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Replacing double door entrance doors

8 years ago

I have a two door entrance which was fantastic when we moved in last year because the doors swing wide open and all furniture went through easily. They are original (25 years old) and pretty unattractive in my opinion. Time to replace. The doors are 36" each and the rough opening 74". When I've priced replacement doors, the low end seems to be about $3000 or so and pricing climbs steadily upward from there.

Two questions:

Why is the cost of a set of double doors 1 and 1/2 to 2 times more expensive than single doors? Has anyone found reasonable manufacturers or retailers for these?

Is there a way to use 2 stock 36" doors with opposite hand swings and successfully reframe them to create a double door unit? This would seem more cost effective. I do realize at least one would have to have no prefilled holes for hardware.

Thank you for any help you can provide. I'd love pictures if anyone has any to share.

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Comments (8)

PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago

debbie1031:

What makes it "Time to replace."? I've done some double door restorations that looked like new and were much less expensive than replacement.
Fori
8 years ago
Those doors have a 70s vibe that some people might want gone. (I think they are pretty great though.)

Debbie, is it possible to do a facelift on your existing doors? Or are they really that bad? :P
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PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
8 years ago
Fori:

In hurricane zones, replacing doors and jambs can mean retrofitting homes to modern code; rebar and concrete in the walls. I found this out the hard way. Made about $9.00 an hour on a slider replacement a year or so ago. Passed inspection though.
debbie1031
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for the replies! Been busy at work and just getting an opportunity to check back in- the truth is that the doors function just fine, but are dated. It's truly just an aesthetic thing for me, which is why I hesitate to spend $3k+ on new. I'll attempt to post a pick, but imagine I'll fail on that!
debbie1031
Original Author
8 years ago
It's compressed and sideways, and I can't figure out for the life of me how to turn it right side up- even with the help of my 8 year old-haha!
debbie1031
Original Author
8 years ago
....and right there in the comment box until I hit submit?!!! Wth?
Fori
8 years ago
If an 8 year old can't help you, it's hopeless! :)

Do you have a climate where weather is meaningful? You might be able to justify the cost of replacements (at least a little bit) with the improved insulation.
debbie1031
Original Author
8 years ago
I can't justify it based on weather! We're in Western NY. Snow belt, seven feet of snow at a time, and it doesn't even have a draft! I think I'll see what paint does for it!

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