French doors with side panels: choosing the layout and checking measurements

French doors with side panels can suit an opening that is wider than the door pair you want. Before choosing a design, decide how much of the overall width should be opening doors and how much should be fixed glazing. The decisions below help you compare the options on Swift Aluminium’s white uPVC French doors with side panels configurator.

Start with the whole opening, not just the doors

Record the required outside-frame width and height in millimetres. On this product, the height field specifically asks you to include the cill in the overall height. Confirm the measurements and fitting allowance with your installer if you are replacing an existing frame or are uncertain where to measure. A product image is useful for judging appearance, but it cannot confirm that a particular frame will fit your opening.

Measure at more than one point and note any difference before ordering; do not assume the opening is perfectly square. Ask your installer which dimension and allowance to use. Keep a record of the figures you enter in the configurator so you can check the order before payment.

One side panel or two?

A side panel adds glazing beside the opening door pair. One panel creates an asymmetrical arrangement; a panel on each side gives a more balanced look. The best choice depends on your opening, the door width you want, and what the supplier’s current options allow. Sketch the arrangement from outside, marking the intended door pair and each panel. That simple drawing makes it easier to spot an accidental left/right reversal.

Swift’s white side-panel product asks for the width of the first and second side panels. Check the meaning of each field against the layout shown on the live product page before entering figures. If you want a particular arrangement that the configurator does not clearly show, ask Swift Aluminium to confirm it before ordering rather than guessing.

Check which door will open first

The product form offers inward and outward opening, and asks for the master-door side as viewed externally. Stand outside the proposed opening when you make that left/right decision. Think about furniture, curtains, steps and usable space on the side toward which the doors will swing. A side panel does not change those clearance checks for the opening leaves.

Review glass, hardware and the finished price

For this white product, the form includes clear or frosted glass, handle, cill and threshold selections. Choose privacy glass based on where the doors face and how much visibility you want, then review the other options on the actual product page. The available combinations and price can change with the measurements and selections, so check the displayed final configuration instead of relying on an example price.

Before you place the order

• Check the overall frame width and height, including the cill where the form instructs.
• Confirm the width and position of each side panel against your sketch.
• Check opening direction and master-door side from outside.
• Review glazing, handles, cill, threshold and the displayed price.
• Read the current shipping and returns information before paying.

If the opening does not need fixed panels, compare the standard white uPVC French doors instead. You can also browse the uPVC French doors range to compare finishes and live products.