skip to main content

make french doors so both doors can open one is stationary

7 years ago

i have outside French doors. Only one door open the other is stationary. the doors are in a sunroom. I need both doors to open so I can put my golf cart in this room during the winter months. these doors are not but three years old. Is there any way that I can cut the stationary door and put hinges on it so it can open wide enough to put my golf cart in my sunroom. These doors are of high quality and I hate to have to replace them just because I need both doors to open!!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

homepro01
7 years ago
Ann,

I am not sure what you are describing. French doors have both doors that open. I wonder if you have a Patio door with a stationary glass light next to it. Would you be able to take a picture?

I am not sure there is a way to convert something like that to a French door. Actually, there is a way but it would be cheaper to buy a french door and get installed. There would be a lot of components needed to be make a stationary glass panel a moveable door. Do you know what brand your current door is?

Does your current door open to the outside or does the door swing into the house?
millworkman
7 years ago
Exactly as homepro describes. Not a simple task and by the time you are thru better to buy new. Depending on the brand, frame and sill type it may not even be possible. Post up a couple of pictures, interior and exterior.
Related Discussions
Do you put cremone bolt on both of the French doors, or just 1?
Q
Comments (6)
A Cremone bolt is an antique/decorative latch set that consists of vertical surface-mounted half-round rods that are pushed up and down into latches at the bottom and/or top of one of a pair of doors (or windows) with a rack and pinion gearbox operated by a small knob or lever at normal knob height. You could have matching Cremone sets on both doors but the usual setup is to put one on the inactive door and the other one would have a conventional knob or lever set that would not match since these are two very different kinds of devices and it should be obvious which door is to be normally used. This is especially important if there is an astragal that closes the gap between the doors and prevents the inactive door from opening first. Another option is to use top flush or surface bolts on one door if it will rarely be open. Here is a link that might be useful: cremone bolt images
...See More
Craftsman Garage door Remote Problem (Both door open at same time
Q
Comments (1)
Let's call these garage doors number one and number two. I think what you did was program one of the remotes from number one to number two or vice versa. This will cause that problem. What causes confusion is you are not programming the remote, you are teaching the receiver to accept the code from the remote. Now then what we need to do is go to each motor unit and hold the learn/smart button in for six seconds. This will erase the memory of both units and none of your remotes should work. Take the remote(s) you want to work with number one and press the button on the remote while you press and immediately release the learn/smart button on the motor unit. Do this for each remote you want to operate number one. Now do the same thing for number two. You should be okay.
...See More
French patio doors - better for one to stay stationary?
Q
Comments (18)
All French doors have a primary and secondary leaf. That is because there is a vertical weather seal known as an astragal on the outside leading edge of the secondary leaf so that leaf must be closed before the primary leaf. To open requires the primary leaf to be opened and then the secondary leaf can be opened. On older French doors the primary and secondary left are called active and inactive. The active leaf locks with a dead bolt to the inactive leaf which is locked to the head and sill with some kind of surface bolts. Newer French doors offer hidden multi-point locking that allows each door leaf to be opened with a lever handle. To close and lock the doors, the secondary door is closed and top and bottom locking pins are set by lifting the lever handle. Then the primary door leaf is closed and either top and bottom pins are set into the head and sill by lifting a lever handle or top and bottom hooked pins are set into the edge of the secondary door leaf. A dead bolt operated with an interior thumb turn is usually included on the primary leaf. I know that one of these systems is offered by Andersen on their Frenchwood and their Renewal models and Marvin offers it on their Ultimate French doors. I would guess many other manufacturers also offer this kind of hardware and Baldwin and Emtek offer the handle sets. A reason to not use a multi-locking system is to save money but you should at least price the option. Here is a video of multi-point locking. Here is another
...See More
One Large Refrigerator Door vs French Door
Q
Comments (16)
We love our french door fridge! It also has the door in door. Maybe it’s because we’ve had it for a couple of years and have organized it such that I almost never open more than one door at a time. We store everything in the same place when we buy new. Behind left door is condiments, jams, mayo, mustard, tubs of yogurt, left drawer is salad stuff. Right side is tall drinks, tea, milk, wine bottles. Salad dressings in door shelf. Right drawer is fruits. Door in door is creamers, butter, breakfast stuff. I like that if hubby is standing in front, I can just crack one door and grab what I need. I do recall that some of the french door fridges required both doors being opened to get to one side for some reason.
...See More
User
7 years ago
Door units like yours are made to mimic the look of french doors, but without the inevitable air leaks and binding from seasonal changes. If you want both doors to be operable, you'll have to replace everything and put up with air leaks.
millworkman
7 years ago
"but without the inevitable air leaks and binding from seasonal changes"

Or cost.........
User
7 years ago
It all depends on the door. Some aren't made, in any way, to be turned into oeprable doors. Some might be. What is the EXACT make, model, and number on your door?
PRO
Brennan Enterprises
7 years ago
In this case, it might be best to consult a professional. Damaging what you have could cost you far more than you would normally spend with help from someone experienced. If you can't find a way to open up your doors, have you considered building a smaller carport or patio cover somewhere on your property? This would provide you with immediate access while protecting your golf cart throughout the year.
Rachael Brooks
last year
Did she ever respond? i have the exact same question
Lisa Butler
8 months ago
Following

Related Stories

WINDOW TREATMENTS The Case for Stationary Draperies

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Curtains that open and close are great in some situations, but stationary draperies can give you a better view (and save money too)

MOST POPULAR So You Say: 30 Design Mistakes You Should Never Make

By Mitchell Parker

Drop the paint can, step away from the brick and read this remodeling advice from people who’ve been there

ENTRYWAYS No Entryway? Create the Illusion of One

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Create the feeling of an entry hall even when your door opens straight into the living room. Here are 12 tricks to try

LIGHTING So You Bought a Cave: 7 Ways to Open Your Home to Light

By Alison Hodgson

Make the most of the natural light your house does have — and learn to appreciate some shadows, too

MIDCENTURY HOMES Houzz Tour: How Can We Get Invited to This Awesome Midcentury Home?

By Mitchell Parker

A redwood-clad gem in California’s Marin County features a dreamy outdoor oasis with an open-door policy for the homeowners’ friends

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: What a Difference Paint Can Make

By Becky Harris

A bold move gives a generic Portland kitchen personality without a major overhaul

KITCHEN DESIGN Have Your Open Kitchen and Close It Off Too

By Jennifer Ott Design

Get the best of both worlds with a kitchen that can hide or be in plain sight, thanks to doors, curtains and savvy design

FEEL-GOOD HOME The Question That Can Make You Love Your Home More

By Laura Gaskill

Change your relationship with your house for the better by focusing on the answer to something designers often ask

DOORS French Doors: Ooh La La

By Margaret Everton

Open or Closed, Double Glass Doors Add Elegance, Function and Beautiful New Views

KITCHEN DESIGN Trend Alert: Swinging Doors Can't Miss for Convenience

By Amber Hopman

Create accessibility and elegance in one fell swoop with a swinging door modernized for today's homes

Sponsored

Buckeye Restoration & Remodeling Inc.

7 Reviews

Central Ohio's Premier Home Remodelers Since 1996

More Discussions

White oak kitchen cabinets stain?

67

What should I do with this brick fireplace?

10

seeking input on kitchen and mudroom renovation!

5

Porch column replacement

7

Hanstone campina

1