Yes, you can put a storm door on a double front door. Double storm doors are made for wide entries, including many French door configurations, and they can preserve everyday access while adding glass or screen options in front of the main doors.
The key is choosing a compatible two-door system and measuring the full opening carefully. This guide explains the main styles, what an astragal kit does, what affects cost and complexity, and when professional installation may be the better fit.
- Double storm doors are specifically designed for double front doors and many French door entries.
- An astragal or center-post kit helps the active and passive doors meet, latch, and seal.
- Full-view, screened, ventilating, and French configurations all serve different purposes and fit different architectural styles.
- Professional installation is recommended, especially if the entryway will need a modification for storm doors to fit.
Table of Contents
- What is a storm door? What are double storm doors?
- Can you put a storm door on a double front door? Types of double storm doors
- Storm doors for French doors
- The benefits of installing an aluminum storm door: What to consider before installing double storm doors
- Benefits of double storm doors for wide entryways
- Choose Master Seal for storm door installation in Baltimore, MD Double storm door installation in Baltimore & Maryland
What is a double storm door?
A double storm door is a two-door system installed across a wide front entry, double front door, or French door opening. Unlike a single storm door, these are designed specifically for wider openings that need protection, ventilation, and everyday usability.
In most setups, one side functions as the active door for daily entry, while the second door remains closed until you need a wider opening. This makes double storm doors ideal for moving furniture, welcoming guests, or opening up your entry during mild weather.
A key component in many systems is the astragal kit for double storm doors, which connects the doors at the center, allows them to latch properly, and creates a tighter seal against air and moisture.
Compared to a single storm door, double storm doors exterior systems have:
- A wider footprint
- More hardware and alignment requirements
- The same core benefits of weather protection, ventilation, and energy efficiency
Types of double storm doors
The right style depends on how much light, airflow, and entryway width you want. Product features vary, so confirm that the specific doors and center hardware are designed to work together before you buy.
Full-view double storm doors
Full-view doors use large glass areas to keep the main entry visible and bring in natural light. They work well when you want to showcase decorative double doors and do not need an always-available screen.
Double storm doors with screens
Also called a double screen door setup, these include retractable or interchangeable screens so you can enjoy airflow during milder weather. Double screen doors are some of the most popular options for homeowners searching for double storm doors with screens. This is a good fit when seasonal ventilation matters as much as the view.
Ventilating double storm doors
Ventilating doors use sliding glass and screen panels that allow you to adjust airflow without fully opening the doors. They offer a convenient middle ground for homeowners who want day-to-day flexibility.
French double storm doors
French door storm door systems are arranged so one panel handles daily entry, and the second can open when you need more clearance. The center hardware moves or releases with the passive panel, depending on the system, so both sides can provide a wide opening when needed.
| Type of double storm door | Best for | Screen / ventilation | Center hardware | Install complexity |
| Full-view | Natural light and showing the entry door | Varies by model | Compatible astragal kit required for a double setup | High |
| Screened | Seasonal airflow | Retractable or interchangeable, depending on model | Compatible astragal kit required | High |
| Ventilating | Adjustable everyday airflow | Movable glass and screen sections | Compatible astragal kit required | High |
| French | Full-width access through a wide opening | Varies by selected doors | Center post or astragal configured for the passive panel | High |
The astragal kit: Why it matters for double storm doors
The astragal is the vertical center component that helps the two doors on a double door setup meet. In a typical double-door setup, the active door latches at the passive door, while the passive side stays secured until you release it. Astragal parts attach to the passive door, and kits include the molding and hardware that ensure your door closes firmly with no gaps.1
A compatible kit may include:
- An astragal or center post for the meeting point
- Hardware that secures the passive door at the top and bottom
- A latch or strike surface for the active door
- A rain cap sized for the full opening
- Fasteners, shims, and model-specific installation instructions
Compatibility matters. A kit made for one door line may not fit another, and not every single storm door can be converted into half of a double system. Talk to your installer or hardware specialist about the selected model and kit before ordering. Master Seal’s trusted pros can help you understand your options so you can find the perfect fit for your entryway.
What to consider before installing double storm doors
Double storm door installation requires more planning and typically costs more than a standard single-door setup due to the extra door and hardware. However, that doesn’t mean the cheapest kit is the best or even a suitable option. Before choosing a model, review these key factors to ensure proper fit and performance.
Measure the opening carefully
Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom to confirm the opening is consistent. Accurate measurements are critical when selecting double-entry storm doors.
Confirm astragal kit availability
Not every storm door supports a double-door setup. Make sure your chosen model includes compatible center hardware or an astragal kit for double storm doors.
Choose the active door
Decide which side will serve as the primary entry door. This affects handle placement and how the system functions day to day.
Check hardware clearance
Ensure there is enough trim depth and space for the Z-bar, handles, closers, and existing hardware.
Think about installation complexity
A storm door for double doors is more complex than a single-door install. Proper alignment, sealing, and closer adjustment are essential, which is why professional installation is often recommended.
DIY or professional install?
Installing double storm doors is possible for some experienced homeowners, but it involves more alignment and hardware work than hanging one storm door. The job is most manageable when the opening is square, the trim meets the mounting requirements, and the manufacturer supplies a compatible kit with clear instructions.
For the confident DIYer
- You’re comfortable measuring, drilling, shimming, and adjusting door hardware
- The opening is square and falls within the approved size range
- The doors and astragal kit are confirmed as compatible
- Existing handles, trim, and closers have enough clearance
- You can follow the model-specific instructions from start to finish
Call a pro when
- Measurements vary noticeably across the opening (opening is not square)
- The trim or sill needs modification
- You are unsure which kit works with the doors
- Both panels must open smoothly while meeting evenly at the center
- You’re more comfortable with a pro measuring, fitting, sealing, and making final adjustments
Benefits of double storm doors for wide entryways
Double storm doors do more than protect your entry — they improve both function and appearance.
Benefits of double storm doors include:
- Better weather protection for wide front entries
- Improved ventilation when screen options are included
- More natural light with large glass panels
- A balanced, symmetrical look that enhances curb appeal
- Wider clearance for moving furniture or large items
- Added durability and an extra layer of security
- Energy efficiency when properly installed
For many homeowners, storm doors for double front doors make a wide entryway more practical and visually appealing.
You can also explore the benefits of a storm door when comparing options.
Choose Master Seal for double & French storm door installation
Double storm doors reward careful planning. Master Seal provides residential storm door installation for homeowners in Baltimore, Baltimore County, the Washington D.C. suburbs, and surrounding Mid-Atlantic communities. Talk to our team about our current options, including aluminum storm doors, and request a free in-home estimate for your entry.
If you’re still figuring out what kind of entryway you want for a rear or patio entry, this guide to a hinged patio door vs. French door explains how the configurations differ.
During your free in-home estimate, our team will measure the opening, review clearance and operation, and help you choose a double-door setup that fits the way you use your home.
Frequently asked questions
Usually. A double system includes two door panels and compatible center hardware, and the installation takes more alignment work. The final cost depends on the opening, door styles, hardware, and any trim adjustments, so use a personalized and current project estimate rather than a generic price.
An astragal kit creates the meeting point between the active and passive storm doors. It commonly provides the latch surface and hardware that secures the passive panel. Most double storm door installations need a compatible center-hardware solution, but the exact kit must match the selected doors.
You may be able to if you have a square opening, compatible components, and experience with precise door installation. Hire a professional when measurements vary, trim needs modification, hardware clearance is tight, or you are not comfortable aligning two panels.
No. Double-door conversion hardware is model-specific, and some storm doors do not support it. Confirm compatibility before you purchase two door panels or assume an existing single door can be reused.
Choose the side that creates the most natural daily traffic path and avoids door handle conflicts. Consider the walkway, room layout, hinge direction, and how the main entry doors operate. The other panel can remain passive until you need the wider opening.
