French doors bring elegance and light into any space, but choosing the right door hardware for French doors is crucial to ensure both style and functionality. This guide covers essential hardware options for French doors with pull handles, offering everything you need to create a secure, balanced, and polished look. Whether your doors are rebated or non-rebated, we’ll outline the must-have components and help you understand which setups suit your needs best.
What We Will Cover:
• Key differences in hardware needs for rebated and non-rebated French doors with pull handles.
• Essential roller lock kits for securing French doors without leversets.
• The benefits of adding pull handles on both sides of the active door and optionally on the inactive door for symmetry.
• Recommended flush bolts and ball bearing hinges for stability.
• The inclusion of cylinders and escutcheon plates for a complete, secure look.
Introduction: Why Pull Handles Are a Great Choice for French Doors
Replacing traditional French door handles with pull handles creates a modern, minimalist look, enhancing both security and style. For rebated doors, a rebated roller lock works best with pull handles, while non-rebated doors require a standard roller lock. Adding pull handles on the inactive door can also enhance symmetry and create a more refined aesthetic.
1. Roller Lock Kit for French Doors (Rebated and Non-Rebated)
When using pull handles on double door French doors, a roller lock is recommended to hold the doors securely without needing levers. Roller locks offer smooth, latch-free closing, making them ideal for French doors. The type of roller lock depends on whether your door is rebated or non-rebated:
• For Rebated Doors: A rebated roller lock provides a flush, secure fit for overlapping edges. The Euro Rebated Roller Mortice Lock is specifically designed to fit rebated double doors.
• For Non-Rebated Doors: For standard, edge-to-edge doors, a non-rebated roller lock is recommended. The Euro Roller Mortice Lock is well-suited for non-rebated double doors, providing smooth closure without interfering with the pull handle setup.
In addition to the roller lock, you’ll need:
• Cylinder: For key access and enhanced security, a compatible key cylinder is essential. The Euro Cylinder Key & Thumb Turn by IVER allows keyed access on the outside and a thumb turn on the inside for easy operation.
• Escutcheon Plate: An escutcheon plate is used to cover and protect the cylinder, providing a finished look. The Euro Escutcheon Forged Round by IVER pairs well with the cylinder and gives a refined appearance to your French doors.
If you’re unsure which lock type fits your French doors best, feel free to contact us for personalized guidance.
2. Pull Handles for French Doors
For French doors with pull handles, you’ll need a handle on both the front and back of the active door. Pull handles add a bold, streamlined appearance while allowing for easy operation. Though optional, adding a pull handle on the inactive door can enhance the symmetry of your setup and create a more polished look.
• Recommended Product: The Sarlat Pull Handle by Tradco is an excellent option for both doors, with its refined design that suits a range of interior styles. Consider using one on each side of the active door and optionally on the inactive door for a cohesive look.
3. Flush Bolts or Surface-Mounted Bolts for the Inactive Door
For double French doors, securing the inactive door with flush bolts or surface-mounted bolts is essential. These door latches for double doors keep the inactive leaf stable, ensuring it stays secure when the active door is opened.
• Flush Bolts: Hidden and sleek, flush bolts install on the top and bottom edges of the door for a minimalist appearance.
• Surface-Mounted Bolts: Visible and easily accessible, these bolts are practical and straightforward.
• Recommended Products: Consider the Tradco Locking Flush Bolt or the Tradco Panic Bolt for a reliable and discreet way to secure the inactive leaf.
4. Ball Bearing Hinges
Given the weight and size of glass French doors, durable ball bearing hinges are recommended. These hinges provide the strength and smooth operation needed to support both external French doors and interior double doors over time.
• Recommended Product: Our Ball Bearing Hinges are designed to handle the added weight of double door French doors, ensuring they operate securely and smoothly.
5. Weather Stripping (for Exterior French Doors)
Adding weather stripping to exterior French doors can enhance insulation and energy efficiency, especially for rebated doors where the overlap provides a natural seal. Weather stripping is ideal for external patio doors or outside double doors to prevent drafts and improve comfort.
• Pro Tip: Make sure the weather stripping fits well and doesn’t interfere with the pull handle or roller lock.
Summary Checklist: Essential Hardware for French Doors with Pull Handles
Here’s a quick checklist of the door hardware for French doors you’ll need to ensure your setup is both functional and stylish:
• 1 x Roller Lock Kit for the active door, including:
• For Rebated Doors: Rebated Roller Mortice Lock
• For Non-Rebated Doors: Standard Roller Mortice Lock
• 1 x Cylinder for secure key access on the active door.
• 1 x Escutcheon Plate to cover the cylinder and add a polished look.
• 2 x Pull Handles for the active door (front and back), optional for the inactive door.
• 2 x Bolts (flush or surface-mounted) to secure the inactive leaf.
• 3 x Ball Bearing Hinges per leaf for stability and smooth movement.
Choosing the Right Hardware for Your French Doors with Pull Handles
Selecting the right French door hardware is essential for creating a seamless, secure look. Here’s how to make the best choices:
• Ensure a Secure Roller Lock Fit: For rebated double doors, a rebated roller lock fits best, while non-rebated doors benefit from a standard roller lock.
• Add Symmetry with Optional Pull Handles: Adding pull handles on the inactive door enhances balance and symmetry but is not required.
• Prioritize Durability: High-quality ball bearing hinges, flush bolts, and an escutcheon plate for the cylinder ensure long-lasting security and style.
Choosing the right combination of pull handles, roller locks, cylinders, and bolts will enhance the elegance, functionality, and durability of your French doors. From exterior French doors leading to patios to indoor double doors creating an elegant room divider, the right hardware makes all the difference. Contact us for assistance if you’re uncertain which components best fit your needs.
