Thinking about giving your home a fresh new look? Upgrading your front entrance with traditional double doors is one of the simplest ways to make a bold first impression. These doors have stood the test of time, offering timeless style and a welcoming feel that instantly elevates curb appeal.
More than just an entryway, double front doors create a grand statement. Their size and symmetry draw the eye, adding a sense of balance and elegance to your home’s exterior. Whether your house leans classic or historic in design, these doors bring out its best features while reflecting your personal style.
What Makes Traditional Double Front Doors Special
Traditional door styles are defined by their timeless design elements that have remained popular for generations. The classic look of these entry doors centers around several key features that distinguish them from modern alternatives.
Raised panel construction
Raised panels form the foundation of traditional design. They add depth and visual interest while preserving the structural integrity essential for exterior doors. Typically arranged in symmetrical patterns, these panels create a balanced and harmonious look that complements your home’s architecture.
Solid wood construction
Solid wood doors built using stile and rail methods represent the gold standard of traditional craftsmanship. This time-tested approach joins vertical stiles with horizontal rails to create a framework that’s both durable and visually appealing. The expert joinery ensures your doors can withstand decades of everyday use.
Glass elements
Glass elements in traditional double doors offer both function and beauty. Whether you opt for clear glass to let in more light or decorative glass for privacy, these details enhance your entryway’s elegance while preserving the timeless charm of traditional design.
Material Options for Every Home and Budget
Wood Double Doors
Wood is the most authentic choice for traditional double front doors, offering timeless appeal and natural beauty. Popular options like mahogany, oak, and cherry provide rich color, strength, and classic grain patterns that suit a range of home styles. Wood doors can be finished with clear stains to highlight the grain or painted to match your exterior.
While wood allows for extensive customization, it does require regular maintenance. Staining or painting every few years helps protect against weather damage and keeps your doors looking their best for the long term.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass doors have revolutionized the traditional door market by offering authentic wood-grain textures with superior performance characteristics. These doors resist warping, cracking, and splitting while providing excellent energy efficiency.
The advanced manufacturing processes used today can replicate the appearance of various wood species so convincingly that many people can’t tell the difference. Fiberglass doors can be stained or painted, offering the same aesthetic flexibility as wood with significantly less maintenance.
Steel
Steel entry doors provide the highest level of security while still accommodating traditional styling. Modern steel doors feature decorative panels and glass options that capture the classic look homeowners desire.
These doors excel in energy efficiency and often come with foam core insulation that helps regulate your home’s temperature. Steel doors are also the most budget-friendly option, making traditional styling accessible to more homeowners.
The Compelling Benefits of Double-Entry Doors
Enhanced Curb Appeal and Home Value
Double front doors create an immediate visual impact that single doors simply cannot match. The symmetrical design and increased scale make your entrance appear more grand and welcoming. Real estate professionals consistently note that quality entry doors can provide excellent return on investment, often recouping 60-70% of their cost in increased home value.
The bold statement created by double doors works effectively on homes of all sizes. On larger homes, they provide proportional balance, while on smaller homes, they create the illusion of increased size and grandeur.
Improved Functionality and Access
The practical benefits of double-entry doors extend far beyond aesthetics. The wider opening makes moving furniture and appliances much easier – no more struggling to fit that new sofa through a narrow doorway.
For families with mobility needs, the increased access width can make daily life more comfortable. The flexibility to open one or both doors depending on the situation adds convenience for everyday use and special occasions.
Natural Light and Ventilation
Double doors typically feature more glass area than single doors, allowing significantly more natural light into your home’s entrance and adjacent spaces. This increased illumination can make interior spaces feel larger and more welcoming while potentially reducing your daytime lighting needs.
When paired with storm doors or screen doors, double entry doors can provide excellent cross-ventilation during pleasant weather, helping to naturally cool your home and improve air quality.
Single vs. Double Entry Doors
The decision between single and double entry doors depends on several factors specific to your home and lifestyle.
Choose double doors when:
- Your home has a wide entrance that would make a single door appear disproportionate
- You frequently entertain and need easy access for guests
- You want to maximize natural light in your entryway
- Moving large items is a regular concern
- Your home’s architecture calls for a grand entrance
Consider single doors when:
- Your entrance space is limited
- Budget is a primary concern
- Your home’s style is more modest or cottage-like
- Energy efficiency is your top priority
Customization Options for Your Perfect Entrance
Traditional double front doors offer extensive customization possibilities to match your home’s unique character.
Glass Options
Glass options for traditional double doors include clear glass for maximum natural light, decorative glass with classic patterns, privacy glass for street-facing homes, and stained glass for a more artistic touch. Each choice enhances both the beauty and functionality of your entryway. The right glass can add character while balancing light, privacy, and curb appeal.
Hardware Choices
Hardware options for traditional double doors include traditional brass for a warm, classic look, oil-rubbed bronze for rustic charm, stainless steel for a clean, modern-traditional style, and black iron for bold, dramatic contrast. These finishes not only enhance your door’s appearance but also help tie together your home’s overall design. Choosing the right hardware adds the finishing touch that completes the look.
Size Variations
Size variations for traditional double doors range from standard configurations to fully custom options. Custom sizing ensures a perfect fit and balanced proportions for your specific entrance, enhancing both function and visual appeal. This flexibility allows you to tailor the look and feel of your doorway to match your home’s architecture.
Investment Considerations and Costs
Traditional double front doors represent a significant home improvement investment, with costs varying based on materials, customization, and installation complexity.
Typical Investment Ranges:
- Budget-friendly options: $2,500-$5,000 (steel with basic features)
- Mid-range quality: $5,000-$10,000 (fiberglass or basic wood)
- Premium installations: $10,000-$20,000+ (custom wood with extensive glass work)
These costs include professional installation, which is crucial for proper performance and warranty coverage. Quality installation ensures proper weatherproofing, security, and long-term durability.
Maintenance for Long-Term Beauty
The maintenance requirements for your traditional double doors depend on the materials you choose.
- Wood Doors: Require refinishing every 3–5 years; check for wear regularly to prevent damage.
- Fiberglass Doors: Low maintenance; occasional cleaning and weatherstripping inspection.
- Steel Doors: May need touch-up paint for scratches, but generally need little upkeep.
All door types benefit from simple upkeep like cleaning the glass, lubricating hinges and locks, checking and replacing weatherstripping, and adjusting alignment seasonally to ensure smooth operation and long-term performance.
Conclusion
Traditional double front doors are more than just a stylish upgrade. They are a smart investment that blends beauty, functionality, and lasting value. Whether you are drawn to the warmth of solid wood, the durability of fiberglass, or the strength of steel, these classic doors offer a timeless way to enhance your home’s entrance. With the right material, design, and installation, you can create an inviting, impressive entry that reflects your personal style while boosting curb appeal.
If you are ready to upgrade your New Jersey home with the charm and sophistication of traditional double doors, Madison Door is here to help. Let us help you create a grand entrance you will love for years to come. Contact us today for a free quote and discover custom door solutions tailored to your home, style, and budget.
FAQs
Why do old houses have double front doors?
Old houses often featured double front doors to accommodate the grand architectural styles of their era, provide easier access for moving large furniture and household items, and create impressive entrances that reflected the homeowner’s social status and wealth.
What is a double front door called?
Double front doors are commonly called “double entry doors,” “French doors” (when they have extensive glass panels), or simply “double doors.” The specific term often depends on the door styles and glass configuration of the doors.
Why do German houses have two front doors?
Traditional German houses often have two front doors because one leads to the family’s living quarters while the other provides access to business areas, workshops, or separate rental units – a practical design reflecting the historical mix of residential and commercial use in European homes.
What’s it called when you have two front doors?
When you have two front doors, it’s called a “double door entry,” “double entry system,” or “paired entry doors.” This configuration creates a more grand and welcoming entrance while providing practical benefits like easier furniture moving and increased natural light.