If you’re looking for a patio door that blends timeless style with everyday function, a hinged patio door, often called a “French door,” could be the perfect fit.

A common French door configuration is two operable panels hinges on the outer edges, allowing you to open one or both. Another option is the center-hinged patio door, which features one stationary panel and one active panel. This configuration maximizes floor space while maintaining a traditional look. While two is the most common, hinged patio doors are available in combinations of one to four panels.

Hinged doors can be configured to open either inward or outward. If you need to preserve interior floor space, or you have furniture nearby, then an outswing door allows for that. Similarly, if your door opens out on to a walkway or porch seating, you can elect to have an inswing door. Wall space is also a consideration. A sliding door, by necessity, is a minimum of two panels. If you’d like a patio door–and all of the big views and fresh air it can bring in, but can’t fit two panels, a single panel inswing or outswing door is a great choice. 

Our Andersen® hinged patio doors come in both contemporary styling with narrower rails and stiles and larger glass area (A-Series), as well as traditional styling with the wider rails and stiles (A-Series and 400 Series).

For those concerned about the security and energy efficiency of sliding doors, all of our patio doors feature tempered glass, as well as the unique Andersen® reachout locking system that pulls the door panel snugly into the jamb for weathertightness and enhanced security. Additional security options are available. And of course, our Andersen hinged patio doors are also energy efficient and can be configured to meet ENERGY STAR® Certification in most areas.