The lites (panes of glass) are the centerpieces of a French door. The glass in a French door can be single or double pane. Because of the variety of lite options, here are some questions to ask before choosing your French door:

Do you want smaller, multiple panes or larger panes for a more window-like feeling? Do you want a combination of both? Do you want your glass frosted, tempered, glazed, grooved, or beveled? Just how open to the outside world do you want to feel?

Typically, you first choose how many lites you want in your door. Most companies offer single, 5-lite, 10-lite, or 15-lite options, or they can custom-make an order.

The next step will be choosing the type of glass. A low-e glass stays cleaner and dries faster, has minimal dirt buildup, and sheds water well. Most of all, it is energy efficient, makes a better sound barrier, and protects your interior from damaging UV rays.

The varieties of glass that are the most popular include:

Frosted. Available in a wide variety of options, frosted glass allows in a degree of light. Frosted glass is typically used in bathrooms, bedrooms, or home offices where light is desired along with a measure of privacy.

Tempered. Also known as safety glass, tempered glass is four to five times stronger than standard glass. It does not break into sharp shards when shattered but rather crumbles into tiny round-edged pieces to prevent injury. It is not storm-proof, but it is relatively reliable against the elements.

Grooved. Since ancient times, grooved glass is simply glass that has been ground on the surface to make a pattern or design. Grooved glass creates a period look.

Beveled. The edges of this glass are ground at a slant and then polished back to clear. The bevel acts as a prism when sunlight hits it, creating a rainbow display of colors.

Tinted. Slightly tinting glass can save on utility bills during both summer and winter because it maintains indoor temperatures at a more constant level.