Single Leaf Door vs Double Leaf Door - which is right for you?

When it comes to commercial and industrial doors, there are a few options available. The most popular types of doors are single-leaf and double-leaf doors. So, what's the difference between the two?

As Australia's premier supplier of commercial and industrial doors, we often get asked this question. Here's a quick rundown of the key differences between single and double-leaf doors.

If you’re looking for professional, personalised advise about single or double-leaf doors for your business, get in touch. Our doors are always open!

Single Leaf Doors

As the name suggests, single leaf doors have a single door panel that opens. They are the most common type of door found in residential homes. Single leaf doors are also popular in commercial and industrial applications, particularly in smaller openings. ‍

Examples of single leaf doors: Personal Access (PA) doors

Double Leaf Doors

While single leaf doors are made up of a single door leaf or panel that opens and closes, double doors have two panels that open in the middle, giving you a wider opening. These two panels are sometimes separated by a mullion.

Double doors may feature door leaves that are equal in width (called an equal pair) or different widths (called an unequal pair). Double leaf doors are common in larger commercial and industrial applications.

Examples of double leaf doors: French Doors

Advantages of single-leaf vs double-leaf door designs

Manufacturing

One of the main advantages of single-leaf or single panel doors is that they are easier and cheaper to manufacture than double-leaf doors.

Weight

They are also generally lighter in weight, which makes them easier to install and operate.

Hardware

Another advantage of single leaf doors is that they can be fitted with a variety of door hardware, including door closers, panic bars and electromagnetic locks.

Disadvantages of single-leaf doors over double-leaf doors

Size

The main disadvantage of single-leaf doors is that they are limited in size. They are not suitable for large openings, as they cannot be made to span a large opening like a double leaf door can.

Which door is right for your business?

Space

When deciding which type of door is right for you, it's important to consider the available space. A single-leaf door may be better if you have a smaller opening. If you have a larger opening, a double-leaf door will give you more space to work with.

Another thing to remember is that single-leaf doors are easier to install in smaller openings. Hiring a professional to install your door may be necessary if you have a larger opening.

Usage

Doors can also be used for a number of different reasons. They can be used for personal access — single-leaf door or for transporting products and equipment in and out of a building — double-leaf door. In this case, it’s best to weigh up how you’ll use this door in the future.

If you need a door for ventilation or light, a single-leaf door may be the better option, as it can be fitted with various hardware, including vents and windows.

Cost

When it comes to cost, single-leaf doors are generally cheaper than double-leaf doors.  However, this is not always the case, as the door's cost will also depend on the materials used and the size of the door.

Security

If security is a key concern, a double-leaf door may be the better option. Both single-leaf and double-leaf doors can be equipped with security features, such as door closers, panic bars and electromagnetic locks.

Materials

When it comes to materials, both single-leaf and double-leaf doors can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, steel and aluminium. The type of material you choose will depend on the safety and building regulations in your industry, your budget and the look you are trying to achieve.

Function: Sliding or Swinging

Doors can either slide open or swing open. Sliding doors are more common in commercial applications, as they offer a wider opening. Swinging doors, on the other hand, are more common in residential applications. Single and double-leaf doors are available in both sliding and swinging styles.

Aesthetics

Both single-leaf and double-leaf doors come in various styles, so you can choose the one that best suits your space. If you're looking for a door with a more traditional look, a single-leaf door may be the right choice. If you're looking for a door with a more modern look, a double-leaf door may be the right choice.

Doors can greatly impact the look and feel of your sheds, warehouses, or worksite, so it's important to consider aesthetics in your decision. A professional, high-quality door can give your business a polished look, while a cheap, flimsy door can make your business look unprofessional.

Step through the doors of Australia’s premier door manufacturer to find out more!

When it comes to choosing a door for your business, there are many factors to consider. The type of door you choose will depend on the space you have available, the usage of the door, cost and security.

Contact a respected local door manufacturer if you need help deciding which door is right for your business. They can help you choose the best option for your needs.

So, there you have it - a quick overview of the key differences between single and double-leaf doors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an active or inactive leaf?

The terms active and inactive door relate to the function of a double-leaf door.

A double-leaf door features two doors or leaves; one leaf is designated as the active leaf, which is the leaf that opens and closes first. The other leaf is designated as the inactive leaf, which remains stationary. The active leaf door will feature a latch or handle, while the inactive door will not.

What is a mullion?

A mullion is a vertical bar that divides a door into two leaves or panels. Mullions are commonly found in double-leaf doors.

What is an access panel?

An access panel is a small door that gives you access to the space behind a larger door. Access panels are often found in doors with a lot of hardware, such as locks and door closers.

What is an egress door?

An egress door is a door that provides a means of emergency exit from a building. Egress doors must meet certain safety requirements, such as being fire-rated and being able to be opened easily from the inside.

What is a fire door?

Fire doors or fire-rated doors are doors designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Fire doors must meet certain safety requirements, such as being fire-rated and equipped with self-closing devices.

What are dutch doors? How do they work?

Dutch doors have two leaves, or panels, that open independently of each other. The top leaf can be opened to allow light and air into the space, while the bottom leaf can be closed to keep out pests or draughty air.