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French doors are a pair of hinged, glazed doors that open a room onto the garden, patio or conservatory. There is no sliding track and there are no folding panels. Because two leaves have to meet accurately in the centre, the measuring and fitting matter as much as the doors themselves.
Area Cladding supplies and fits French doors across Cambridge and the surrounding villages. We are a family-run business based in Cherry Hinton, trusted locally since 1987, and a FENSA registered company. Every installation comes with a 10-year installation guarantee.
We also fit composite, uPVC, sliding patio and bi-fold doors. That means we can advise on the right door for your opening, and if something else would suit it better, we will say so.
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What are French doors?
How do French doors work?
Each leaf hangs from hinges on the frame. The leaves close towards the centre and lock together. To open them, you release the locking handle on the main leaf, then open each leaf in turn.
Because the leaves swing, they need clear space. Before choosing, check:
A pair can look right on paper and still be awkward if the opening direction clashes with how you use the room or garden. That is why we survey on site before you order.
Unsure how much room the leaves need? We will check both sides at the survey.
Why choose French doors?
French doors vs sliding patio doors vs bi-fold doors
| French doors | Sliding patio doors | Bi-fold doors | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How they open | Two hinged leaves | Panels slide along a track | Panels fold and stack to one side |
| Space needed | Clear space to swing | Very little | Space for the folded stack |
| Best suited to | Standard openings, period homes, conservatories | Tight spaces, wider openings | Wide openings on extensions |
| Style | Traditional | Contemporary | Contemporary |
Inward or outward-opening French doors?
Each leaf needs a clear arc roughly equal to its width. A 1.5 m pair needs about 750 mm either side of the opening. At the survey, we check both sides, including paths, planters and furniture outside, and radiators, units and seating inside, then recommend the direction that works best for you.
Not sure which way your doors should open? We will measure and recommend.
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What to consider when choosing French doors
French doors and security
The centre join is the weak point, because two leaves meet there. A well-made pair locks the main leaf at several points and secures the second leaf at the top and bottom. Protected hinges resist forced entry on outward-opening doors. Glazing beads fitted on the inside stop anyone lifting the glass out from outside. Laminated glass adds more resistance to a break-in.
A poor fit undoes good hardware. Gaps around the frame give a crowbar room to work and let draughts in. Careful measuring and fitting matter as much as the locks themselves. A written quotation should name the locks and glazing, so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Warmth, ventilation and noise with French doors
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Repair or replace your French doors?
Replacement makes more sense when:
We repair and replace door panels and glazing as well as fit complete door sets, so we can judge which route is right. We will not replace a whole door set when a repair will solve the problem, and we will tell you honestly when a frame has reached the end of its life.
Doors catching, misting or draughty? Send us a photo and we will tell you if a repair will do.
Repair may be enough when:
Replacing patio doors or a window with French doors
French doors for conservatories and extensions
French doors for period and older Cambridge homes
Cambridge has Victorian terraces, Edwardian houses, 1930s semis, extended homes and newer estates. A hinged glazed pair suits most of these homes, and it is a style many older houses had at the back.
For period homes, we can advise on:
Planning: Replacing doors like for like does not normally need planning permission. Listed buildings need consent, conservation areas can restrict changes to visible elevations, and flats may have their own rules. Turning a window into a door involves structural work and building regulations. Your local planning authority makes the final decision, and we can talk through your property at the survey.
Our French door installation process
How much do French doors cost in Cambridge?
We measure first, so your survey gives you a fixed written figure rather than a vague estimate.
Want a fixed price rather than a rough figure? We measure first, then quote in writing.
French door maintenance
Why choose Area Cladding for French doors?
Customer Reviews
Contacted George and he came to visit and recieved his qoute very quickly - I have had several jobs completed by area cladding and the workmanship has been exemplary- with windows - cladding and conservatory improvements- cant fault George and his team and i definitely recommended his work and competitive pricing . Thanks for all the work completed .
Area Cladding round last week to replace 2 door locks. Very friendly and efficient. Great job I chose them because I have had 2 houses of windows replaced over the years and wouldn’t choose anyone else.
I have used Area Cladding Ltd many times in the past for the fitting of windows, doors and external cladding. This time it was two bedroom windows and, once again, George and his team did a brilliant job. The work was done in an efficient and thorough way and my rooms were left exactly as they had been found. I would highly recommend Area Cladding Ltd for this type of work.
Area cladding are a 5 star company. We have had a conservatory built by them and they provided a wonderful service. My parents also had windows and doors provided by them 30 years ago and they are still in great condition. Recently my mum had a problem with the lock on the door and they came within a few hours and fixed it. Area cladding are a top company and i give them the highest recommendation.
Absolutely thrilled with the double glazing windows installed! The team was efficient, fast, and a real pleasure to have around - super pleasant, professional, and even a bit of fun. The windows look fantastic and have already caught the attention of several neighbours asking who did them and if they can get a quote too! It’s clear these guys know what they’re doing. Highly recommend - great work and great people.
Highly recommend Area Cladding! We used them for windows, doors, cladding, fascias/soffits and guttering in March 2025 on recommendation from family and now pass that recommendation on as they are fantastic! They work hard, to high standards, are clean and tidy, competitively priced and a joy to have around, but what we also appreciate, is their knowledge, experience and network, as they have provided us with great support and advice and also contacts for other work we are looking to have done - thank you George, Jack and Jordan and we look forward to having you back again in the future for more home improvements!
Where we fit French doors
We take pride in delivering durable, great-looking results with honest pricing and outstanding service.
Questions to ask before you buy French doors
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