If you’re considering how to invite more light into your home or create a grander welcome, double entry doors may be right for you. Expanding your entryway unlocks new design opportunities to highlight your home’s architecture—from customizing an iron door for an unforgettable entry to boosting curb appeal.
Follow along as we discuss the pros and cons of double entry doors, costs, design considerations, and customization options. At Clark Hall, we have a fully custom design process, bringing your vision to life.
Why Single vs. Double Entry Doors Matter
Choosing a front door, whether single or double, can affect your home’s curb appeal, energy efficiency, and resale value.
Double doors provide a larger entryway into the home, affecting the architectural balance and flow of natural light. When making the decision, it’s important to consider your goals and preferences. If material is important, both single and double configurations can be customized in iron, steel, or wood.
If you’re planning to redecorate or change appliances, the size of your entryway impacts how easily you can move furniture in and out. If security or energy efficiency are a priority, single and double entry doors each have different benefits and drawbacks.
Let’s take a closer look at how each option performs.
Pros and Cons of Double Entry Doors
Upgrading your single entry door to a double entry door is a great option for those who want to infuse some grandeur into their exterior architecture.
Pros
Whether you’re focusing on function or style, here are pros of double front doors:
1. Elevate Your Exterior Architecture
Double front doors create a welcoming entryway for both large and small homes. On larger homes, for example, double doors can provide architectural balance and complement the home’s vast exterior. On smaller homes, double front doors can visually elevate the entry and create a more open and inviting space.
2. Expand Your Entryway
Double entry doors provide more space than single entry doors, increasing the scale of your home. They provide more room to enjoy outdoor spaces. We recommend double entry doors for patios or decks. When both doors open, the boundary between interior and exterior is less confined and more open.
3. Invite More Light Inside
Double the doors means double the windows—and who doesn’t love bringing a little extra light into their home? To take it a step further, you can also add custom transoms and sidelights to double front doors, increasing their width and height for a statement look.
4. Improved Ventilation and Traffic Flow
Double-entry doors welcome more natural light and air flow for better ventilation. The additional room provides design flexibility for transom windows, sidelights, or arched tops. They can also increase traffic flow by creating additional room for guests or furniture. If you entertain regularly, a more open entry makes coming and going easier.
Cons
1. More Space Required
Double entry doors need a wider opening than a single door and more clearance space inside or outside for the door to swing open. This additional space could limit where furniture is placed or available wall space.
2. Slightly Lower Energy Efficiency
The space where the two doors meet could potentially create an area for air to leak. With the proper weatherstripping and high-quality seals, heat loss can be prevented. However, grand designs featuring large glass panels may want to consider low-E (low-emissivity) or double-glazed glass for better energy efficiency.
While double entry doors create a grand entrance effect, which infuses more light into the home, it’s important to weigh the benefits and trade-offs. Double entry doors could require structural modifications to your home and have a higher price point. Many homeowners find the design and customization possibilities worth the investment.
Before making your decision, let’s compare them with single entry doors.
Pros and Cons of Single Entry Doors
There’s nothing wrong with single entry doors. Plenty of Clark Hall clients choose this design which works perfectly for their home. Single entry doors may seem smaller and let in less natural light, but many homeowners find their lower cost, energy efficiency, security, and minimal upkeep attractive.
Pros
1. Cost
Single doors are smaller and typically less expensive, simply due to the fact that only one door is being designed and installed. Installation is simpler and requires less labor.
2. Energy Efficiency
There are fewer seams and joints that could cause air leaks, making single doors a more energy-efficient option. Single iron doors maintain temperatures effectively and are easier to seal tightly with proper weatherstripping.
3. Security
It’s easier to secure a single lock point with high-security hardware. The construction of a single door can resist break-ins better than double doors, which are vulnerable at the seam where the doors meet.
4. Minimal Upkeep
Single doors have less hardware, hinges, and bolts that require maintenance. It’s easier and faster to clean one door than two doors. Repainting or finishing is also easier with a single door, as well as checking weatherstripping and seals.
Cons
1. Less Light
Single entry doors have less surface area to invite natural light in or feature glass panels. This can result in a darker entryway that appears more confined.
2. Smaller
The opening of a single entry doorway is narrower and more difficult to navigate when moving furniture. Less foot traffic can be managed with a smaller entryway. But the connectivity between indoor and outdoor spaces is reduced.
3. Limited Design Impact
A single iron door can be customized to make an architectural statement, but it may not offer quite as many design opportunities. However, single iron doors still work well with minimal or modern designs that emphasize clean, long lines.
Single iron doors have material flexibility and spatial impact. While not as grand as double doors, they may be more accessible financially and attractive for those who don’t want to make structural changes to the home.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your home’s architecture, lifestyle, and space.
How to Choose Between Single and Double Entry Doors: a Side-by-Side Comparison
How you use your entryway and the kind of statement you want to make can help determine whether a single entry door or a double entry door is right for your home.
It’s important to consider your space and materials. Iron doors can last longer and provide more customization options. Consider installation costs and whether you’re comfortable making structural changes if necessary. If style is key, double and single entry doors differ in the types of designs they can feature. Other considerations, such as energy efficiency and security, may impact which entryway complements your lifestyle and goals. Both doors require maintenance, but single entry doors may need less over time.
Looking at each factor side-by-side can help you decide which entryway door is right for you.
| Category | Single Iron Door | Double Iron Door |
|---|---|---|
| Space Requirements | Fits narrow openings and needs minimal swing clearance.
Less likely to require structural changes to the home. | Requires wider openings and additional swing clearance.
May require structural changes to the home. |
| Cost (Materials + Installation) | Lower overall cost with fewer materials and simpler installation. | Higher overall cost with more materials and a more complex installation. |
| Style | Provides a clean, understated look suited to minimal designs and smaller openings. | Creates a grand statement, symmetrical look, and is suited for more architectural designs. |
| Traffic Flow + Movement | Offers a standard opening that limits movement of large items and people. | Provides a wider opening that eases movement of large items and more people. |
| Energy Efficiency | Delivers stronger efficiency due to fewer seams and easier sealing. | Offers slightly reduced efficiency due to a center seam and additional sealing needs. |
| Security | Provides strong security with one panel, one lockset, and fewer entry points. | Delivers solid security but requires added hardware to secure both door panels. |
| Maintenance Requirements | Requires minimal upkeep with fewer moving parts and simple seals. | Requires more upkeep with additional moving parts and more sealing points. |
Design Ideas and Inspiration for Modern Double Iron Doors
A front entryway is an opportunity to express personality and style, setting the tone for the entire home. Creating a statement entry not only reflects your taste but also impresses guests and boosts curb appeal. Explore the variety of double front door ideas to spark inspiration—from traditional designs with superior craftsmanship to expansive modern styles and even ornate options featuring intricate scrollwork.
Traditional Double Front Doors
Inspired by classic silhouettes and design principles, these gorgeous traditional double front doors are complete with hand forged hardware, Cotswold style glass windows, and a sharp Charcoal finish that complements the exterior’s white brick siding.
Have a question about which door style is right for your home?
Modern & Bright Double Entry Doors
This contemporary slim profile of this modern iron double door welcomes visitors into a bright, cheerful foyer. Equipped with large insulated glass windows and minimalist hardware, this entrance is simply breathtaking.
Ornate & Expansive Double Entry Doors
Detailed wrought iron scrollwork isn’t the only eye-catching element of these ornate double front doors. The complementary sidelights increase the illusion of added width and help brighten the entrance as well.
Single to Double Front Door Transformations
Have a single entry door, but are unsure how it would look to replace it with double entry doors? Evaluating single vs double entry doors is best seen with examples. Check out two before and after transformations:
Traditional Single Door to Ornate Double Front Door
Slim Single Door to Wide Double Door
Customization Options From Clark Hall
Regardless of your taste, our experts and artisans work closely with you to design the single or double door entryway of your dreams. Specify everything from the hardware and finish to the height and width—even select a door with custom pivot points.
Making the Decision with Confidence
Double entry doors are a beautiful way to elevate your home’s curb appeal, combining a grand entryway with practical benefits, like increased natural light, improved ventilation, and traffic flow. They require careful planning around space, budget, and installation.
While single entry doors make less of a visual impact, they are also customizable, require less maintenance, and provide more energy efficiency.
- Double entry doors: Ideal for large entryways, make a statement, increase natural light flow, offer more design options, and create more space.
- Single entry doors: Best for small entryways, Less maintenance, easier installation, increased security, and better energy efficiency.
Now that you understand these key differences, you can make the right decision for transforming your entryway. At Clark Hall, we specialize in creating custom iron doors that reflect your unique style, whether you envision traditional elegance, modern minimalism, or ornate detailing in either a single or double entry door. Contact us to schedule a consultation at one of our showrooms, and we can chat through your latest inspiration as you get the chance to experience our doors up close.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the pros and cons of double doors?
Double doors create a wider, more dramatic entryway, improve traffic flow, and increase natural light. However, they typically have a higher cost, require more space, and may need additional weatherstripping to match the energy efficiency of a single door. They’re recommended for homeowners seeking a grand look, increased flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, and enhanced functionality.
How do I know if my home can support double doors?
Your home must have a wide enough rough opening, a properly sized header, and adequate structural support to handle the expanded frame of double entry doors. To determine if your home can support double doors, measure the existing opening, check for load-bearing walls, and evaluate available wall space. For the most accurate results, contact a contractor or professional who can confirm whether reinforcements are needed and ensure the upgrade is safe and compliant.
What is the cost difference between single and double entry doors?
Double doors cost more because they require twice the materials, additional hardware, and often a more complex installation. The type of material the door uses also affects price, as iron doors have a different price point than wood doors. Other factors include types of finishes and custom glass options, or whether permitting is required. Single doors are more budget-friendly since they involve fewer components and are easier to install.
Can I retrofit an existing single door into a double door?
Yes, but it typically requires enlarging the rough opening, updating the header, and modifying adjacent framing to support the wider unit. Permits may be required depending on your local building codes, especially if structural changes are involved. You can choose from matching double door designs or a variety of custom style options to complement your home’s architectural design.
Which door type offers better security?
Single doors offer better security due to one lockset and fewer vulnerable seams. With the right upgrades, a double door can be made equally secure. To enhance the security of a double door, upgrade the hardware by using reinforced astragals, high-quality flush bolts, and multi-point locking systems to secure both of the door panels effectively.
How do I maintain a custom iron door finish?
Clean the door regularly using a soft cloth with mild soap and water, avoiding harsh chemicals that can damage the seven-step automotive-grade finish. Periodically check seals, hinges, and weatherstripping for signs of wear or corrosion, and touch up any small chips or scratches to prevent rust from forming. A seasonal cleaning schedule combined with regular inspections will keep your iron door looking new and performing well for years to come.
Is a double front door good for a main door?
Yes, an iron double door is a great option for a home’s main door because it provides a larger entryway. This extra space is convenient for welcoming more guests and moving furniture.
Why is it advisable to have a double front door in the house?
We recommend adding a double door if it suits your style, space, and preference. Double doors expand your entryway, elevate your exterior entrance and architecture to be more welcoming, and invite more light inside since there’s an extra entry for windows.
How much does a double entry door cost?
On average, a custom Clark Hall double entry door that involves design, custom drawings, hardware, and installation starts at around $10,000.
