French doors have one large glass pane that’s inset into the door and occupies a majority of the door’s surface area. These doors, which are often installed as pairs, are typically used as patio doors, though they are occasionally found in the interior of a home.

Both. Companies manufacture swinging and sliding French doors, though French doors that swing are more common.

French doors have an aesthetic quality that many homeowners crave. Because they’re mostly glass, these doors provide tremendous views to the outside. Plus, that added glass space allows plenty of natural light into the home’s interior.

Absolutely. Contractors can replace a sliding glass door with a sliding French door or swinging French door, though you will need to re-design the door’s opening to transition to a swinging French door.

Yes. Like most windows and doors on the market today, French doors are available with myriad energy-efficient features, like warm-edge spacer systems, Low-E glass coatings, and gas between the panes.