Single Sliding Door vs. Double Sliding Door: Which one should you choose to fit your project?

If your door opening is 80-120 cm wide and side wall space is limited, you should choose a Single Sliding Door (Single Leaf). However, if your door opening is 1.5 meters or wider and you desire luxury and spaciousness, you should choose a Double Sliding Door (Bi-leaf). Both types can utilize the same motor drive set.

Many homeowners and contractors are often confused: Between a Single Sliding Door and a Double Sliding Door, which one is better? The answer does not depend solely on price, but primarily on the 'Opening Size' and 'Side Space'.

In this article, Door Studio will provide a clear comparison to help you choose the automatic door that is most cost-effective and provides the most beautiful finish for your project."

Comparison Table: Single Sliding vs. Double Sliding

Feature/Property	Single Sliding Door (Single Leaf)	Double Sliding Door (Bi-leaf)
Suitable Opening Width	80 - 120 cm. (Standard general door size)	1.5 - 3.0 meters (Main entrance/Large building)
Required Side Wall Space	Requires 1 side (Left or Right is fine)	Requires 2 sides (Must have space on both left and right)
Aesthetics and Image	Simple, Modern, Space-saving (Minimal)	Luxurious, Symmetrical, Grand appearance
Opening Efficiency	Opens to one side	Opens from the center (Clears pedestrian traffic faster)
Budget	Slightly more economical	Higher price (Due to using 2 sets of glass clamping equipment)
Suitable For	Offices, Clinics, Condos, Rooms with limited space	Hotels, Department Stores, Showrooms, Main Entrances

Deep Dive: Which Automatic Door Should You Choose?

1. Choose "Single Sliding Door" when...

Limited Space: You only have remaining wall space on one side for the door to slide into for storage.
Standard Door Size: The walkway width is approximately 90-100 cm, which is sufficient for people to pass each other closely (narrow clearance).
Focus on Value: Suitable for small shops or for partitioning rooms within an office.

2. Choose "Double Sliding Door" when...

Need a spacious entrance: The opening is wider than 1.5 meters to allow people to walk past each other conveniently or to easily push carts/trolleys through.
Desire Symmetry: The doors opening apart from the center provide a Welcoming feeling and look more premium.
Support High Traffic: Suitable for locations where people are constantly entering and exiting because the two door panels work together to open, making the travel distance shorter and the opening speed faster.

4 Important Checklists Before Deciding to Buy

To ensure the door is practical and durable, do not forget to consider these 4 points:

Measure Side Wall Space (Side Room): This is a fatal point that many people miss!
- Single Leaf: Must have side space >= Door width.
- Bi-leaf: Must have side space on both sides >= Half of the door width per panel.
Check Load-bearing Beam: The automatic door rail combined with the glass weight is significant. If using large glass panels, the lintel/beam must be strong enough (capable of supporting 100-200 kg).
User Volume (Traffic): If it is a department store or hospital, a Bi-leaf Sliding Door is always recommended for safety and speed.
Safety System: Whether single or double, you must ensure a Safety Beam or anti-pinch sensor is installed.

Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Do not choose double doors if the side wall is insufficient: If the space to store the door panels is not enough, the door will not open fully, causing the walkway to become narrower and look unattractive.

❌ Do not misunderstand that double doors need 2 motors: Standard automatic door models from Door Studio and leading brands use only 1 high-quality motor driving via a belt. This is easier to maintain and saves on long-term repair costs.

❌ Do not forget to allow space for maintenance: The rail box lid (Cover) must be able to open for easy service. There should be no ceiling or wall molding blocking it from opening.

FAQ

Q: Single sliding door vs. double sliding door, which one is more durable?

The service life is very similar because they use the same grade of driving equipment (rail set and motor). Durability primarily depends on proper, level installation and regular maintenance.

Q: Does it take a long time to install a sliding door?

It usually takes only 1 day (approximately 4-8 hours), depending on the readiness of the site.

Q: If the power goes out, can the door be opened?

It can be opened manually like a regular sliding door, or a backup battery can be installed for continuous operation.

Summary of

Choosing the right door will help your project look good and ensure long-term durability. If you have measured the space but are still unsure, Door Studio is happy to provide consultation and on-site assessment for you.