Double Exterior Doors

Compare Double Exterior Door Materials and Designs

Front Entry or Patio: Design Around Daily Use

For double front entry doors, consider the whole approach: porch depth, lighting, steps and the proportions of the facade. Symmetry can make an entrance feel deliberate, but everyday convenience depends on the active door being comfortable to use on its own. Match its clear passage to the people and objects that regularly move through the opening.

For a patio connection, prioritize the view and the space occupied by the open leaves. A glazed pair can bring daylight into the room while giving you a broader opening when both leaves are released. Hinged doors need swing clearance on the selected side; measure around dining chairs, planters and outdoor furniture before deciding on inswing or outswing.

Size the Pair, Frame and Rough Opening Separately

Door-leaf size, overall unit size and rough-opening size describe different measurements. Leaf size refers to the moving panel. Overall unit size includes the frame. The rough opening is the opening in the wall that receives the unit and its installation clearance. Order from the dimensions specified for your selected product, rather than using these measurements interchangeably.

For an existing opening, measure width and height in several places and record wall depth, finished floor height and threshold conditions. If you are replacing slabs while retaining the jamb, also document leaf thickness, hinge locations, bore locations and the meeting-edge details. Confirm the measurements with your installer before finalizing a custom pair.

Custom sizing depends on the design and configuration. A taller or wider version may change the proportions of the glass and panels, the hardware requirements and the overall weight. Review the final drawing or specification for the actual size you plan to order.

Prehung Double Doors or Replacement Slabs?

A prehung double-door unit includes doors fitted to a frame, making it a useful starting point when the jamb is new, damaged or being replaced. A slab order supplies the door panels for a separately specified frame. Matching new slabs to an existing double-door jamb requires close attention to both leaves, the hinges, threshold and center meeting point.

Package contents vary by product and selected options. Confirm the jamb, hinges, sill, weatherstripping, sweep, astragal and lock preparation in your order. Handles and locksets may be separate purchases. Installation still requires a square, plumb opening, appropriate support and the exterior sealing details specified for the unit.

Active Leaf, Astragal and Double-Door Hardware

The active leaf is the door you normally use first. The inactive leaf is held in place until you release it for a wider opening. In many configurations, an astragal covers or seals the gap where the two leaves meet, and bolts secure the inactive leaf to the frame or threshold. The exact arrangement depends on the door system.

Select the handing, active side and swing together with the lock preparation. Confirm how the two leaves close, which leaf closes first and how the second leaf releases. Check handle clearance and whether you need an operating handle or a matching dummy handle on the secondary leaf. A lockset must fit the chosen door thickness and preparation.

Glass, Weather Protection and Finish

Glass area and glass type answer different questions. The amount of glass shapes the appearance and view; the selected glass controls transparency and other characteristics. Clear glass emphasizes the view. Textured or obscured options can soften visibility, but privacy varies with the pattern, distance and lighting. Review the available samples for the model you select.

For exterior performance, evaluate the complete assembly: frame construction, glazing, threshold and seals. A thermally broken frame interrupts heat flow through the metal; it does not establish a single performance rating for every door in this collection. Confirm the product-specific specifications your climate and project require.

Sun, rain and exposure influence finish selection and ongoing care. Discuss your installation location, porch coverage and maintenance expectations when choosing wood or metal. Review the current care and warranty requirements for the selected door before you order, particularly for exposed entries.

What Determines the Price of Double Exterior Doors?

Size, material, glass, finish and installation package all affect the price. Thermally broken construction, specialty details and additional hardware can change the total. Compare complete configurations: a slab-only price and a prehung unit price cover different scopes.

Open the product you like and select your options to see its current configured price. Include handles, locks, delivery arrangements, installation and any work on the existing opening in your project budget. Confirm production timing and shipping details for that configuration before coordinating installation.