We're renovating our covered porch to create an air-conditioned sunroom, and we want to install French doors leading to the backyard. We're having a tough time finding outswing French doors suitable for the exterior here in Texas, where snow isn't an issue. It seems like inswing doors are far more common than outswing. We're particularly interested in outswing to avoid clutter from furniture blocking the doors when they open. What should we consider when choosing between these two types? Also, I've looked at Lowe's and Home Depot, but I'm curious if there are other places to check for these doors.
3 Answers
It’s possible to special order outswing doors, which might be your best bet. On the plus side, outswing doors typically have a better seal than inswing ones, so they’re less likely to leak. I've heard some concerns about their weatherproofing, though!
Make sure to check the building codes in your area. One important thing is that outswing doors shouldn’t swing out over steps; they need to open over a landing. And yeah, most residential doors are set up to swing inward, so finding outswing options can be tricky.
I actually have a 9-foot tall fiberglass outswing French door from Milgard, and I love it! Just a heads up—if you’re going for outswing, keep an eye on the wind. Can get a bit tricky with heavy gusts. And yes, ordering through a specialized door and window store is definitely a good route!