensures a perfect fit and long-lasting performance for your specific sliding French door configuration.

How Much Do French Doors With Screens Cost to Install?

On average, most homeowners spend between $2,000 and $5,000 to install French doors. However, the final price for your specific project can depend on the type and material of your doors and screens, whether you choose a retractable or sliding screen, custom sizing and the complexity of the installation. For a more precise estimate for your home and aesthetic preferences, you’ll want to consult an expert.

Benefits of Installing Screens on French Doors

Screened French doors offer numerous benefits for your home and lifestyle:

Enhanced Airflow

With screens on your French doors, you can enjoy a refreshing breeze flowing through your home. Getting fresh air on a hot day can make your home feel more comfortable in the warmer months. It also cools it down naturally, so you don’t need to rely on air conditioning.

Energy Savings

With less need for air conditioning in the milder weather, you lower your energy use and can see savings on your monthly utility bills. Also, being able to let in more natural light means you rely less on artificial lighting, further adding to your energy efficiency.

Abundant Natural Light Without the Bugs

With retractable screens, you don’t have to sacrifice the natural light from your French doors for pest protection. Since they’re basically invisible when retracted, you can enjoy beautiful sunlight streaming into your home and still protect it from unwanted insects.

Effortless Entry and Exit

Modern retractable screens can be highly convenient, with some offering remote control operation or a touch-button function. This lets you easily enter or exit your home — even when your hands are full with groceries, essentials or little ones.

Transform Your Entryway With French Doors With Screens From Screenmobile

Installing screens on French doors takes precision and expertise. You want to make sure your new screen fits and functions perfectly. Screenmobile is your trusted partner. We provide professional, custom solutions tailored for your unique French doors. Your local, experienced technicians will work with you to determine your door type, the amount of space you have and your aesthetic goals to ensure it looks great.

We’ll guide you through your options and recommend the best screen solution for you, providing a detailed quote and transparent pricing up front. Then, we’ll expertly install your French door screen, making sure it’s the perfect fit and offers lasting performance.

With Screenmobile, you’re getting more than a screen — you’re getting peace of mind, greater comfort and a beautiful addition to your space. Request a free estimate today and discover the perfect screen solution for your home.