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Remodeling Design Dilemma entry

32" Entry Door too Narrow?

3 years ago

We are replacing our 36 x 80 "builder grade" entry door and 12" sidelights with a new Pre-Hung wood door. We really like the look of 36 x 80 door with 14" sidelights - that requires us to remove molding in our entry way and replace with molding that is different from the surrounding molding (which I prefer not to do). My contractor suggested getting a 32 x 80 entry door with 14 inch sidelights but I am concerned that might look too narrow. We do have french doors in the back of the house so there is access for large pieces of furniture. Any thoughts...go with standard 36 x 80 and mismatch the molding in the entry way or go with the smaller door?

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Comments (5)

erinsean
3 years ago
Yes, I think it would look too narrow. Also do you have friends that use a walker or a wheelchair? They would not be able to come into your house through that door.
Nan Smith thanked erinsean
greg_2015
3 years ago
Why don't you just stick with the 12" sidelights and replace the 36x80 builder grade door with a nicer door?

I'd rather have a wider door than wider sidelights.
Nan Smith thanked greg_2015
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Tara
3 years ago
Get the wider door. People in a wheelchair or walker will thank you, and you will thank yourself when you need to bring in appliances and sofas.
Nan Smith thanked Tara
George
3 years ago
Wheel chairs are made to fit through 32 inch door openings so that shouldn’t be a concern . Anyway you have back door . Do what looks better . I’d rather have trim that matches pretty well then a door that looks off 100% of the time because it’s too narrow . Try to see if Home Depot or another store has a display with the proportions you are considering .

Btw, very few contractors have an eye for design . They are trying to solve a different problem . I would still listen to their advice though .
strategery
3 years ago
Yes, 32" is too narrow.

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