Double Front Doors: What Are They and What Are Their Benefits?

Doors are one of the most important features for any home and knowing some of the similarities and differences between different doors styles and types can be very helpful for a homeowner. In this post, we're talking specifically about double front doors.

Use the links below to jump ahead:

What are double front doors?
Are french doors and double front doors the same?
The pros and cons of double doors
Do double doors make sense for my entrance?

What are double front doors?

A good front door can dress up your entryway providing an element of style that is sure to earn some compliments. Double front doors are entry doors with two two door slabs. The double entry allows you to create a wider entrance when needed. Depending on the door you purchase one door can remain fixed or locked so that only the main active door opens and closes just like a single door the difference being that you can always choose to operate both doors.

Are French Doors and Double Front Doors the Same?

French doors and double doors are essentially the same but some people might consider them different styles. We'll get into that below.

Let's talk about French doors for just a moment. French doors are also known as French windows. Originally, French doors were constructed as large windows composed of multiple individual panes of glass. The large windows opened and allowed for lots of ventilation and unobstructed views. While French doors were originally single doors, the French doors we're familiar with today typically come in pairs.

Double doors are just what they sound like a door system that includes two door slabs side-by-side within the same frame. While most people will use the terms interchangeably some people might use the term "French doors" when talking specifically about patio doors or doors that feature glass panels from top to bottom.

The Pros and Cons of Double Doors

Choosing front doors can be difficult because there are so many options. Understanding the pros and cons of double doors will help you decide whether or not to keep double doors in your search.

The Pros of Double Doors

1. Double doors create the feel of a grand entrance instantly boosting your home's curb appeal

2. Double doors create a wider entrance making it easier to move furniture or packages in and out of your house.

The Cons of Double Doors

1. Depending on the size of your entrance you may be reducing wall space at your entrance.

2. Switching from a single door to a double door can be more of a renovation than you expect.

There aren't many pros and cons to having double doors as entry doors in general. If you have the space for the doors they'll be a beautiful feature that also adds convenience when receiving items or receiving guests. The real challenge is deciding which material you want the doors to be made of and how big you want the doors to be. Something you should really keep in mind is that tall doors, double or single, can warp. So if you want a real tall grand double door system make sure it comes with a multi-point locking system to provide more support.

Do double doors make sense for my front entrance?

Doors are an important component of any home, understanding what double front doors are and how they function will help you decide if they're right for your home. Like we mentioned in the pros and cons, if your goal is to create a grand entrance or you want a wide entrance that offers more space and convenience then double doors make a lot of sense. If you want a grand entrance but don't think double doors would be a good fit or wouldn't leave you with enough space around the perimeter of the door consider going with a single door that has sidelights. Sidelights extend the space the door seems to command, creating the appearance of a larger entrance while also adding natural light.

Take a moment to watch the video below to see an example of a double glass door we installed in a home here in Texas. This door features an integrated transom window, is all glass, and has a multi-point locking system.