Double Entry Door vs Single Entry Door

Jan 16, 2025

Choosing between a double door vs a single entry door can rely on elements such as house design, door location, and entrance size. Covering important variations, benefits, and materials, this blog dissects the pros and cons of every door type to enable you to make a wise decision.

What is a Double Entry Door?

A double entry door features two panels that open from the center, creating a wide and welcoming entrance. With their elegant and commanding appearance, double doors are ideal for larger homes or entryways, adding a touch of grandeur and promoting a sense of openness. Double entry doors can be an excellent choice for those seeking a striking entryway, improved accessibility, or increased curb appeal.

In, double doors offer flexibility in design and function. You can install high-quality weather stripping and insulated glass to ensure double doors stand up to cold winters and maintain energy efficiency.

What is a Single Entry Door?

A single entry door is a classic choice for many homes, featuring one door panel that swings open to provide access. Versatile and efficient, single entry doors fit easily into various architectural styles and entryway sizes, making them a popular choice for homes with limited space.

Differences Between Double Doors Vs Single Entry Doors

Choosing between a double door vs single door entry often depends on factors like space, style, climate considerations, and budget. Here’s a closer look at what makes these entry door types distinct:

Pros of Double Entry Doors

Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Any house gains grace and majesty with double doors. Double doors may create a big first impression for people living in suburban or upmarket areas.
Increased Accessibility: Double doors have a broad aperture that makes moving bulky furniture, appliances, or even Christmas decorations simple.
Natural Light Options: Double doors can include sidelights or glass panels, allowing natural light into the entryway and reducing reliance on artificial lighting. In areas with shorter daylight hours, like local winters, this added light can make a noticeable difference.

Cons of Double Entry Doors

Higher Cost: Double doors generally require more materials and involve more complex installation, resulting in higher costs than single doors. They also may require more maintenance over time.
Space Requirements: Double doors need a wider entryway, so they are less suitable for homes with limited entry space or small porches.
More seams: While double doors can be energy efficient with proper insulation, they may be more prone to drafts compared to single doors, which have fewer seams.

Pros of Single Entry Doors

Space-Saving Design: Single doors fit more easily into narrow entryways, making them ideal for townhomes, smaller properties, and spaces with limited frontage.
Cost-Effective: With fewer materials and a simpler installation process, single doors are often less expensive than double doors, both initially and for long-term maintenance.
Energy Efficiency and Security: Single doors often seal more securely than double doors, making them a practical choice for local winters where energy efficiency is a priority. Additionally, with fewer entry points, single doors can offer added security.

Cons of Single-Entry Doors

Limited Accessibility: Moving big objects in and out of the house might be more difficult through a single door. If accessibility is your first concern, single doors might seem constrictive.
Less Dramatic Appearance: Although single doors might be fashionable, especially for bigger houses, they could lack the grand appearance that some homeowners want.

What Materials Are Double Door and Single Entry Doors Made From?

Different materials abound for both double and single entrance doors, each with advantages catered to your local conditions and way of life. Popular door materials are shown here:

Wood: Customizable to accommodate a variety of designs, wood doors offer a traditional, warm appeal. Still, they might require frequent maintenance—especially in damp or snowy areas.
Steel: Often insulated, steel doors—known for security and durability—are a first option for local winters. They provide outstanding protection and resist warping as well.
Fiberglass: With a variety of treatments that can replicate wood fiberglass doors provide adaptability and strength. Extreme weather conditions call for these doors as they withstand warping, cracking, and temperature variations.
Glass Panels: Glass can be involved for sidelights or accents within doors, therefore boosting the natural illumination. Low-E glass and double-glazed designs help to maximize energy efficiency, so glass is a good choice even in colder climates.

Choosing the appropriate material is crucial as it affects not only the appearance and longevity of the door but also its energy economy and fit for the local environment.

What To Look For in a Double Door & Single Entry Door Installation Project

Professionalism and Expertise

Certification & Experience: Ensure the installers are licensed and certified for door installations. Look for experience with entry doors, especially if the door is custom or includes special features like sidelights, transoms, or electronic locks.
Insurance: Verify that the installers carry proper insurance, including liability and worker’s compensation, to protect against accidents or property damage during installation.

Pre-Installation Preparation

Accurate Measurements: Expect the installer to take precise measurements of the door frame to ensure a proper fit. Even small inaccuracies can cause drafts, security issues, and operational problems.
Assessment of the Existing Door Frame: If you're replacing an old door, the installer should assess the existing frame and subfloor for any damage, rot, or warping that might need repair before installation.
Product Inspection: Installers should inspect the door for any damage or defects (e.g., scratches, dents) before starting the installation.

Proper Door Fit & Alignment

Level and Plumb Installation: The door should be installed level, plumb (vertically straight), and square within the frame. The door should open and close smoothly without sticking or gaps.
Adjustments as Needed: If adjustments are needed to the door jamb, threshold, or subfloor to ensure a proper fit, expect the installers to make these modifications.

Sealing and Insulation

Weatherproofing: A proper seal around the door is essential to prevent air leaks and water infiltration. Installers should use high-quality weather stripping around the garden door frame and threshold to ensure an airtight seal.
Threshold & Sill Installation: The threshold should be securely fastened and properly aligned with the door to prevent drafts and water from entering your home.
Proper Caulking: Caulk should be applied around the exterior frame of the door where it meets the house to ensure water cannot seep into the framing.
Insulating the Frame: Any gaps between the door frame and the rough opening should be filled with insulation (e.g., foam insulation) to prevent air leakage and improve energy efficiency.

Hardware Installation

Secure Lock & Handle Installation: The door’s lockset (deadbolt, handle) should be installed securely and function smoothly. Test the locks to ensure proper operation and alignment with the strike plate.
Hinges & Screws: Hinges should be installed securely with long screws that reach into the door framing to provide additional strength. This is especially important for heavy entry doors.
Weatherstripping: Installers should ensure weatherstripping is properly installed around the edges of the door to enhance insulation and prevent drafts.

Structural Integrity & Security

Frame Reinforcement: For entry doors, especially those with deadbolt locks, expect the frame to be reinforced with extra-long screws or metal plates to prevent forced entry.
Door Security Features: If your door includes additional security features (e.g., smart locks, reinforced glass), the installers should have experience with those products and ensure everything is correctly installed and functional.

Attention to Aesthetic Detail

Finish & Trim Work: After the door is installed, the installers should ensure the exterior and interior trim is reinstalled or replaced as needed, with clean, tight seams and proper caulking.
Paint or Stain Touch-Ups: If the door is pre-painted or pre-stained, they should take care to avoid damaging the finish during installation. If any touch-ups are necessary, they should be addressed before the job is complete.
Glass Components: If your entry door has glass panes, sidelights, or transoms, the installer should ensure that all glass is intact, free of scratches, and properly sealed.

Testing and Final Adjustments

Smooth Operation: The door should open, close, and latch smoothly. There should be no resistance or rubbing, and the door should not swing open or closed by itself (a sign of improper leveling).
Weatherproof Testing: In some cases, especially in regions prone to heavy rain or snow, you can request that the installer test the waterproofing around the door to ensure no water leaks occur.
Security Test: The locks should be tested to ensure they engage properly and provide the intended level of security.

Clean-Up

Site Clean-Up: Professional installers should remove all debris, old doors, and any packaging materials from the installation site. They should also clean the new door and frame so it’s free of dust or smudges.
Disposal of Old Door: If replacing an existing door, the installer should either remove and dispose of the old door or leave it behind if you request to keep it.

Post-Installation Inspection

Walkthrough with Homeowner: After installation, the installers should do a final walkthrough with you, showing how the door operates, demonstrating how to use any special hardware (like smart locks), and ensuring you are satisfied with the fit and finish.
Warranty & Documentation: The installers should provide you with the manufacturer’s warranty information and any paperwork related to their workmanship guarantee.

11. Warranties

Product Warranty: Ensure the door comes with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers defects in materials, such as the frame, hardware, and glass.
Workmanship Warranty: A good installer will also offer a warranty on their labor, typically ranging from one to five years. This protects you in case of installation issues that affect the door’s performance.

By monitoring these expectations during the entry door installation process, you can help ensure that the job is done correctly and that your new door functions properly, is energy-efficient, and adds value to your home.

Trust Big City Windows and Doors For Your Entry Door Installation

Whether double or single, selecting and installing entry doors calls for working with reliable, knowledgeable experts. Big City Windows and Doors specializes in providing a selection of premium entrance doors meant to resist the cold severe climate and satisfy the particular demands of homeowners.

Our professionals will walk you through the choosing process, guiding you toward the ideal entry door design, material, and layout for your house. Energy efficiency and durability are our top priorities so that your new entry door improves curb appeal, security, and comfort all year long in your house.

Count on Big City Windows and Doors for dependable, expert door installation catered to the style and temperature requirements of your house.