If you have been researching new doors for your Melbourne home, you have probably run into three different names that seem to describe the same thing: double swing doors, French doors and double hinged doors. Here is the short answer — in the Australian residential market, they all refer to the same type of door: a pair of hinged door panels that swing open from the centre.
Different manufacturers simply use different names. At Melbourne Sunroom, we call them double swing doors, while many builders and door retailers call the same product French doors or double hinged doors. Knowing that these terms are interchangeable will save you a lot of confusion when comparing quotes.
What Exactly Is a Double Swing (French) Door?
A double swing door is made up of two hinged panels that meet in the middle. Both panels can open, giving you a wide, completely clear opening — there is no fixed panel and no track across the middle of the doorway.
In Melbourne homes, they are most commonly used for:
- Living room to backyard or deck — the classic indoor-outdoor connection
- Sunroom entries — pairing beautifully with a glass sunroom extension
- Formal entries and internal room dividers — separating a lounge or study while keeping light flowing through
If you only need one opening panel, the same construction is available as a single swing door, and we also build wider hinged door configurations with fixed side panels.
Why Aluminium French Doors Suit Melbourne Homes
Traditional French doors were timber. In Melbourne climate — hot northerly winds in summer, driving rain in winter — timber frames need constant repainting and can warp over time. That is why most new installations here use powder-coated aluminium frames:
- No warping, no rot, no repainting. Aluminium holds its shape through Melbourne temperature swings.
- Slimmer frames, more glass. Aluminium is stronger than timber for the same profile size, so you get larger glass panels and more natural light.
- Better sealing. Modern aluminium swing doors use compression seals that shut tight against wind and rain — important for west-facing openings.
- Glazing options. Single glazed, double glazed or Low-E glass, depending on your orientation and energy goals. If you are weighing up glazing, our guide to double glazed windows and cost savings in Melbourne covers the numbers in detail.
Swing Doors vs Sliding Doors vs Bi-Fold Doors
The real decision most Melbourne homeowners face is not about names — it is about opening style. Here is the quick version:
| Double swing (French) | Sliding | Bi-fold | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear opening | Full width of both panels | About half the frame width | Almost full width |
| Space needed | Swing arc in front of the door | None | Stacking space at one side |
| Best for | Classic look, sunroom entries, openings up to about 2.4 m wide | Tight spaces, large glass walls | Entertaining, wide indoor-outdoor openings |
| Typical budget | $ | $$ | $$$ |
For a deeper comparison of the other two styles, see our guide: sliding doors vs bi-fold doors. And if you are planning a full sunroom project around your new doors, it is worth checking whether your sunroom needs a permit in Victoria before you lock in a design.
How Much Do Double Swing Doors Cost in Melbourne?
Pricing depends on three things: size, glazing and hardware. As a general guide, a standard aluminium double swing door supplied and installed in Melbourne starts from a few thousand dollars, with double glazing, Low-E glass and larger custom sizes adding to the cost. Because every home opening is different, the most accurate way to get a number is a free measure and quote — contact us here, or arrange an inspection of our product display in Point Cook by appointment.
A well-chosen door is not just an expense, either. Glass doors and sunroom upgrades are among the improvements that genuinely add value to Melbourne homes at resale.
What to Check Before You Buy
- Frame thickness — thicker aluminium profiles resist flexing on wide or tall doors.
- Glass thickness and configuration — single, double glazed or Low-E; toughened safety glass to Australian standards.
- Hardware brand and hinges — this is where cheap doors fail first.
- Sealing — ask how the doors seal against wind-driven rain, especially for exposed west-facing openings.
- Warranty — ask for the warranty terms on the frame, the glazing and the installation separately, and get them in writing before you pay a deposit.
- Real local projects — ask to see completed installations. You can browse ours in the project gallery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are double swing doors the same as French doors?
Yes. In the Australian market, double swing doors, French doors and double hinged doors all describe a pair of centre-opening hinged doors. The names vary by manufacturer, not by product.
Can double swing doors open outwards?
Yes — they can be hinged to open inwards or outwards. Outward-opening is popular for sunrooms and decks because it keeps interior floor space clear.
Are aluminium French doors secure?
Modern aluminium swing doors use multi-point locking and toughened glass, making them as secure as, or more secure than, traditional timber French doors.
How wide can a double swing door be?
Most double swing doors suit openings up to around 2.4 metres. For wider openings, a bi-fold or heavy-duty sliding door is usually the better choice — see our sliding vs bi-fold comparison.
Do I need a permit to replace my doors in Victoria?
A straightforward like-for-like door replacement usually does not need a permit, but enlarging an opening or building a sunroom around it may. Our Victoria sunroom permit guide explains when approval is required.
Melbourne Sunroom designs, manufactures and installs custom aluminium doors, windows and sunrooms across Melbourne. Product display available in Point Cook — inspections by appointment only.
