Front entry 38" wide single door v. double door? Full wrought iron?

mycl

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

Hi all,

Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are re: front doors...

- Double doors 2 x 32" (820mm) or 30 " (770 mm) wide or,

- Single door 38" (970mm) wide with two side lights (12" (30 mm) wide each)) ?

Which is better?

Is a single 38 " (970 mm) wide door wide enough to accomodate most furniture, piano etc?

Also has anyone used these full wrought iron doors before? pros vs cons (vs timber)? They appear quite heavy - and with small kids would this be a safety issue?

Thanks in advance!

Featured Answer

renovator8

9 years ago

If the IRC applies a front door must be 36" wide so both panels of 32" double doors must open with a knob and not require top and/or bottom unlatching. That and reasonable security can be difficult and expensive to achieve. Perhaps your local building official would make an exception but that would not relieve you of responsibility for code compliance. Technically the 36" door can be elsewhere in the house but not all code official agree with that interpretation. I've seen this issue discussed at length on code forums.

Otherwise, I like single doors better than double unless you are in NOLA.

Comments (6)

musicgale
9 years ago

We have iron double doors and they ARE heavy. They are very well balanced though and open and close like "butterrrr". My toddler grandchildren have no problem moving them once they are open.

Price these doors before you fall in love with either idea. Our door was reasonable (4K +) but they can run much higher. Your hardware for these doors is not inexpensive either, and if you have the requirements that Renovator spoke of for your area of not being able to leave one side latched- a double may not be worth the security hassles. Our double door is inside a security gated courtyard so we often leave it open in nice weather when kiddos are not around.
mycl thanked musicgale
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jen11k
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
i was making the same choice and we are thinking of settling for a wood extra wide single 42" x8ft door with sidelights. double doors could get drafty if you are in a cold climate and the double door 5point locking system option is necessary and expensive. for iron doors someone recommended abby iron doors in GA.
gwlake
9 years ago
This is the same brand I am getting. I actually spoke the the company. They sent me samples of iron and glass for 10 dollars. She advised me to order from Home Depot. I will pay no shipping costs this way. She said they give their best price to Home Depot. I also have a coupon for 10% off. I want clear glass. It will be custom made. She said I can design the iron work myself if I want to. Once you enter into custom. The price is the same whether you design your own iron or not.
fashionadb
6 years ago
Love the doors, what brand are they?
trifecta264
6 years ago
I love the security and ease of the single door. Also more energy efficient. Double doors are fine but they are overdone. Mine is 36' x 8' and I do have sidelights. In hindsight, I wish I had the iron because I am a security freak!!

Front entry 38" wide single door v. double door? Full wrought iron?

renovator8

Comments (6)

musicgale

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