Should you choose a single front door or double entry doors? Compare the advantages of each, including curb appeal, energy efficiency, security, cost, and functionality to find the best fit for your Quad Cities home.
What's Better: One Front Door or Double Entry Doors?
A front door does far more than provide access to your home—it creates the first impression for visitors and plays an important role in energy efficiency, security, and everyday convenience. One of the most common questions homeowners ask is whether they should install a traditional single entry door or upgrade to an impressive set of double entry doors.
The answer depends on your home's architecture, the size of the entry opening, your budget, and how you use your front entrance. Rather than assuming one option is always better, it's best to evaluate the complete entry system and choose the design that fits your home and lifestyle.
Benefits of a Single Front Door
A single entry door remains the most common choice because it works well with nearly every architectural style. Today's fiberglass entry doors offer exceptional durability, energy efficiency, and design flexibility while requiring very little maintenance.
Advantages of a Single Entry Door
- Excellent energy efficiency with fewer joints and weather seals
- Typically the most economical option
- Works well for most homes and entry sizes
- Available with decorative glass, sidelights, or transoms
- Requires less maintenance over time
Benefits of Double Entry Doors
Double entry doors create a dramatic entrance and make moving large furniture, appliances, or holiday decorations much easier. They are especially popular on larger homes where a grand front entrance complements the overall architecture.
Modern double doors are available with active and inactive panels, allowing homeowners to use one door for everyday traffic while opening both doors whenever additional space is needed.
Advantages of Double Entry Doors
- Creates an impressive, upscale appearance
- Provides a wider opening for large items
- Enhances architectural character
- Offers numerous decorative glass and hardware options
- Can increase curb appeal and perceived home value
Think About the Entire Entry Design
Whether you choose a single door or double doors, the surrounding design has just as much impact as the door itself. Decorative glass, sidelights, and transoms should work together to create a welcoming entrance while maintaining privacy, energy efficiency, and security.
Glass choices should balance daylight, privacy, security, and architectural style rather than focusing on just one feature. For homes close to the street, textured or decorative privacy glass paired with carefully proportioned sidelights often provides the best combination of natural light, comfort, and privacy.
What About Security?
A common misconception is that double doors are automatically less secure than a single door. In reality, security depends on the quality of the complete entry system—including the door slabs, frame, multipoint or deadbolt hardware, reinforced strike plates, hinge attachment, and professional installation.
A properly installed double-door system with quality hardware can provide outstanding security, just as a poorly installed single door can develop problems over time. The installation is every bit as important as the product itself.
What Does FGIA (Formerly AAMA) Recommend?
The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA), formerly known as the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), develops performance standards for exterior door systems that evaluate structural strength, air leakage, water penetration resistance, and long-term durability. These standards evaluate the complete door assembly rather than focusing on a single component.
Proper installation—including accurate shimming, fastening, insulation, flashing, and sealing—is critical for both single and double entry doors. Following FGIA installation best practices helps ensure the system delivers the energy efficiency, weather resistance, and long-term performance it was designed to provide.
Expert Guidance Makes the Difference
Since 1985, Suburban Construction has completed more than 40,000 exterior remodeling projects throughout the Quad Cities. President JR Girskis and Vice President Darin Wilson have decades of experience designing entry systems that complement each home's architecture while maximizing beauty, energy efficiency, durability, and security.
Whether homeowners choose a traditional single entry door or a dramatic double-door system, JR and Darin help them compare Therma-Tru® door styles, decorative glass options, sidelights, transoms, hardware, and finishes to create an entry that looks exceptional and performs for decades.
Backed by a Lifetime Written Workmanship Warranty
Every entry door installation from Suburban Construction is backed by a Lifetime Written Workmanship Warranty. While manufacturers warranty the individual door components, Suburban stands behind the craftsmanship of every installation. Homeowners can feel confident knowing their complete entry system has been professionally installed for lasting performance, comfort, and peace of mind.
The Bottom Line
There isn't one "best" choice for every home. A single entry door offers excellent efficiency, value, and versatility, while double entry doors create a dramatic statement and provide a wider opening for larger homes. The best investment is choosing a complete entry system that balances daylight, privacy, security, energy efficiency, and architectural style—and having it professionally installed by experienced experts who stand behind their work for years to come.
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