french doors

What Are French Doors?

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Benefits, Features & Where to Use Them

Open up your home with timeless style and natural light.

If you’re planning a home renovation or looking for a stylish way to connect your indoor and outdoor space, French doors are a classic and elegant solution. But what exactly are French doors — and why are they such a popular choice among UK homeowners?

At Select Windows, we specialise in helping customers choose the perfect doors for their homes. Here’s everything you need to know about French doors, including what they are, how they work, and their many benefits.

What Are French Doors?

French doors are a type of double door that open outwards or inwards from the centre. They’re typically made of large panes of glass and framed in uPVC, aluminium, or timber, letting in plenty of natural light and creating a seamless link between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Originally designed in 17th-century France to let in more light, this timeless design is still hugely popular today — offering a blend of practicality, beauty, and natural light.

Key Features of French Doors

  • Double-door design – opens from the centre with no central pillar
  • Large glass panels – perfect for brightening up a room
  • Can open inwards or outwards depending on your space
  • Available in uPVC, aluminium or timber frames
  • Secure locking mechanisms with multi-point locking as standard
  • Suitable for external or internal use
french doors

Benefits of French Doors

Here’s why so many UK homeowners choose French doors:

1. More Natural Light

The large glass panels flood your space with daylight — ideal for kitchens, dining rooms and conservatories.

2. Elegant Aesthetic

French doors add a touch of charm and sophistication to both period and modern homes.

3. Indoor-Outdoor Living

They create a smooth transition between your garden and home, perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or simply enjoying your view.

4. Energy Efficiency

Modern French doors come with double or triple glazing and excellent insulation, keeping your home warm and energy bills down.

5. Improved Ventilation

You can open one or both doors to let in a breeze and fresh air whenever needed.

Where Can You Use French Doors?

French doors are incredibly versatile. Here are the most popular placements:

  • From your living room or kitchen to the garden or patio
  • As interior doors between two rooms, such as a conservatory and lounge
  • On balconies or Juliet balconies, particularly for upstairs bedrooms
  • In extensions or garden rooms for a luxurious finish
french doors

What Are French Doors Made Of?

At Select Windows, our French doors are available in a variety of materials:

  • uPVC French Doors – low-maintenance, budget-friendly and energy-efficient
  • Aluminium French Doors – strong, slimline, and ideal for modern homes
  • Timber French Doors – perfect for traditional or period properties

All options come in a wide range of colours, finishes and glazing styles to suit your home.

Are French Doors Secure?

Yes – modern French doors are built with high-security multi-point locks, toughened safety glass, and optional laminated or triple-glazed upgrades. With Select Windows, you don’t have to compromise on safety or style.

French Doors from Select Windows

We offer a range of bespoke French doors designed to fit your space, lifestyle, and budget. Whether you’re going for modern minimalism or classic charm, we’ll help you find the perfect fit — with expert installation and outstanding customer service.

Thinking About Installing French Doors?

Ready to transform your space with light, style and easy access to the outdoors?

📞 Contact Select Windows today for a free consultation and no-obligation quote. Our experienced team is happy to guide you through every step.

front door best colour

How to Pick the Perfect Front Door Colour

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A Guide by Select Windows

Your front door is more than just an entrance — it’s the face of your home. It’s the first thing guests (and potential buyers!) see, and it sets the tone for your entire property. So, choosing the right colour for your front door isn’t just a design choice, it’s a statement.

At Select Windows, we know a thing or two about making an entrance. Here’s our guide to help you choose the perfect colour for your front door:

1. Think About Your Home’s Style and Era

The architectural style of your home can be a great starting point.

  • Cottage-style homes look charming with soft pastels like sage green, duck egg blue or cream.
  • Traditional homes (like Victorian or Edwardian properties) often suit classic shades such as navy, burgundy, forest green or even black.
  • Modern or contemporary homes can handle bold and striking colours — think deep teal, anthracite grey, or even sunshine yellow.
Home’s Style and Era

2. Consider the Surrounding Features

Take a look at the brickwork, rendering, windows, and roof tiles. Your front door colour should complement, not clash. For example:

  • If you have coloured window frames (such as white, grey or brown), factor those in too for a cohesive look.
  • Red brick homes work well with blues, greens or classic blacks.
  • Stone or cream render pairs nicely with deeper hues like charcoal or rich aubergine.

3. Don’t Forget About Lighting

A north-facing entrance tends to get less sunlight, so you might want to go for a brighter or warmer shade to lift the space. If your door gets lots of natural light, you can play with darker, moodier tones.

4. Let Your Personality Shine

Your front door is the perfect spot to add a personal touch. Are you bold and vibrant? Go for a statement red or mustard yellow. Prefer something calming? Soft grey, sage or pale blue can feel peaceful and welcoming.

It’s also a chance to make your home stand out on the street (without upsetting the neighbours!).

5. Try Before You Buy

If you’re unsure, test a few swatches first. Paint samples on a bit of card or directly on the door and view them at different times of the day. The light can really change how a colour looks.

Or, better yet, ask us at Select Windows — we’re always happy to provide guidance based on our extensive experience and your chosen door material and style.

6. Practical Matters Count

Remember that your door will be exposed to all weathers. That’s why all our doors at Select Windows are designed to be low-maintenance, durable and colour-fast. Whether you choose a uPVC, composite or aluminium door, the finish is built to last — no chipping, warping or fading.

Purple Entrance Composite Door
Entrance Composite Door Apollo in Florida Orange
Grey Entrance Composite Door with glass panel
Sage green Distinction Composite door
black modern entrance door
dark grey entrance door
pink entrance door
blue entrance door
light blue entrance door
red entrance door
light grey entrance door
green composite door with glass panel

Ready to Make a Statement?

Choosing the right front door colour is a small decision that can have a big impact. If you’re upgrading your entrance, Select Windows can help you pick the perfect style and shade for your home. We offer a wide range of colours and finishes across all door types — all designed to boost kerb appeal and make you smile every time you come home.

📞 Get in touch today to explore our full range of front doors and book a no-obligation quote.

composite doors

What Is a Composite Door?

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When upgrading your home’s exterior, choosing the right doors is essential for both style and functionality. Composite doors have become one of the most popular options for front and back doors, thanks to their combination of durability, security, and visual appeal. But what exactly is a composite door, and why are they such a fantastic choice for your home? Let’s take a closer look.

modern composite door

What Is a Composite Door?

A composite door is a modern type of door constructed from a combination of materials, each selected for its specific benefits. Unlike single-material doors, such as timber or uPVC, composite doors blend multiple layers to create a superior product. Key materials used include:

  • GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic): Forms the durable and weather-resistant outer skin.
  • High-Density Foam Core: Provides excellent thermal insulation to keep your home comfortable year-round.
  • Timber Core (optional): Adds strength and rigidity in some composite door designs.
  • uPVC Reinforcement: Ensures structural stability and prevents warping.

This multi-layered construction results in a door that is exceptionally strong, long-lasting, and visually appealing, making it a great option for both front and back doors.

Key Features of Composite Doors

Whether you’re considering a composite door for your front entrance or back garden access, these features make them an outstanding choice:

  1. Enhanced Security: Composite doors are incredibly strong and highly resistant to forced entry, making them ideal for both front and back doors. Multi-point locking systems and robust materials provide extra peace of mind.
  2. Weather Resistance: Unlike timber doors, composite doors won’t swell, warp, or rot due to moisture. The GRP outer layer ensures they can withstand harsh weather conditions, whether they face the front street or your back garden.
  3. Energy Efficiency: The insulated core helps maintain a consistent temperature inside your home, reducing energy bills. This makes composite doors perfect for keeping your front hallway cozy or your kitchen warm.
  4. Low Maintenance: Composite doors require minimal upkeep. Unlike timber doors, they don’t need regular painting or staining—just a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth keeps them looking like new.
  5. Stylish Designs: Composite doors come in a variety of designs, colors, and finishes, making it easy to match the aesthetic of both your front and back entrances. Choose from traditional woodgrain effects or sleek, modern finishes to suit your home.
  6. Durability: Built to last, composite doors are designed to handle daily use at the front or back of your home while maintaining their appearance and functionality for years.
composite front door
composite front door
composite front door
composite back door
composite front door

Why Choose Composite Doors for Both Front and Back Entrances?

The versatility of composite doors makes them a fantastic option for both the front and back of your home. For front doors, they provide an impressive and secure entrance that enhances your home’s curb appeal. For back doors, they offer durability, style, and protection, whether leading to a garden, patio, or utility area.

The wide range of design options means you can create a cohesive look for your home, with complementary styles for your front and back doors. Plus, their energy efficiency ensures that every entrance to your home contributes to reducing your heating bills.

dark grey composite door

Are Composite Doors Worth the Investment?

While composite doors are a bit more expensive than traditional timber or uPVC doors, their long-term benefits make them a smart investment. Their durability, security, and low maintenance requirements mean you’ll save money on repairs and energy costs over time. Additionally, they can boost your home’s value and appeal.

Why Choose Select Windows for Your Composite Doors?

At Select Windows, we offer an extensive range of high-quality composite doors, ideal for both front and back entrances. Whether you’re looking for a secure and stylish front door or a durable back door to withstand everyday use, we have the perfect solution for your home.

Our team will guide you through the entire process, from selecting the right design to professional installation, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.

Upgrade your home with a composite door from Select Windows today. Contact us to learn more about our range and how we can help you achieve the perfect look for your home’s entrances!

Brown Composite Front Doors with Side Panels and Back Door Installed

Composite Front Doors with Side Panels & Matching Back Door

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At Select Windows, we take immense pride in every installation we complete, and this recent project is no exception. One of our customers has transformed the entrance to their home with a stunning set of composite front doors with side panels, finished in a rich brown colour, complemented by a matching composite back door. These doors are crafted to combine elegance, durability, and functionality. Let us tell you more about this bespoke installation that perfectly captures the essence of style and quality.

Custom Composite Doors Tailored to Perfection

The composite doors chosen for this project were carefully selected to meet the customer’s vision. With a wide range of styles, colours, and finishes available, they opted for a design that complements their home’s architecture while adding a contemporary touch. The end result is a front entrance that not only looks fantastic but also boosts the property’s curb appeal.

Bespoke Glass Designs for Composite Doors

One of the standout features of these composite doors is the beautiful custom-designed glass panels. Collaborating with one of our trusted local glass suppliers, the customer was able to choose a design that reflects their personal style. The intricate patterns and fine detailing of the glass add a unique charm, allowing natural light to filter through while maintaining privacy.

Benefits of Installing Composite Doors for Your Home

Composite doors are an excellent choice for any homeowner, offering the perfect balance of aesthetics and practicality. Here are some of the benefits:

  • Durability: Composite doors are built to withstand the elements, ensuring long-lasting performance without warping, cracking, or fading.
  • Energy Efficiency: Designed with insulation in mind, these doors help to keep your home warm and reduce energy bills.
  • Low Maintenance: Unlike traditional wooden doors, composite doors require minimal upkeep to stay looking as good as new.
  • Security: Fitted with advanced locking systems, composite doors provide peace of mind by keeping your home safe and secure.

Local Craftsmanship and Premium Quality

At Select Windows, we pride ourselves on working with local suppliers and craftspeople to deliver installations that meet the highest standards. This project showcases our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, from the initial consultation to the final fitting.

Enhance Your West Midlands Home with Composite Doors

Whether you’re looking to replace an old door or want to enhance your property’s style and security, composite doors are an excellent choice. With endless customisation options and our expert guidance, we’ll help you create an entrance that makes a lasting impression.

Contact Select Windows today to discuss your next home improvement project. Let’s bring your vision to life with beautiful, bespoke doors that truly stand out.

Tilt Turn windows

Replacement Hardware: Your Go-To Guide

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From door and window handles to hinges and locks, selecting the right replacement hardware is crucial to ensuring everything fits and functions properly. Here’s a complete guide to help you choose the correct replacement hardware for your home.

Window Handle Identification Guide

Choosing the right window handle is essential to maintaining both the appearance and functionality of your window. Here’s how to get it right:

  • Identify the Window Type: First, determine what type of window you have. Is it a casement, sash, or tilt-and-turn window? The handle style will depend on the type of opening mechanism your window uses.
    Window Handle Identification Guide
  • Handle Style: Window handles come in different styles like cranked or inline. Inline handles are straight, while cranked handles are offset, so they don’t protrude far into the room. Make sure the replacement matches the style of the original handle for consistency and ease of use.
  • Measure Key Dimensions: To ensure a perfect fit, measure any key dimensions such as the spindle length and width. The spindle connects the handle to the locking mechanism inside the window, so getting the measurement right ensures smooth operation. Also, note any specific features like a locking mechanism or push button to match your current handle.

Having these details will ensure you buy the correct handle for your window, making replacement straightforward and hassle-free.

Door Handle Measuring & Identifying Guide

Replacing a door handle, especially for UPVC or composite doors, requires precise measurements to ensure the new handle fits securely. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Measurements for Door Handles

There are two essential dimensions to get right when replacing a door handle:

  1. PZ Dimension
    The PZ dimension is the distance from the centre of the spindle (the part of the handle that turns when you rotate the handle) to the centre of the euro cylinder hole (where the key enters the lock). This measurement is crucial because it ensures that the lock and handle align correctly. Different door handle designs have varying PZ dimensions, so measure carefully to ensure compatibility.
    Key Measurements for Door Handles
  2. Screw-to-Screw (Fixing Centres) Dimension
    This is the distance between the two screws that secure the handle to the door. Measure from the centre of the top fixing screw hole to the centre of the bottom screw hole. Getting this measurement right ensures that the handle mounts securely onto the door without any gaps or misalignments.

Additional measurements you may need:

  • Top Screw to Spindle: Measure the distance from the centre of the top screw hole to the spindle hole. This dimension is important to ensure the handle’s fixing points align with the internal locking mechanism.
  • Overall Back Plate Length: Measure the total length of the back plate (the part of the handle that sits flush against the door). This ensures the replacement handle covers the same area and looks proportionate to your door.

Taking these measurements accurately will help you find the perfect replacement door handle and avoid unnecessary returns or adjustments.

UPVC Door Lock Measuring GuideUPVC Door Lock Measuring Guide

When replacing a multi-point lock in a UPVC or composite door, knowing the right measurements is critical for smooth operation and security. Multi-point locks have multiple locking points along the length of the door, making them more secure, but they also require careful measurement.

Critical Dimensions for Multi-Point Locks

  1. PZ Dimension
    Similar to door handles, the PZ dimension on a multi-point lock measures the distance from the spindle (follower) hole to the centre of the euro cylinder hole. This ensures that the handle and lock align perfectly for a smooth locking mechanism.
  2. Backset Dimension
    The backset dimension is the distance from the front face of the lock (the part visible on the edge of the door) to the centre of the spindle hole. This dimension ensures that the internal mechanism aligns properly with the door frame, allowing the lock to engage smoothly.

Without these two measurements, it can be difficult to find a replacement lock that fits and functions correctly. Always use a ruler or calliper to measure in millimetres for accuracy.

Euro Cylinder Measuring & Identifying Guide

The euro cylinder is the part of the lock where you insert your key. To replace it, you’ll need to know the correct dimensions for both the internal and external sides of the cylinder.

How to Measure a Euro Cylinder

  1. Internal Size
    This measurement is taken from the internal side of your door (the side facing into your home) to the centre of the black rotating clip, known as the cam. Make sure you measure from the edge of the cylinder to the centre of the cam accurately.
    How to Measure a Euro Cylinder
  2. External Size
    Similarly, measure the external size from the outside face of your door (facing the exterior of your property) to the centre of the cam. These two measurements are crucial for ensuring the cylinder fits snugly and offers maximum security.

By measuring both the internal and external sizes of your euro cylinder, you can confidently purchase the correct replacement and avoid the common mistake of choosing a cylinder that’s too short or too long.

Friction Hinge Measuring Guide

Friction hinges are critical for maintaining the smooth operation of your windows, especially in casement designs. Choosing the right replacement hinge requires three key steps:

  1. Hinge Type
    First, identify whether your window is Top Hung (opens from the bottom) or Side Hung (opens from the side). The hinge type will differ depending on the orientation of your window.Friction Hinge Measuring Guide
  2. Hinge Length
    Measure the length of the hinge from one end to the other, rounding to the nearest inch. Common sizes include 10″, 12″, 16″, etc. Accurate measurement is crucial for ensuring that the hinge fits properly and supports the weight of your window.
  3. Stack Height
    The stack height refers to the thickness of the hinge when it’s closed, either 13mm or 17mm. If you can’t measure this directly, consider using stack packer caps to convert a 13mm hinge to a 17mm stack. For each pair of hinges, you’ll need six packer caps to complete the conversion.

By following these steps, you can easily find the right friction hinge for your window and ensure smooth, reliable operation.

hardware handing guideHardware Handing Guide

Lastly, it’s important to determine the correct hand (left or right) for your door or window hardware. This step ensures that the replacement part opens and functions as intended.

  • For door handles, stand facing the door from the outside. If the hinges are on the right, you’ll need a right-handed handle, and if they’re on the left, you’ll need a left-handed handle.
  • For window handles, open the window and check which side the handle is on. This will help you determine whether you need a left- or right-hand replacement.

By ensuring you get the correct handing, you avoid the frustration of ordering the wrong part.

With this comprehensive guide, you’ll have all the information you need to confidently select the right replacement hardware for your windows and doors. Taking accurate measurements and understanding the key components of each part will make the replacement process smooth and stress-free.