A Guide to Double Entry Doors

Published: March 22, 2026

The entrance to your home speaks volumes. It's the first impression, the welcoming embrace, and a statement of your personal style. While a single door can be perfectly functional, double entry doors offer a grandeur and elegance that's hard to match. If you're considering upgrading your entryway or designing a new home, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the perfect double doors, from material selection and style considerations to hardware options and maintenance tips.

What are the benefits of choosing double entry doors?

Double entry doors offer a number of advantages over their single-door counterparts. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, they provide practical benefits that can enhance your home's value and livability.

Enhanced Curb Appeal: This is perhaps the most obvious benefit. Double doors create a more impressive and inviting entrance, immediately boosting your home's curb appeal. They suggest spaciousness and luxury, making a lasting impression on guests and passersby.

Improved Natural Light: Many double door designs incorporate glass panels, allowing more natural light to flood your entryway. This can brighten up your home's interior and create a more welcoming atmosphere. Consider pairing your double entry doors with sidelights or a transom window for even more light.

Easier Furniture Moving: Let's face it, moving large furniture through a standard doorway can be a real challenge. Double doors provide a wider opening, making it significantly easier to move bulky items in and out of your home. This can save you time, effort, and potential damage to your furniture and walls.

Increased Home Value: A well-designed and properly installed set of double doors can increase the value of your home. They are often seen as a premium feature, adding to the overall appeal and desirability of the property.

Better Ventilation: Some double door styles, like French doors, can be opened to provide increased ventilation during warmer months. This can help to keep your home cool and comfortable while reducing your reliance on air conditioning.

What styles and materials are available for double entry doors?

The world of double entry doors is vast and varied, offering a wide range of styles and materials to suit any architectural design and personal preference. Here are some of the most popular options:

Wood: Wood doors offer a classic and timeless appeal. They can be crafted from a variety of wood species, each with its own unique grain pattern and color. Mahogany, known for its durability and rich color, is an excellent choice. Other popular options include oak, maple, and cherry. Estate Millwork specializes in crafting custom wood doors from premium hardwoods, ensuring exceptional quality and beauty. We can also provide you with the hardwood lumber to make your own doors. Consider pairing your new doors with custom moulding to complete the look.

Fiberglass: Fiberglass doors are a durable and low-maintenance option. They are resistant to warping, rotting, and cracking, making them ideal for harsh climates. Fiberglass doors can be manufactured to mimic the look of real wood, providing the aesthetic appeal without the upkeep.

Steel: Steel doors are a strong and secure option, offering excellent protection against intruders. They are also relatively inexpensive and energy-efficient. However, steel doors can be prone to rust and denting.

Style Options: Within each material category, you'll find a variety of styles to choose from. Consider the overall architectural style of your home when selecting a door style. Common styles include:

Panel Doors: Featuring raised or flat panels, these doors offer a classic and versatile look. Consider pairing panel doors with raised panel shutters to complement the design.
French Doors: Characterized by large glass panes, French doors allow ample natural light and offer a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Craftsman Doors: Typically featuring clean lines, simple panels, and decorative glass accents, Craftsman doors are a popular choice for modern and traditional homes alike.
Arched Doors: For a touch of elegance and sophistication, consider arched doors. Estate Millwork specializes in crafting beautiful arched doors to your exact specifications.
Louvered Doors: Louvered doors offer ventilation and privacy, making them a great option for pantries or closets. We offer a wide range of louvered doors, perfect for adding a touch of style and functionality to your home.

How do I choose the right hardware for my double entry doors?

Hardware is the jewelry of your doors. It's the finishing touch that can elevate the overall look and feel. When choosing hardware for your double entry doors, consider both aesthetics and functionality.

Door Knobs and Handlesets: Choose knobs and handlesets that complement the style of your doors and your home's architecture. Consider the finish (e.g., brass, nickel, bronze) and the overall design. Make sure the handleset is comfortable to grip and easy to operate. For added security, opt for a handleset with a deadbolt lock.

Hinges: Select hinges that are strong and durable enough to support the weight of your doors. Ball-bearing hinges are a good choice for heavy doors, as they provide smooth and quiet operation. Consider the finish of the hinges to match the other hardware.

Door Knockers and Viewers: Add a touch of personality to your doors with a decorative door knocker. A peephole or door viewer allows you to see who is at the door before opening it, enhancing your home's security.

Thresholds and Weatherstripping: Ensure a tight seal between your doors and the frame with a high-quality threshold and weatherstripping. This will help to prevent drafts and water damage, improving your home's energy efficiency. Also consider using shutter hardware to dress up the look of your shutters.

Security Considerations: Security is paramount. Invest in high-quality locks and security hardware to protect your home and family. Consider a smart lock system that allows you to control access to your home remotely.

How do I maintain my double entry doors?

Proper maintenance is essential to keep your double entry doors looking their best and functioning properly for years to come. The specific maintenance requirements will vary depending on the material of your doors.

Wood Doors: Wood doors require regular cleaning and sealing to protect them from the elements. Clean the doors with a mild soap and water solution, and reapply a sealant or varnish every few years. Inspect the doors regularly for signs of damage, such as cracks or rot, and repair them promptly.

Fiberglass Doors: Fiberglass doors are relatively low-maintenance. Simply clean them with a mild soap and water solution as needed. You may also want to apply a protective coating to help prevent fading.

Steel Doors: Steel doors should be cleaned regularly with a mild soap and water solution. Inspect the doors for signs of rust and touch up any damaged areas with rust-resistant paint. Lubricate the hinges and locks periodically to ensure smooth operation.

General Maintenance Tips:

Check the weatherstripping regularly and replace it if it is damaged or worn.
Lubricate the hinges and locks periodically to ensure smooth operation.
Inspect the doors for signs of damage, such as cracks, rot, or dents, and repair them promptly.
Keep the area around the doors clean and free of debris.

Choosing the right double entry doors is an investment in your home's beauty, value, and security. By carefully considering the style, material, hardware, and maintenance requirements, you can select a set of doors that will enhance your home for years to come. Estate Millwork is committed to providing exceptional quality and craftsmanship in every product we create. From custom wood doors to shutters and cabinet doors, we offer a wide range of products to meet your needs. Explore our website today to discover the perfect products for your home!