Without seeing what you are describing, I can only use my imagination based on your description. If I'm understanding what you're describing correctly, I'd say, no, the whole walk doesn't have to be that wide. It would prob be awkward to have a little section of dirt, so what if you made it wide just for that section and then you can branch off into a smaller width from there. Might look like an extension of your patio that way, just stepped down to the level of the sidewalk. Sounds like the added concrete width might be a good spot for a bench or a grouping of potted plants maybe? Again, without seeing the plan, I can only imagine. If you were to break up the sizing of the sidewalk in this way, could you do plantings on either side of the smaller section of the branched sidewalk? If the whole thing is 7' wide and all concrete, it might look more like a driveway right up to the porch. ;) If you did the entire width 7', I'd really think about maybe breaking it up visually by stamping/staining the outer 1.5-2' edges on either side. Might be easier on the eyes than just a wide stretch of concrete all the way across. I still like the idea of varying widths, but it all depends on what you would be left with on either side if you tapered.

Have you priced doors yet? We've been pricing them for the past two years since we desperately need ours replaced. More glass = more expense. If expense isn't an issue, my point is moot. Also, if you are doing doubles versus the single with sidelites, you will be talking a custom size which may cost even more. On top of that, unless you go with a very well made door, the glass may not be warrantied for as long and the insulating levels will be less. In shopping for doors, Provia has an excellent warranty on their door AND glass, most others like Therma-Tru have very limited warranties on their glass; it's a read the fine print type of thing. The downside is Provia is a higher priced than Therma-Tru and only sold through dealers who install the doors themselves. I live in a center hall colonial in New England, I don't think double doors fit my house style or my neighborhood. I've lived in homes with them in the past and when they are full sized, double doors, they are indeed quite nice to have. Do you have a standard 36" door with 12" sidelites? Your double doors would be two 30" doors. Privacy would be a concern unless you covered the windows or opted for designer glass. With the expense, be sure you truly want what you think you want, consider all the changes, before going that route.

I like Porch #1. (A copy of Porch #1 on a wider footprint than your current porch...another 12'' or so added width on both sides of the door & sidelights.) Extending a long porch along the front of your house will shade the windows...depending on where you live, that could be good or bad?

I have finally finished. It took a little longer that I thought. Mainly due to weather. After parging the sides, we replaced the bottom step with a precast step from a local brickyard. It was about $50. Plus some solid blocks to set it on. Then I parged the sides of the new step to help blend it in. Then I painted the whole thing one color. Gave the railing a nice copy of shiny black rustoleum, put up a new mailbox, and some nicer looking house numbers. We also took down the railing next to the sidewalk as it wasn't necessary. I need to touch up the paint a little after adding some flexible caulk around the new step, and spilling a little rustoleum. And get a step stool and take down the little numbers over the door. Then some flowers. I n