Replacing an (Apparently) Odd-Sized Front Door

[David Stone]

My house has a double front door.



It's 54" wide (inside jambs). We wanted to replace it with another double door, but 3/4 glass. I've been told that no one makes doors that will fit in the 54" space. We can't expand the opening.

So I'm looking at a 3' door and a single 14" sidelight. But I'm a little concerned that the single sidelight will look weird. Also, it seems that no one makes a 54" transom to fit above the door/single sidelight.

I considered building doors, with glass, to the size I've got now. But I get the impression (from here and other reading on the 'Net) that building a front door is not a good idea.

I'm not sure I really have any options here. Looking for any thoughts or advice.

[GHR]

Find someone to build a door for you.

[Admiral]

Are the existing doors sound? Depending on the answer to that question, and even if you have some repair(s) to do on them, why not retrofit in the top panels the glass you wish to have; perhaps an oval glass set in a new wood panel sized to fit the existing panel. While you are at it, you can strip the paint and see what you've got underneath.

Downside is that you will have to live with a temporary plywood wall or some such thing in your front door whilst you do the work.

Otherwise, its clearly a custom job, and either gird your loins, study up on technique and dive into doorbuilding, or find a pro to do it as has been suggested.

[tomsteve]

i think you may want to investigate more about custom size/made doors.
theres been more than one time ive gone to my local window/siding/door specialist( an jndependant. not hd,lowes,menards,etc) and gotten custom size doors and windows.

[Cooler]

Or two 7" wide side lights. They make 6" x 6" glass blocks. Or use a 12" x 12" and only one side light.

The glass blocks allow light and are supposed to be good insulators.

Replace one of the blocks with regular glass for viewing the visitors. Check local ordinances but standard glass is permitted on sidelights if it is under a specific size. I think that size varies with jurisdiction.

[JGrout]

this is the closest to your meeting your space requirements I have a picture of

the opening is 60" the door is 42" wide



Exterior side


Transoms are easily built as part of the door frame work you only have to buy the glass unless the unit is operable Even then the hardware for the unit is easily acquired

this is a one piece unit take the arches out and remove one sidelight and you have a unit that would fit in 54"

[Bob10]

I was looking for something like the first door for this place as the double doors tend to be problematic for security and sealing up well. The pic shows it mid repair and paint. I replaced windows and roof but the front door is causing me headaches.

[John Mihich]

Norm made a door a few years back. Lots went in to it but not impossible. The big key is the wood you choose. It's not going to be cheap either. But if you want a door to fit I would go that way.

[JGrout]

well there is a way to DIY the retrofit using standard off the shelf parts to assemble a door with a sidelight but it takes some planning to accomplish it. If the unit is too oddly sized you may have to make the sidelight unit and have glass cut and tempered to fit your sash.

If you want help determining what you need I can help with a few key measurements

Joe

[Bob10]

Thanks I might be taking you up on that as I have side light glass available