Don't apologize someone2010 -- this is new to me, and while I've tried to familiarize myself with the jargon, I don't want to give anybody the impression that I know what I'm doing! It never hurts for me to double-check. The Baldwin Lexington handleset I'm considering is available with a 2 1/2" backset, which mine is. It also fits my 1 3/4" thick doors. The only thing about my existing doors which limits my handleset choices is the diameter of the holes. Because we use the front door primarily, I do want good quality hardware. The Weslock is attractive enough and certainly less expensive, but you indicate that Baldwin is better. I don't mind paying more and going through the hassle of enlarging the diameter of the holes, if I wind up with trouble-free hardware. I've posted on the woodworking forum about enlarging the holes, and they've given me good advice. I think I can do it myself. There are pitfalls, however. I could wind up with correctly-sized cross bores, but non-standard backsets -- I think I said that right! Thanks!

We have iron double doors and they ARE heavy. They are very well balanced though and open and close like "butterrrr". My toddler grandchildren have no problem moving them once they are open. Price these doors before you fall in love with either idea. Our door was reasonable (4K +) but they can run much higher. Your hardware for these doors is not inexpensive either, and if you have the requirements that Renovator spoke of for your area of not being able to leave one side latched- a double may not be worth the security hassles. Our double door is inside a security gated courtyard so we often leave it open in nice weather when kiddos are not around.

People have storm doors because, they open doors and pull down the screen for air. A storm door has a security lock on it, for safety. Phantom screens are wrecked by children and pets go right through them and can escape your property and end lost or worse. I personally, would never ever be without storm doors on my house. I have very nice wood doors, and they are original to the house and still in excellent condition because they were protected with storm doors.

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...