Replace entry door from single with sideline to double

7 years ago

Attached is the picture of my current front entry door for a split level house. Over the year, it feels very "tight" although the door is either 34" or 36" width. The problem is when it swing opens, leaves only around 1 feet clearance to the stair/railing inside. I also thought that sideline is somewhat useless as it can't move, especially when moving large furniture in and out (not regular but DOES happen). I only "use" it when looking for packages outside.

I am thinking about replacing that single door with a double door and with a bonus of glass piece on top, either right on top (like below photo I got from the Internet):

.. or the glass window is a bit higher like so (with double door of course):

I came to the Home Improvement store and they said I have to use 32" width door, which makes it 64" width opening. The reason is that the measurement from wall to wall right now is only 69". That means I cannot fit double door with 36" width. There is no double door with 34" width that I can find (that is within reasonable cost).

My questions are:

1. Should I use black or white double door? My house has several places with black and white, although I would say more black such as countertop. I am OK with the metal railing now but I am open to update it as well while at it (if so, any idea?).

2. What do you think about changing from single to double in general? Is it a good idea or no in general?

Thanks.

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Patricia Colwell Consulting

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

Could you post a pic of the house from further back, that door as is is awful I like double doors but they have there drawbacks too such as in your case the one door will be narrower.The house looks to be contemporary so why not a wider door with a narrow side light like this and you could still do a window above if you wanted.

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Comments (6)

Nicole Bailey
Original Author
7 years ago
If I do a larger single door, it will be nearly touching the stair inside. I have seen 32" door in a double door and it's not too bad actually.
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Sammy
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
As long as both sides open, 32” is plenty wide for each door in a double door entry. And skip the transom (the glass over the door) that you were thinking about. Actually, can you post a photo showing the entire front of your house? It helps to see the whole when choosing the parts. ;)

P.S. If you can, please upload larger photos.
NHBabs z4b-5a NH
7 years ago
I have spent time in a Victorian with a double door, and I really found the double door unappealing. I always found it felt really narrow using one door, but a hassle to open and close with two doors if I had anything in my hands. I also tend to view them as less secure, though I am not sure that this is true.

I don’t totally understand why the door swinging near the base of the steps is an issue. How often do you have the door half open rather than all the way open or all the way closed? It just swings by the base of the steps. I like Patricia’s suggestion though as others have said, seeing the whole front of the house would help with suggestions that suit the architecture as a whole.
Nicole Bailey
Original Author
7 years ago
Let's me try to take more photos and update. Sorry the ones I have is low resolution. Sammy, the glass on top of the door is to bring more lighting into the house and stairs. It doesn't have to be directly on top but a square glass between ceiling and top of the door. Don't you think it's a good idea though? NHBabs z4b-5a NH, over time when we have guests and 1 person standing outside and 2 inside, the door is always swing back and forth while we talk and it is stucked in the middle. Two people standing inside is impossible with the door is 1 foot against the stair. Also when we have packages and left inside right at the entrance, it's very tough to move around the door between upstair and downstair... I would also think shaving 2-4" might not help it either for the space limitation but just thinking...
NHBabs z4b-5a NH
7 years ago
Rehang the door so iIt parks against the wall when open and doesn’t swing out towards the stairs until you move it.