How do double entry doors work?

Author: Schuyler Hessel  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 26, 2025

In essence, double entry doors are a set of two separate doors that hang side by side. To open them, one door is configured to be fixed in position, while the other opens or closes. They were originally designed for use in large openings, say, 6, 7, or 8ft wide, in large luxury homes.

How do double exterior doors work?

Double exterior doors are exactly as they sound: two doors in one frame! Made up of two understated two slabs, they create a wider entrance and give you the option to close just one if you'd like a narrower entryway.

Which door opens first on double doors?

For double doors, the same opening directions apply, in that the door that opens first determines the opening direction, e.g. Right hand out = right door seen from outside opens first.

Which door should be active on double doors?

If there are double doors where both leaves have keyed locks on the outside then we generally base the handing of the opening on the right door leaf (RHRA for out-swining or RHA for in-swinging). If there are no keyed locks on either door leaf, again we refer to the handing based on the right door leaf (RHRA or RHA).

How do double hinged doors work?

Double action hinges can be pushed open by an arm, hip, or hand. Once the doors are pushed open, they will swing back and forth, until they stop at the closed position of the center. Double action hinges use either spring or gravity to pull the doors back to the center.

ProVia Double Entry Door, French Door Installation

Do both doors open on double doors?

French doors allow for both doors to actually open and function. A double door or two-section patio door has a "dummy door" that doesn't actually function, it stays stationary and only one door opens. We also get asked how secure French doors are, and are they as secure as a two-section patio door?

How do double action hinges work?

With two springs, double-action spring door hinges are able to swing in both directions. Single-action spring door hinges, in comparison, can only swing in one direction. Double-action spring door hinges work by leveraging two springs.

Why does my house have 2 front doors?

It's obvious, but two doors might have been in place to provide separate entrances to the home, opening to different spaces. While one door may have led to a formal area, the other could have been used for day-to-day business.

Are double doors easy to kick in?

This is a myth. If your double door is installed professionally, with the right materials and the strongest locking mechanisms, double front doors are just as secure – even more so — than their single counterparts.

How to determine the swing of a double door?

How to Determine Door Swing Direction, aka How to Hand a Door
  1. Begin by standing on the outside (secure side), facing the door. ...
  2. While still standing on the outside (secure side), determine the location of the hinges. ...
  3. Continue to stand on the outside (secure side), to indicate the direction the door swings.

How do doors open both ways?

A double-action hinge is a hinge that allows doors to swing both ways. When the doors are "closed", the hinge self-returns to center, swinging 180 degrees total, 90 degrees in either direction. Double action hinges are great for interior doorways that members of the household will be going in and out of.

Can double doors be reversed?

Summary: Can Inswing Door Be Used for Outswing? It's possible to reverse an inswing door to outswing, and this comes with a ton of benefits, including more safety and convenience. This is not to mention the extra space that you'll create for further DIY designing and decoration.

What is the rough opening for a double entry door?

The standard width of a steel entry door's rough opening is 3' 4” (40”) for a single door and 6' 4” (76”) for a double door; make sure to add an additional ¼” of an inch on each side for room for the frame to shimmy. Measure the height of your finished rough opening from the floor to the bottom of the header.

What are double entry doors called?

Side by side doors, also known as double doors, are two door configurations where both doors are next to one another. Another name for this type of doors is a French door. The doors can either be active or inactive.

Are double front doors worth it?

Many homeowners choose double doors over a single door entry because of the extra space that they provide—for people and furniture. Whether you're frequently hosting guests or moving and rearranging furniture, you'll appreciate the extra space.

Do double doors increase home value?

Double doors can have a positive impact on your home's value, especially if they complement the style and architecture of the property. Their grand appearance often enhances curb appeal, which can be a key factor when it comes to selling.

What is the hardest door to kick down?

Why Steel Security Doors are the Hardest to Break Down. Steel itself is an extraordinarily sturdy material at a molecular level. Steel's tight metallic bonds create very strong structures that hold firm when placed under immense pressure.

Are double entry doors secure?

Are Double Doors Less Secure? People tend to assume that double front doors are less secure than their singular counterparts, since their design makes these doors seem particularly vulnerable to being kicked in. However, well-designed and well-installed double entry doors are actually remarkably secure.

How to stop double doors from opening?

Install a Door Barricade

Door barricades are extremely durable and can withstand massive force. A good-quality barricade is known to prevent forced entries and secure your outward-opening French door.

Do both doors open on double exterior doors?

The double entry allows you to create a wider entrance when needed. Depending on the door you purchase one door can remain fixed or locked so that only the main active door opens and closes just like a single door the difference being that you can always choose to operate both doors.

What is the death door in old houses?

(US, architecture) a door to the outside from the parlor or hall to allow for the movement of the dead; from the time when the wealthy would host their wakes and funerals in their own homes. It is a supplementary door to the main doors of the home, unconnected from exterior stairs or walkways.

Why is it advisable to have a double door in the house?

Double front doors can create a more welcoming entryway for both large and small homes. On larger homes, for example, double doors can provide a sense of balance and complement the home's vast exterior. On the other hand, double front doors can create a more open and inviting entry on smaller homes.

What is a double action door?

Definition: A double acting door, also known as a double swinging door or impact traffic door, is a single door or a pair of doors in which the door(s) is able to swing in both directions.

What is a butt hinge?

Also known as a mortise hinge, a butt hinge is a type of hinge with a pair of identical leafs. They typically feature a larger knuckle than other types of hinges. With their wide knuckle, the two leafs will sit flush with each other when the butt hinge is closed.

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