How to Make French Door Out of Regular Door

The renaissance rediscovered many of the range where the French door has been remodeled. From the regular door, the making of a French door needs just some additional partition strands to add the feature of one and some other components for finishing.

This DIY job is pretty easy and fun as well as the outcome turns out to be satisfactory. Just unscrew your door, design, and reinstall and you’re good to go.

Convert to French door from a Regular door

Technically, there can be an individual choice on making a French door, but the basic ones have a glass view to the other side. Let us categorize the doors we need to redesign in two segments, 

• one that is already in the French door layout with insulated glasses,
• The other one is the regular pre-hung single doors.

The next three sections will demonstrate how we can put the French vibe in them, and make your interior a little bit more embellishing. 

Boring glass doors to fashionable French doors

Prepping the door

The initial task is to loosen the screws from the left door jamb and keep them aside. Measure up the door’s length and width except for the side wooden frames. As per the predesigned layout measure your design portions. The next step is to remove the hinges and locks (if there are any) and make the door free of any components.

Shaping and adding the cuts

Cut the plastic or wooden strands that will be making the cross frames of the door. Line up the extensions for perfect measure and glue them up with gorilla glue or similar.  

Making the door look good

Wrap up the four-glass side of the wooden frame with tapes that don’t make any stain on the glass. Paint the wooden frame along with cross extensions so the whole door has an even outlook. Reinstall the door with butterfly door hinges or any other interior door hinge.

Single wooden door to French style

The general doors we have in our home or office are similar to this category and these don’t have a necessary glass view. However, we can also give this door a hue contrast so it will reflect a French one.

Unscrew the door from the hinge and door jamb panel. Cover up the middle portion of the door where you intend to design or wish to look different from the door sides. Paint the outer part with a color that is not similar to the inner segment. After it is dried up reinstall the door with the necessary hinges.

Single wooden doors to make bi-fold French doors

In this specified case, you will require a wide framed structure to make a bi-fold. The structure will be at least twice the width of single doors and near to that. You can either use it as a one-way slide or slide to two sides (depends upon choice). These bi-folds can be of wooden doors, or these can have insulated glass frames. 

• For a two-way entry, convention attach the doors opposite to one another and design them like the follow-ups
• If it’s a one-way sliding pattern then you might require 2 to 3 doors minimum and needs a proper hinge fix in the intermediate section

However, the designing or mounting of new cross patterns is an individual preference. Some like them to be clear glass views for penetrating light and breeze, others prefer privacy, and wooden conventions are chosen.

Tools required for preparing a French door

In the usual scenario, for making the cross lines you might need plastic or board-type material. Sometimes thin plywood or wood is selected as well. You will need a nail gun, glue gun, paints, brushes, extra hinges, cutters. These are the very basic installation tools required for redesigning a regular door to a French. You can also do it in a more minimalistic way with only glues and cutters.  

Why French doors are better

French doors are one of the kinds that enhance the interior view. This rediscovery of mid-age architectural structure gives a better ambiance to your home, office. Another major feature is having the transparency from room to room, to a balcony, front yard adds a mood to regular taste.

Installing or redesigning a regular door to a French door for interior always gives a welcoming look and vintage wave. Easy way to pass light, and fresh views give a plus to the monotonous interior.

FAQ

Is it safe to use a French door as an exterior door?

There can be a risk of burglars always and so you can simply rely on French doors that have steel frames and structures that come with fine lock systems to maintain safety.

What is the preferable material for French doors?

Usually, wooden framed doors are the first choice for interior door designs. A wooden door with insulated glass fits is the best example of a French door.

Conclusion

Transforming regular doors into elegant French doors is an achievable and rewarding DIY project. By carefully selecting door frames and double doors, you can create a stunning entrance that enhances both the aesthetic and value of your home. Utilizing tools like a circular saw or a miter saw, you can precisely cut glass panels to fit the new doors, ensuring a perfect blend of style and functionality. The addition of a rabbeting bit further assists in creating seamless joints, ensuring your French doors are not only beautiful but also structurally sound.

The journey from a standard door to a sophisticated French door is not just about changing a physical object; it’s about reinventing your space. With the right tools and guidance, the transformation process can be smooth and enjoyable. Whether you’re aiming for a classic look with glass panels or a more modern approach with double doors, the result is a testament to your craftsmanship. New doors installed, you’ll step back to admire your work, knowing that your effort has paid off in adding a touch of elegance to your home.