Double/French door hardware?

[dstig1]

I have one double door in my new house build that i have been working on for the past 5 years. It is the main door to the master suite and it is about time to start building those doors. I do not want the type where one door is fixed in place with manual deadbolts or such and then only one is operable. I am looking for both panels to be operable and latch to each other and to the frame in at least one spot. A lot of commercially available french doors for exterior use are like this as shown in the Andersen Window video here:

Obviously I don't need that level of security, but rather looking more for privacy lock function. I have searched and not been able to find anything on the interwebs so far. I figure since everything known to man is known to some TBN member that I would post it up here and see if anyone had any ideas. i am not terribly interested in "rolling my own," but I wonder if it is going to end up that way...

Thanks!
Dave

 

[RNeumann]

You are looking for three point latch hardware. I have that on all my exterior doors. It is all controlled by the lever set. Down to open and up to triple latch.

The difficulty with wanting both to function equally is the seal between the two doors. Typically the second door has an overlapping seal that would prevent it from opening first. You will need to find a seal that is just between the two doors so they can both open at once.

I’ve never seen this type of setup outside a storefront. Those have closed hardware in the top of the door and an aluminum frame. Those setups are about $4000-$5000- we just priced one a few weeks ago.

 

[jfh28]

if you want each panel to be operable on its own then what you will want is a single point latch on each door.......there will be a lever on each door that activates a latch that goes into the top frame only......it can either be mortised into the door to be hidden or surface mounted on the swing side of the panel....this way either panel can be opened while the other remains shut or both panels can be open......since this is only for privacy there is no real need to latch between the doors....if you want a little more security then get the same setup as a two point latch which will secure at the top and bottom of each panel.......if the gap between the panels is a problem you could always apply a small brush weatherstripping to one door edge........you will need to search commercial door hardware try sargant or schlage to start with.........Jack

 

[dstig1]

Thanks guys. Jack - that is an interesting idea that i was not aware of. I will do some searching and see what i can find. I am already starting to sort out how to make my own in my head, as I halfway figure I will need to in the end...

 

[dstig1]

Found this. The 3500 in the active panel and the 3020 in the inactive panel might make sense. Could not find the single point hardware like you stated, Jack.

Trilennium Technical Support and Instructions

 

[jfh28]

that will work......what you 'll want to see is if they can disable the latch function on the middle section so that turning the door lever only activates the top and bottom throws.......I know they make single throws for commercial doors exit devices as I spec'd one years ago but I don't think you want something that heavy duty for your bedroom.......I think that one was adams rite........if you live near a commercial door hardware supplier you could stop in and ask them.....you won't find this in HD or Lowes or a residential store......basically what you are looking for is a panic exit device except instead of a panic bar you want a lever handle to operate the bar and throw and you only want a single throw bar instead of double so it only attaches up.......the finishes can come in brass or chrome or whatever your design is for the rest of the house so it won't look commercial........Jack

 

[Cord]

If you go with surface mounted rods you'll get the function that you want. The rods would need to "slam" closed so you can just swing the door closed. Any good hardware supplier will have the pieces to make this happen and you can easily install them yourself in the field. If you don't like the exposed hardware, then you have a couple of options. Option 1 is go to with a roller catch. Cheap and easily installed, but many don't like the less than positive engagement. You also can't lock this door. I use these on my double closet doors. You can conceal mount the rods, but this will require a channel be carved through the door. This is something a hardware supplier can do as part of their work. If you wanted concealed rods, you'll order the door from a vendor that can supply the door, frame and pre-installed hardware. Obviously, this is the most expensive option. If you were willing to drive to Milwaukee, I could get you hooked up. I don't have any sources out west.

btw- you don't need 3 points of engagement. This would be a head, latch and sill bolt. Head bolt only is sufficient for this application. The three points is for commercial applications or a high security application such as an exterior door. The Trillium stuff you linked to is commercial grade and will be too much money for your application.

 

[dstig1]

There is a place near my work called Twin City Hardware that is basically a commercial door/hardware place, but they will deal with the public too. I should have thought to stop in there sooner...

Not going to go with surface mount as that would never pass the Architectural Review Board (aka wife). I will have no problem mortising/recessing hardware into the doors as I will build the doors myself in any case. So maybe I will see what options TCH has for me and then figure out where to go from there.

Thanks again,
Dave