Types Of Double Doors: Options, Prices, Installation Cost and Best Brands

Double doors offer an elegant and functional entryway solution for homes and businesses alike. These paired door systems not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of any space but also provide practical benefits like improved traffic flow, easier furniture moving, and increased natural light. Double doors come in various styles, materials, and configurations to suit different architectural designs and functional needs. Understanding the types available, their associated costs, installation considerations, and reliable manufacturers can help you make an informed decision for your specific requirements.

Double doors come in several distinct styles, each serving different purposes and aesthetic preferences. Here are the most common types:

French Doors

French doors are the most recognizable type of double doors, featuring large glass panels that extend most of the door’s length. These doors swing open from the center, with each door attached to the opposite side of the doorframe. They’re ideal for connecting indoor spaces to patios or decks, or for separating interior rooms while maintaining an open feel and allowing light to flow between spaces.

Sliding Patio Doors

These double doors feature large glass panels with one fixed panel and one that slides horizontally along a track. Sliding patio doors are space-efficient since they don’t require swing clearance, making them perfect for areas with limited space. They typically offer excellent energy efficiency and are popular for deck and patio access.

Dutch Double Doors

Dutch doors are split horizontally, allowing the top half to open while the bottom remains closed. When designed as double doors, they offer exceptional versatility. They’re particularly useful for spaces where you might want to contain pets or children while maintaining airflow and visibility. These doors add a charming, rustic aesthetic to homes.

Bypass Doors

Bypass double doors slide along parallel tracks, with doors sliding past one another. These doors are commonly used for closets, pantries, and laundry rooms where space is limited. They’re practical and space-saving, making them suitable for smaller homes or apartments.

Bifold Doors

Bifold double doors consist of panels that fold against each other like an accordion when opened. They’re excellent space-savers that can open wide to create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection or to temporarily combine two interior spaces. Modern bifold doors can span entire walls, creating dramatic openings to outdoor areas.

Materials for Double Doors

The material of your double doors affects durability, maintenance requirements, security, and price. Here are the primary options:

Material	Advantages	Disadvantages
Wood	Beautiful natural appearance, customizable, excellent insulation	Requires regular maintenance, susceptible to warping, typically more expensive
Steel	Highly secure, durable, affordable, low maintenance	Can dent, may rust over time, limited design options
Fiberglass	Energy efficient, low maintenance, resists denting/scratching, mimics wood appearance	Higher initial cost than steel, can fade over time
Aluminum	Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, modern appearance	Poor insulator, can dent easily, typically used for sliding doors
Vinyl	Affordable, low maintenance, good insulation	Limited style options, less durable than other materials

Fiberglass has become increasingly popular due to its excellent balance of durability, efficiency, and aesthetic flexibility. It can convincingly mimic high-end wood grain while offering superior weather resistance and requiring minimal maintenance.

Double Door Price Ranges

The cost of double doors varies significantly based on type, material, size, and design complexity. Here’s a breakdown of price ranges for different door types:

French Doors

• Basic wood French doors: $300-$1,200 per pair
• Mid-range fiberglass French doors: $800-$2,500 per pair
• Premium solid wood French doors: $2,000-$5,000+ per pair
• Custom designed wood French doors: $5,000-$10,000+ per pair

Energy-efficient French doors with multi-point locking systems and insulated glass typically cost 20-30% more than standard models but offer significant long-term savings on energy bills.

Sliding Patio Doors

• Vinyl sliding doors: $300-$1,500 per unit
• Aluminum sliding doors: $700-$2,500 per unit
• Fiberglass sliding doors: $1,000-$3,500 per unit
• Wood sliding doors: $1,500-$4,500+ per unit

Bifold Doors

• Interior bifold doors: $200-$700 for basic models
• Exterior bifold door systems: $3,000-$10,000 for standard sizes
• Premium large-span bifold systems: $10,000-$25,000+

Multi-panel bifold systems that open an entire wall can exceed $30,000 for high-end materials and custom sizes. These are becoming popular in luxury homes for creating seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces.

Installation Costs

Professional installation is generally recommended for exterior double doors to ensure proper sealing, security, and operation. Installation costs vary based on several factors:

Factors Affecting Installation Costs

• Door type and complexity (French doors are typically simpler than bifold systems)
• Whether it’s a new installation or replacement
• Structural modifications needed to accommodate the doors
• Local labor rates
• Accessibility of the installation location

Average Installation Cost Ranges

• Standard French door installation: $500-$1,000
• Sliding patio door installation: $500-$1,200
• Custom or oversized door installation: $1,000-$3,000+
• Bifold door system installation: $1,500-$4,500+

Installation costs can increase by 30-50% if structural modifications are required, such as widening the opening, adding a header beam, or adjusting the height of the opening. Additional costs may apply for removing and disposing of old doors.

Best Double Door Brands

Several manufacturers have established reputations for quality, reliability, and service in the double door market:

Premium Brands

• Marvin: Known for exceptional craftsmanship, customization options, and energy efficiency. Their Ultimate line offers superior wood doors with extensive design flexibility.
• Andersen: One of the most recognized names in doors and windows, offering excellent quality across various price points. Their E-Series offers high-end customization.
• Pella: Offers innovative features, excellent warranty coverage, and beautiful design options. Their Architect Series is particularly well-regarded.

Mid-Range Brands

• Jeld-Wen: Provides good value with a wide range of styles and materials. Their fiberglass doors offer excellent durability at reasonable prices.
• Therma-Tru: Pioneered the fiberglass entry door and continues to offer innovative, energy-efficient options with realistic wood grain textures.
• ProVia: Specializes in energy-efficient, durable doors with customizable designs and strong warranty coverage.

Budget-Friendly Options

• ReliaBilt: Lowe’s house brand offers affordable options with decent quality for budget-conscious consumers.
• Mastercraft: Menards’ exclusive brand offers value-oriented doors with various style options.
• MP Doors: Available at Home Depot, these doors offer good quality at competitive prices, especially in fiberglass models.

Major door manufacturers typically offer 10-20 year warranties on their products, with premium brands sometimes offering lifetime limited warranties on certain components or against manufacturing defects.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Double Doors

When selecting double doors for your home, consider these important factors:

Climate Considerations

Your local climate should significantly influence your door material and glass choices. In extreme climates, prioritize doors with high insulation values, appropriate weatherstripping, and energy-efficient glass options. Look for ENERGY STAR certified doors for optimal performance.

Security Features

Double doors require special consideration for security. Look for multi-point locking systems, reinforced strike plates, and quality deadbolts designed specifically for double door applications. French doors in particular benefit from secure astragal designs that properly seal and secure the passive door.

Architectural Compatibility

Choose doors that complement your home’s architectural style. Traditional homes typically pair well with paneled French doors, while contemporary homes may benefit from sleek, minimalist sliding or bifold systems with clean lines and maximum glass.

Maintenance Requirements

Consider how much maintenance you’re willing to perform. Wood doors require regular refinishing every 2-5 years, while fiberglass and vinyl options may need only occasional cleaning. This ongoing commitment should factor into your total cost calculations.