How to Install French Doors in Your House

Learning how to install French doors will help you add natural light, create a more open feel, and enhance your home's overall aesthetic. French doors are a timeless option that fits into both classic and contemporary homes.

The process of installing French-inspired doors will vary according to whether you’ve chosen traditional swinging doors or pocket doors. Either way, both seasoned DIYers and beginners will benefit from a few tips as they install these elegant glass-paneled doors in their homes.

How to Install Pocket French Doors

Pocket French doors are sliding glass-paneled doors that disappear into the adjacent wall when fully opened. Pocket doors offer a modern take on the traditional swinging French door and save a considerable amount of floor space as you don’t need to allow for swing. This makes them a wonderful option for more compact spaces where you want to optimize the flow of natural light.

When choosing between swinging French doors and sliding doors like pocket French doors, consider the overall look you want to achieve, the space in your home, and the functionality you look for in your interior doors. As with any DIY project, take the necessary security measures to stay safe and ask for help from professional installation experts when in doubt.

Follow these steps to install pocket French doors:

1. Take Time to Prepare

If this is your first time installing pocket doors, you may need time to familiarize yourself with the different components as many of them will be different from regular door parts.

2. Assemble the Pocket System

Follow these steps to assemble the pocket system:

1. Attach the header rail: Begin by clipping the U-shaped brackets onto the aluminum header rail. These brackets will later be secured to the wooden stud head.
2. Insert the header rail: Slide the header rail into the top of the pocket cassette, ensuring it's aligned and all tabs are properly positioned in the grooves.
3. Secure the door jamb: Attach the metal door jamb to the top of the header rail.
4. Add spacer bars: Position the two spacer bars between the protection plate on the cassette and the metal jamb. The bent ends of the spacer bars should fit into the notches to maintain the structure's squareness during installation.

3. Fix the Pocket System into the Cavity Wall and Stud Frame

Check the alignment of the pocket system by verifying that all components, including the header rail, door jamb, and spacer bars, are square and properly aligned. Use packers as needed to ensure accurate positioning.

Screw the header rail into place through the U-shaped brackets, using packers if necessary to maintain alignment. Once the header rail is securely fastened, remove the spacer bars. These were used to maintain squareness during installation and are no longer needed.

4. Prepare the Door

Preparing the door for installation requires the following steps:

1. Before installing the doors, remove the cover plate that protects the pocket cavity from debris.
2. Fit the bolts into the wheel carriages located inside the door. These bolts will connect to metal plates mounted on the top of the door.
3. Attach rubber bumpers to the back edge of the doors to prevent them from banging against the frame when opened.
4. Install the pocket door hardware at this stage, as it will be more difficult to do so once the door is in place.

5. Fit the Door

Start by screwing the floor guides into the cassette. You can then lift the door into position. Slide the bolts into the plates. You may need to make adjustments at this point to make the door level. The door should slide seamlessly in and out of the cassette.

Please note: After installing the door, you will need to place (or replace) and paint the drywall.

How to Install Double Swing French Doors

Installing double-swing French doors is manageable with patience and some DIY know-how. Follow these steps for perfect French door installation:

1. Make Sure the Opening Is Squared Off

When hanging a double door, it's important that the opening is as square as possible. This is because even slight differences will impact the functionality of both doors.

2. Measure the Doorway

Measure the height and width of the rough opening. The measurement will be most accurate if you remove the door trim with a pry bar beforehand.

Use these measurements to find and purchase a French door kit that will fit perfectly into the space. When choosing your doors, keep in mind that you should leave between 1/4 and 1/2 inch between the frame and the doors. If your door doesn’t follow standard measurements, ask your door manufacturer about custom door services to avoid compromising on quality, fit, or finish.

3. Install the New Frame

If you're replacing the existing door frame, take off the old frame and install the new one. Hold the frame in place and use shims to ensure it stays level.

Once the frame is in place, make sure the doors fit into the opening. When you're satisfied that they fit, screw the frame into place and remove the shims.

4. Screw the Hinge Plates into Position

First, use a tape measure to mark the hinge position. Notch them out. Then screw the hinge plates into the door and move it into position in the frame.

It's best to keep checking that the door fits perfectly. You can do this by only fitting the top screw in each hinge. When the top screw is placed in each plate and you're sure it fits perfectly, add the rest of the screws.

5. Fit the Hardware

Once your smoothly-fitted new doors are installed, you can fit your hardware. Make sure that the strike plate and latch plate are properly fitted. They should be flush against the doorframe and the door itself. You can now enjoy your new doors!

Top Tip

Bear in mind that installing French exterior doors will require more steps like weatherproofing.

Single or Double French Doors

French doors are traditionally made up of two glass-paneled swinging doors. This offers a classy option that opens up your home and lets light flood in. However, double doors—no matter what their configuration—will require a significantly larger doorway.

Remember that pocket doors require enough wall space on either side of the door opening to open the door to its full capacity. Ultimately, choosing single or double doors is as much a question of practicality and logistics as it is one of aesthetics.

Double Doors Increase Natural Light Flow

Research has shown that exposure to daylight conditions significantly impacts people’s perceived happiness when spending time in their indoor home spaces. Glass doors like French doors boost your exposure to natural light when at home, and double doors—if your doorway allows for them—have an even more significant impact.

Enhance the Aesthetic Appeal of Your Home with French Doors

Installing French doors adds a touch of elegance and maximizes natural light in your home. While some will be able to complete the project alone, others may wish to consider professional installation services for some extra help getting it just right.

Remember to carefully measure the opening, prepare the frame, and install the hinges and hardware according to the manufacturer's instructions. With attention to detail and proper installation, you will enjoy the beauty and functionality of your new French doors for years to come.