Content Menu
2 min read
What is a double exterior door called?
A double exterior door is commonly referred to as a “double door” or a “hinged patio door.” When the doors feature full-lite glass panes extending most of the door height, they are called “French doors.” In craftsman architecture, double doors often use divided-lite patterns — 6-lite or 9-lite — rather than full-lite glass, distinguishing them from traditional French doors.
How much do double exterior doors cost?
For B2B buyers, double exterior door costs range from $2,500 to $5,000 for standard fiberglass prehung units. Solid mahogany or oak double units with divided lites and premium hardware range from $5,000 to $12,000 or more. Custom sizing, arch tops, and sidelites increase cost. Factory-direct sourcing can reduce per-unit costs by 15–30% compared to distribution channels.
Are double front doors a good idea?
Double front doors are a good idea when the entrance is a focal point, wide egress is needed, or natural light is a priority. They require a wider rough opening and structural header reinforcement. The trade-off is higher unit cost and more weather-stripping to maintain versus the architectural impact and increased property value.
What’s the difference between a French door and a double door?
The primary difference is glass configuration. French doors are defined by full-lite glass panes — the door is essentially a frame around a large pane of glass. Double doors, including craftsman style, can have solid lower panels, divided lites, or partial glass. Both swing open in pairs, but the visual style and light transmission differ significantly.
What is the typical lead time for custom craftsman doors from a factory?
Typical production lead times are 4–8 weeks from approved shop drawings. This includes material procurement, manufacturing, finishing, and pre-shipment quality testing. Add 2–5 weeks for ocean freight depending on destination. Buyers should request a detailed production schedule and milestone updates from their supplier.
Can craftsman doors be made to meet hurricane wind-load requirements?
Yes. Craftsman doors can be engineered to meet high wind-load requirements, such as Miami-Dade County HVHZ standards, using reinforced stiles and rails, impact-rated glass, and heavy-duty multi-point locking hardware. Buyers should specifically request wind-load test reports and verify that the supplier’s profile structure can be adjusted to match local building codes.
What documents should I request from an overseas door supplier?
Request: (1) proforma invoice, (2) packing list, (3) bill of lading, (4) certificate of origin, (5) test reports for air, water, and wind resistance, (6) material certificates, and (7) installation instructions. A supplier experienced in foreign trade will provide these proactively.
—
References
- ASTM International. “ASTM E283 – Standard Test Method for Determining Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Skylights, Curtain Walls, and Doors Under Specified Pressure Differences Across the Specimen.” https://www.astm.org/e0283-19.html
- ASTM International. “ASTM E547 – Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference.” https://www.astm.org/e0547-00r16.html
- ASTM International. “ASTM E330 – Standard Test Method for Structural Performance of Exterior Windows, Doors, Skylights and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference.” https://www.astm.org/e0330-14.html
- AAMA/WDMA/CSA. “101/I.S.2/A440 – North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for Windows, Doors, and Skylights.” https://www.aamanet.org/
- National Fenestration Rating Council. “NFRC Label Certification.” https://www.nfrc.org/
- International Organization for Standardization. “ISO 9001:2015 – Quality management systems — Requirements.” https://www.iso.org/standard/62085.html
