Replacing 36" Front Door with Full Lite Glass Door

4 years ago

We are almost done updating a 1970 coastal SoCal 5BR/3BA home in Carlsbad to sell. We added sliders, french doors etc. to let light in. Last issue is the front door - it enters a dark entry hall, so I choose a full-lite glass door, same as the other exterior doors.

Unsure whether it should be clear glass (front door faces towards side of yard away from street so it's semi-private) or for full privacy glass with blinds or frosted glass door. I am leaning towards glass with blinds, yet unsure if this is too "cheap" a front door for ~$1M home (value is in coastal location, 5BR/3BA size & all the updates!).

Thank you in advance!

Featured Answer

PRO

HALLETT & Co.

4 years ago

I hate blinds mounted ON a door because theY rattle and the strings get caught in the doorknob. I hate blinds between the glass because they are cheesy and are unrepairable WHEN they break. Neither option belongs in a million dollar home. I sound judgy but I’ve owned both.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (16)

PRO
HALLETT & Co.
4 years ago
I hate blinds on doors that are used frequently, so if you have privacy concerns get frosted or textured glass.
KC Krause thanked HALLETT & Co.
deb s
4 years ago
I just replaced mine with glass but bottom 1/3 is panel so it looks more finished-- I placed a door hanger and wreath to provide a bit of "privacy" I LOVE IT as the light is fantastic
KC Krause thanked deb s
Related Discussions
Replacing Double Front Doors on 70s Box like house
Q
Comments (22)
Hi Ellendi, luckily it is quite a mix of houses around here and the ones I posted are not close :) Good point though, I do not want to copy the color or styles of the houses close to us. Thanks for the link AnnieD - lots of good ideas there. I think I am going to go with plain glass and then add an applique if it is annoying to have the plain glass. I now need to decide whether to do one door with a window on the left side only that opens as a casement or the top that opens like an awning or the single door in the middle with either two fixed windows or two sidelights. If I do the one fixed window on the left side, I was thinking of making the door mostly wood with a window on top. Any suggestions on door websites? I attached a better picture of our existing doors looking straight on. We are going to cover the walkway with a trellis and get rid of the windows on the right side (garage) and change out the windows to the left of the front door. I am thinking of trying to match or complement the windows to the left with the window(s) at the front door. Lots of details :)
...See More
Front entry 38" wide single door v. double door? Full wrought iron?
Q
Comments (6)
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.
...See More
Selecting replacement front door glass and door color
Q
Comments (10)
We realized today that we have one decorative window in our house. Should we try to match the effect in the door glass, or does it not matter? For reference this window is on the stair landing between the first and second floors. The stairs start just after the foyer near the front door. The closest thing I could find was the Vapor glass. https://www.zabitat.com/u/odl-perspectives-low-e-door-glass---textured-vapor---24-x-66-evolve-frame-kit-686le-vpr We could also try to match the diamond cluster pattern. https://www.zabitat.com/u/western-reflections-door-glass-beaufort-24-x-66-frame-kit-686bft Any suggestions on which direction to go? 1. Match texture; 2. Match pattern; 3. doesn't matter do a simple rainglass.
...See More
Pros/Cons of replacing French Doors with Sliding Glass Doors
Q
Comments (20)
I like to use French doors and rarely if ever use sliders, personal preference because I like the way they look and how the hardware looks when closed and the handsets are side-by-side and the hinges are on the edges. Lever hardware is preferable to knob or sliding hardware IMHO, ease of use. Inswing preferable to outswing. One exception to true French doors where both open was last year when I ordered one side operable and the other side fixed, with dummy hardware on the fixed side. This reason was this was a longtime guesthouse bedroom where some guests did not understand the 5 point lock or latches. I would find people added rubber bands to hold the doors closed by binding the handles together, and once found a hook&eye attached to the interior to (unsuccessfully) keep the doors closed. Guests are sometimes older and have enough to get used to in a new place without a lesson on how to close the doors, I want visits to be as stress free as possible (and for me not to worry about water damage if a set of doors went unchecked).
...See More
KC Krause
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank you for the comments! Why don't you like blinds on doors that get used alot? The modern blinds in the glass are EZ to use & give the best of both worlds - look into the side yard or if you need more privacy leave the blinds down.
KC Krause
Original Author
4 years ago
Like the 1/3 panel idea!
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
4 years ago
I really dislike blinds inside the window when they go wrong it is the ugliest thing ever. Get a clear glass door and if the new owners want blinds let them add them
KC Krause thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
ptreckel
4 years ago
A quick question....How visible is the front door from the street or sidewalk in front of it? Go out in the evening when all of your interior lights are on. Open the (current) front door. Stand on the street or sidewalk. What do you see? Can you see inside the house? If nothing, then I wouldn’t worry about it. Or is your concern that people standing at the front door can see inside your home? Like others here...my concern is more about the mechanism within the door breaking (as they sometimes do), and then having to replace it. What about a full light door with a custom textured glass? Something that compliments the aesthetic of your home. Light will be able to get in through the door, but the interior will be obscured. Just a thought....
KC Krause thanked ptreckel
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
4 years ago
Full glass with plantation shutters on the inside would be appropriate.
KC Krause thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
Lynda
4 years ago
I have blinds between the glass on my french doors and love them (disagree on the "cheesy" comment - yes, judgy). I don't think I would like them on the front door, though?
Storybook Home
4 years ago
Our front door has a full length glass insert. It’s textured (a modern fracture kind of texture, not the rough 90’s look). I LOVE it. It lets in so much light but we have complete privacy. It has some minor mirror qualities so you see your own reflection at night, not in or out.

I too dislike door blinds. They rattle and swing. I dislike the plantation shutters on a door too. They belong on windows (I have a house full of them) not doors IMO. Either get the privacy glass or regular glass and let buyers add a treatment. Don’t get blinds.
felizlady
4 years ago
The glass doors should all be safety glass for the security and protection of the people who will live there. They should all have more than the basic lock installed by the factory.
A hidden entry door can be a target for burglars. Is there a gate to restrict access?
Security is something many buyers in a high-priced community will expect.
Mrs. S
4 years ago
Kervin, I live not far from you. Your front door choice looks to me like every builder grade back door in Carlsbad. I don't mean that in a mean way, but are you sure this door is going to fit the house and the expectations of the neighborhood?

I understand the entry is dark, but perhaps you can address that issue with a solitube, or a window near the door?

Additionally, and this is just a preference, but I wouldn't put glass on a front door like that. As you know, burglaries are on the rise, and it would be so easy and tempting to break into that house right through that glass. Just my 2Cents.
KC Krause
Original Author
4 years ago
Extremely safe cul-de-sac with ~50% of residents at home during the day. So hard to come & go without someone outside seeing what is going on. Otherwise, yes there is a front gate front door is private, except for the neighbor can see you if they happen to be outside looking over. Going with the all glass to let the light in & basic simple design. The view is nice with citrus & lavender plants. EnJOY coastal SoCal Living!!
tqtqtbw
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
This looks very much like a back door to me. I have the 1/2 door retrofit version on my kitchen door and it has gotten a bit wonky this week. Not suitable for a $1MM house's front door. A house like that needs something with style.

Metallux, Stainless Steel Armored Security Exterior Door, Gray, Right Hand · More Info

Stainless Steel Modern Entry Door, Gray Finish, Left Hand Inswing · More Info
Barbara Bass
3 years ago
Without side light of course.
PRO
Zabitat, Door Glass Replacement
3 years ago
If you like blinds, but aren't a fan of the white slats because they may look more inexpensive or don't match your home's style as well -- take a look at some Enclosed Blinds in colors

. These are offered in full view and half view options.

Replacing 36" Front Door with Full Lite Glass Door

HALLETT & Co.

Comments (16)

HALLETT & Co.

deb s

Related Discussions

KC Krause
Original Author

KC Krause
Original Author

Patricia Colwell Consulting

ptreckel

BeverlyFLADeziner

Lynda

Storybook Home

felizlady

Mrs. S

KC Krause
Original Author

tqtqtbw

Barbara Bass

Zabitat, Door Glass Replacement

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Replacing 36" Front Door with Full Lite Glass Door

Comments (16)

Related Discussions

KC KrauseOriginal Author

KC KrauseOriginal Author

KC KrauseOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

KC Krause
Original Author

KC Krause
Original Author

KC Krause
Original Author