French Windows in Essex & Suffolk
Introductory paragraph:
French windows are full-height hinged casement windows that open from floor to ceiling. Unlike French doors, they have a sill at the base of the frame and sit within a window opening rather than a door opening. They are most commonly fitted on upper floors alongside a Juliet balcony, where they allow the window to be fully opened with the balcony rail providing the safety barrier. We supply and install French windows in uPVC and aluminium across Essex and Suffolk, made to measure and installed by our own team.
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SECTION: 2 — FRENCH WINDOWS VS FRENCH DOORS |
French Windows or French Doors?
The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they describe different products. Here is the straightforward difference.
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French Windows |
French Doors |
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Fitted in a window opening |
Fitted in a door opening |
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Has a sill at the bottom |
No sill, flush with floor level |
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You step over the sill to exit |
Walk through without stepping over |
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Typically used on upper floors |
Typically used at ground level |
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Common with Juliet balconies |
May have side lights or a step outside |
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Window-style handle |
Door-style handle with key lock |
If you want ground-floor garden access, you are looking for French Doors. If you want a full-height opening window on an upper floor, you are in the right place.
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SECTION: 3 — WHERE FRENCH WINDOWS WORK BEST |
When to Choose French Windows
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Juliet balconies |
The most common application. A Juliet balcony is a fixed safety rail fitted across a full-height window opening, with no projecting platform. The French windows open fully inward or outward, and the rail provides the safety barrier. The effect is a dramatic opening that brings light and air into the room without the structural complexity of a real balcony. |
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Upper-floor rear elevations |
Where a rear bedroom or living space benefits from a full-height opening and a view of the garden, French windows give much more openness than a standard casement. |
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Replacing oversized casements |
Older properties sometimes have unusually tall window openings. French windows are a practical modern replacement that fits the opening correctly without structural alteration. |
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Where outward opening is restricted |
French windows can be configured to open inward, which removes any concern about outward clearance on an upper floor. |
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SECTION: 4 — MATERIALS AND OPTIONS |
Materials
We install French windows in uPVC and aluminium. The same material options apply as across the rest of our window range.
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uPVC |
Competitive pricing, good thermal performance, low maintenance. Available in a wide variety of colour finishes. The practical choice for most applications. |
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Aluminium |
Slimmer frames, more glass, over 200 powder-coat colour options. Suits contemporary architecture and larger openings particularly well. Longer lifespan than uPVC. |
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Glazing |
Double glazed as standard. Triple glazing available. Solar-control glass recommended where the window faces south or west. Toughened safety glass throughout. |
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Opening configuration |
Outward-opening (standard) or inward-opening. Both leaves can open, or one can be fixed depending on the opening width and ventilation requirements. |
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SECTION: 5 — JULIET BALCONIES |
French Windows and Juliet Balconies
A Juliet balcony is not a standalone product but a rail system fitted across a full-height window opening. The French windows and the Juliet balcony rail are designed together so that when the windows are open, the rail spans the full opening safely.
We supply and fit French windows for Juliet balcony installations as part of a complete package. If you are planning a Juliet balcony, call us on 01787 477231 to discuss the window specification alongside your balcony design.
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SECTION: 6 — PRICE GUIDANCE |
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ACTION FOR CLIENT: Please confirm these price ranges before publishing. |
How Much Do French Windows Cost?
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Window |
Typical range (supply & fit) |
What affects price |
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uPVC French windows, per pair (supply & fit) |
£650 – £1,500+ |
Width, height, colour, glazing spec |
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Aluminium French windows, per pair (supply & fit) |
£1,100 – £2,600+ |
Width, RAL colour, glazing, opening config |
All prices include VAT. A firm price requires a survey.
Button: Request a free quote → (/contact-us/)
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SECTION: 7 — TESTIMONIAL |
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★★★★★ “Well what can I say — old school customer service, the very best! Perfectionism in every detail of the work carried out. French doors and front door replaced by Infil and throughout the whole process amazing customer service. We will be using again when we get our windows replaced. Thank you so much.” Emily Rayner Google Reviews, 2024 |
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SECTION: 8 — FAQ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between French windows and French doors?
A: French windows are fitted in a window opening and have a sill at the base. They are designed for upper-floor use and are often paired with a Juliet balcony rail. French doors are fitted in a door opening, have no sill, and are designed for ground-floor garden access.
Q: Can French windows open inward?
A: Yes. French windows can be configured to open inward rather than outward. Useful on upper floors where outward clearance is limited or where an inward-opening configuration suits the room layout better.
Q: Do French windows need a Juliet balcony?
A: Not necessarily. French windows can be fitted in any full-height window opening where the sill height meets Building Regulations requirements. Where the opening is above ground level and the sill is low, a Juliet balcony rail or internal guarding is required for safety.
Q: Are French windows as secure as standard casement windows?
A: Yes. Modern French windows use multi-point locking systems that secure the frame at multiple points when closed.
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Title tag |
French Windows in Essex & Suffolk | Infil Double Glazing |
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Meta description |
French windows in uPVC and aluminium, fitted across Essex and Suffolk. Full-height hinged windows for upper floors and Juliet balconies. Made to measure. Free quotes. Call 01787 477231. |
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Internal links OUT |
/windows/ (parent) · /french-doors/ · /casement-windows/ · /aluminium-windows/ · /contact-us/ |