Exterior Double Doors

Double exterior doors are commonly called French doors when they feature glass panels across most of the door, or simply double entry doors when referring to any two-door configuration that creates a wider entryway. You may also hear them described as pair doors or double-leaf doors, and when one side is fixed in place rather than operable, the stationary half is called the inactive door.

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there's a useful distinction. "Double doors" describes any entryway with two operable doors side by side, regardless of panel design — they can be solid wood, partially glazed, or fully glass. "French doors" specifically refers to doors with glass panels running most or all of the door's length, traditionally divided by muntins into multiple lites. In short, every French door is a double door (when used as a pair), but not every double door is a French door. If you're after the look of light and glass, you're shopping for French doors; if you want a solid, statement entry with optional decorative glass, a traditional double door is the right fit.

Exterior double doors are typically offered in three primary materials, each with its own strengths. Solid wood doors — most often mahogany or knotty alder — deliver rich grain, natural warmth, and timeless character that ages beautifully with proper care. Fiberglass doors with realistic wood-grain textures replicate the look of oak, mahogany, or fir while offering superior insulation and minimal maintenance, making them ideal for entryways exposed to harsh weather. Wrought iron doors provide unmatched security, dramatic architectural presence, and decorative scrollwork that pairs especially well with Mediterranean, Tuscan, and Spanish-style homes.

Exterior double doors offer several advantages over a standard single-door entryway. The wider opening makes moving furniture, appliances, and large items in and out of your home significantly easier — a practical benefit homeowners appreciate long after installation. Visually, double doors create a grand, symmetrical focal point that boosts curb appeal and can increase perceived home value. They also allow for greater design flexibility, with more surface area for decorative glass, custom panel designs, and statement hardware that simply isn't possible on a single door.

Exterior double doors work best for homes with a wide, properly framed entryway and enough facade space to let the doors serve as a true architectural statement. They're especially well-suited to two-story homes, homes with tall ceilings, and Mediterranean, Tuscan, traditional, and modern designs where a grand entry complements the overall scale. If you're building new or remodeling your entryway, double doors are worth planning for early — and our specialists can help you determine the right size, configuration, and material for your specific home.

Modern exterior double doors are built to be just as secure as single doors when properly specified. Solid mahogany and knotty alder doors offer dense, durable construction; wrought iron doors provide exceptional strength and visibility through decorative glass; and fiberglass doors resist dents, warping, and forced entry. Security comes down to quality hardware — multi-point locking systems, heavy-duty hinges, and a properly installed inactive door with flush bolts at the top and bottom keep both leaves firmly secured.

Exterior double doors generally range from approximately $1,140 to around $8,000 for most styles, with prices varying based on material, design complexity, glass options, and finish selections. Mahogany and knotty alder doors often fall in the lower-to-mid portion of that range, while custom wrought iron and pairs with arched tops, decorative glass, or sidelites typically sit higher. Specialty hurricane-impact-rated (HVHZ) doors for coastal homes can reach $13,000+. Pre-hung configurations with brickmoulds and hinge sets are also available and can affect the final price.