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Get advice from Australia's leading supplier of commercial doors
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 your commercial fit out, 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.
Contact Us
If you have any further questions about which type of door is right for your commercial or industrial application, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to advise you on the best single or double-leaf door solution for your space.
Frequently asked questions
A single leaf door consists of one door panel, while a double leaf door has two panels that open from the centre. Single leaf doors are typically used for standard access points, whereas double leaf doors are designed to support wider openings. The choice depends on access width, traffic, and operational needs.
A single leaf door is suitable when space is limited and access requirements are standard. It is commonly used for personnel access in offices, sheds, and industrial facilities. This option is generally more cost-effective and simpler to install and maintain.
A double leaf door is better suited for applications requiring wider access for equipment, pallets, or high traffic flow. It allows flexibility by opening one or both leaves depending on usage. This makes it suitable for warehouses, loading areas, and industrial environments.
Both door types can be configured to support security and compliance requirements depending on the door system. Single leaf doors are easier to secure due to fewer moving parts, while double leaf doors may require additional hardware such as flush bolts or coordinated locking systems. In regulated environments, both can be specified as fire doors or security doors when required.
The more suitable option depends on the intended use and access requirements of the space. Single leaf doors are ideal for everyday personnel access, while double leaf doors are designed to support larger openings and operational flexibility. In many industrial applications, both types are used together to balance convenience and functionality.