Choosing a summerhouse is not just about size and cladding. The doors you pick will shape how much light gets in, how easy the building is to use day to day, and how secure it feels when it is locked up. Whether you are planning a garden office, a hobby room or a simple retreat at the end of the garden, the door style matters more than you might think.
This guide compares the main summerhouse door styles available, so you can pick the option that best suits how you plan to use your space.
The main door styles
Single door
A single door is the simplest option and works well on smaller buildings or where space is tight. It takes up less wall area, which leaves more room for windows if you want extra light elsewhere. A single door is also usually the most affordable choice and is easy to open one handed, which is handy if you are often carrying tools or garden equipment in and out.
The trade off is access. If you need to move larger items in and out, such as furniture, bikes or gym equipment, a single door can feel restrictive.
Double doors
Double doors open up the full width of the doorway, making them ideal if you plan to move bulky items in and out regularly. They also let in a wide band of light when opened, which can make a garden room or hobby space feel more open and connected to the garden. This is the style used on our Summer Houses range, including the popular Woodham, which pairs double doors with a generous verandah for sitting out.
Double doors do need a bit more wall space and, because they include two locking points, it is worth checking that both leaves are properly secured rather than relying on just one bolt.
French doors
French doors are a variation on the double door, usually built with more glazing so they let in the most light of the three styles. They suit buildings used as a garden office or reading room, where natural light is a priority. Many people fit French doors alongside larger side windows to make the most of the effect.
Because French doors have more glass, they can cost a little more than solid timber doors, and the extra glazing is something to bear in mind for security, which we cover below.
Comparing the options
| Door style | Light let in | Ease of access | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single door | Low to moderate | Good for everyday use, limited for large items | Smaller buildings, storage-led spaces |
| Double doors | Moderate to high | Best for moving large items | Hobby rooms, garden gyms, general garden rooms |
| French doors | Highest | Good, though usually less wide than double doors | Garden offices, reading rooms, spaces where light is the priority |
Light, access and security
Light is largely down to how much glazing the door has. French doors usually win here, followed by double doors, with a single door letting in the least unless it is paired with windows nearby.
Access depends on how wide the opening needs to be. If you are planning to use your summerhouse as a home gym or a space for entertaining, double doors make it far easier to move furniture and equipment in and out. For everyday use, such as popping in to read or work, a single door is often all you need.
Security is worth thinking about for any garden building, particularly one with more glazing. Simple steps such as fitting a good quality lock, keeping hinges out of easy reach and considering a shed alarm can make a real difference. The Metropolitan Police has straightforward advice on keeping outbuildings secure, which applies just as well to a summerhouse as it does to a shed or garage.
Windows matter too
Door style is only part of the picture. Pairing your chosen door with the right summerhouse windows can boost light levels even further, particularly if you go for a single door but still want a bright, airy feel. If your existing doors or windows are looking tired, it is also worth knowing that replacements do not always mean a full rebuild. Our replacement summerhouse doors and windows service is designed to fit your existing building, so you can upgrade the look and function without starting from scratch.
Which door style is right for you?
If you are still deciding, it helps to think about how you will actually use the building day to day.
- Choose a single door if space is limited or the building is mainly for storage.
- Choose double doors if you need wide access for furniture or equipment, or you want a bright, open feel when the doors are opened up.
- Choose French doors if natural light is your top priority, such as for a garden office or a quiet reading space.
Whichever style you choose, getting the balance of light, access and security right will make your summerhouse a space you actually want to spend time in.