French doors look stunning - they bring in natural light, open up your living space, and add real aesthetic value. But when it comes to home security, they’re also one of the most vulnerable door types in UK homes.
Why?
Because double doors typically meet in the middle, have more glass, and often rely on outdated locking mechanisms that burglars know how to bypass.
This guide will walk you through:
- The best locks for French doors (internal + external)
- Smart lock options for double doors
- Additional hardware you should install for proper security
- The most suitable WME products you can use to secure French doors
- Whether you can fit digital locks on double doors
- Installation tips trusted by UK security professionals
Why French Doors Need Special Security
French doors are stunning but introduce several security risks:
- Centre meeting point is often pryable
- Glass panes may allow intruders to reach inside
- Older locks can be snapped, lifted, or forced
- Many homes rely on latch-only or surface bolts from decades ago
A proper lock for French doors must secure both doors, protect against forced entry, and ideally integrate with modern smart security features.
The Best Types of Locks for French Doors
Let’s break down the most effective lock types and the best WME products to match them.
1. Multi-Point Locking Systems (Most Secure for uPVC & Composite French Doors)
Multi-point systems lock your French doors at three or more points along the frame, making forced entry extremely difficult.
Why they’re recommended:
- Secure against lifting or pulling
- Ideal for uPVC and composite double doors
- Insurance-approved
- More resistant to crowbar attacks
If your French doors already have a multi-point system, upgrading the cylinder to an anti-snap euro cylinder is essential.
2. Smart Locks for French Doors (Best for Modern Security)
If you're upgrading your home security, smart locks provide:
- Keyless entry
- App control
- Temporary access codes
- Auto-locking
- Audit trails
- Integration with CCTV & smart home systems
While big brands often dominates the market, WME now carries modern smart locks compatible with double doors.
🔐 Recommended Smart Locks from WME:
(Perfect for one active leaf on French doors)
✔ PIN, fingerprint, card, app
✔ Voice assistant compatible
✔ Strong aluminium alloy build
✔ Ideal upgrade for main access door
Useful for internal French doors or secondary access.
Our top pick is the Ajax Wireless Touch Keypad for Security System,
This sleek device can be easily mounted near the entrance to facilitate swift operation.
- Single-button activation for full security mode
- Hidden alarm signal triggered on incorrect code attempts
- Automatic block feature after too many incorrect attempts
- Clear indication of security status and system issues
- Easy installation, ready to use straight out of the box
3. Surface-Mounted Bolts (For Added Reinforcement)
Even with a main locking system, French doors should always have secondary reinforcement.
Best areas to reinforce:
- Top and bottom of the passive door leaf
- Middle meeting point
- Internal side for night security
4. Magnetic Locks & Electric Strikes (Best for Businesses & Apartments)
For commercial French doors (shops, apartments, offices), a magnetic lock or electric strike offers controlled access, especially when paired with keypads.
Best use cases:
- Glass double doors
- Aluminium French doors
- Communal entrances
🔗 Recommended at WME:
CDVI Magnetic Locks
Pair these with a keypad or access controller for professional setups.
Can Smart Locks Be Used on French Doors?
Yes - with the correct configuration.
On French doors, one door is the active leaf (opens first) and one is the passive leaf.
Smart locks should always be installed on the active leaf.
The passive leaf must be secured using a multipoint system, flush bolts, or shoot bolts.
A typical setup looks like this:
| Door Leaf | Recommended Security |
|---|---|
| Active Leaf | Smart lock or multipoint system |
| Passive Leaf | Top + bottom bolts / shoot bolts |
This setup ensures both beauty and maximum security.
Best French Door Lock Options at WME
Here are the top products we recommend directly from the WME website:
1. WME DL2 Smart Lock
Ideal for upgrading the main access French door leaf.
2. CDVI Magnetic Locks
Great for commercial double doors or apartments.
3. Digital Keypad Locks
Useful for inside double doors or non-main entrances.
4. High-Security Euro Cylinders
Essential for multi-point systems.
5. Door Sensors for Double Doors
Use door sensors to detect open/close activity, ideal for burglary prevention.
Extra Security Tips for French Doors
To fully secure a set of French doors, consider the following:
✔ Install Laminated Glass
- Harder to break than standard toughened glass.
✔ Add Ajax Door Sensors
- These instantly alert you to forced entry.
✔ Pair with CCTV
- Place a camera above the French door for full visibility.
- Browse Hikvision Cameras
✔ Strengthen Hinges
- Use hinge bolts to prevent intruders lifting the doors from the hinge side.
✔ Reinforcement Bars
- Door bar or centre brace prevents spreading of the door leaves.
French Door Security – Recommended Bundle from WME
Here’s a perfect combination you can build:
| Product Type | WME Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Lock | WME DL2 | Secure, modern, multi-unlock |
| Bolts | Internal top & bottom bolts | Stabilises passive leaf |
| Cylinder | High-security euro cylinder | Anti-snap protection |
| Door Sensors | Ajax or Hikvision magnetic contact | Sends alerts if opened |
| CCTV | Hikvision 5MP turret | Covers activity at doors |
This setup works for uPVC, composite, timber and aluminium French doors.
Finding the right lock for French doors is essential to protect your home, business or rental property. Whether you choose a traditional multipoint lock, a modern smart lock like the WME DL2, or commercial-grade magnetic solutions from CDVI, securing both the active and passive leafs is key.
For the best results, combine:
- Strong double-door lock
- Secondary reinforcement bolts
- Smart alarms
- Door sensors
- CCTV coverage
WME provides everything needed to fully secure your French doors — all in one place.