Glazed Front Door Dilemma

7 years ago

Can anyone give me some advice?

This is the front door of our 1960s house. I want to keep 3 of the panels fully glazed with our street number in one of them and the right end panel blocked off as there is only a small, tight space behind it in which I want to make a cupboard.

The problem is my builder is trying to talk me into a PVC door but cannot show me any pictures or examples of what he wants to do and I'm worried it will look too ' plasticky' and not fit in with the otherwise lovely tree lined area.

Any advice about glazed doors and general revamp of front would be VERY welcome.

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PRO

Synseal Group

7 years ago

Something like this with glass handing reversed

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Comments (17)

headers13
7 years ago
Are the windows upvc as well as if you get a wooden framed door etc then would maybe make the windows look out of place. I like your idea of 3 panels of glass. I really personally dislike upvc anything ! Is the step & the rail staying ? Are they needed as if you lost them to could have some lovely planters outside, couple of bay trees always looks good.
Rach
Original Author
7 years ago
The step is staying but the rail is going. I hate upvc as well and would pay more for a good quality door but I'm out of my depth with door materials. Do I listen to my builder who has otherwise been great or go to someone else like a door specialist?
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Victoria
7 years ago
If you close off the right hand panel the three panels won't be central to the gable / window above and might look unbalanced. I think you need to block off both outer panels.
What is door now? Aluminium?
PRO
Synseal Group
7 years ago
Hi Rachel - you are right a pvcu door will look very "clunky" in your house

What about putting a half glazed panel in the 3 fixed lights and mirroring the look in the door - i would suggest an engineered timber option which will give you good security and thermal performance but great aesthetics as you can choose from lots of farrow and ball style colours

Here's a 3 panel door we did recently
Mrs G
7 years ago
I would block the end one off (as you say), then have the largest front door you can and make side lights smaller
PRO
User
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
i'm with GG or Sinseal. I don't think the front door looks like an entrance at the moment, and would change it to something like the pics above. I particularly like the third grey option.
The only problem with amending from four to three is that they will not be centralised on the house with the top floor windows unless you bring in both sides equally.

Currently they are central to the window above like this:-

The finished new front entrance needs both sides bringing in if you wish to reduce to three panels, like this:-
PRO
Synseal Group
7 years ago
Here is another couple of thoughts - full length panel with etched glass or aluminium frames made wider
Rach
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago

Thanks to all for your help. The latest is that the door couldn't be placed in the centre because it would hit the wall of the little corridor behind but I found this and think we could mimic the left hand panel of the door on the right side.

Either that or build out 40/50cm a slight porch then whatever we chose as a colour match it for the new door and window we are planning in the annex/garage on the left side of the house.

Thank you to all I'm so amazed at all the help.
Jessica Leng
7 years ago
Hi Rachel, I'd keep the door in the position its in now for the sake of your future cupboard, and then add three etched obscure glass panels for a bit of privacy into the house. If you are considering replacing the annex door and windows then the most cost effective options will be to go for composite rather than timber and buy everything colour and style matched.
PRO
User
7 years ago
Ooh very nice Synseal!
Rach
Original Author
7 years ago
I agree very nice. I live near Glasgow, Synseal, but I'm down near Leicester next week I might pop in and see you on my way back.
Rach
Original Author
7 years ago
Synseal could you tell me what that door is made of?
PRO
Synseal Group
7 years ago
Hi Rachel we make doors from engineered timber or grp or aluminium depending on the application. We have a factory at heage in derbyshire where you could view the doors being made
PRO
Synseal Group
7 years ago
Hi Rachel did you get sorted?
Rach
Original Author
7 years ago
Hi Synseal, Have decided to add some wood cladding, new steps, a canopy and also do annex, So I'm looking for someone who can do an exterior 3D image. And I'm also visiting some door manufacturers around Glasgow to get an idea of what materials are available. Thanks for all your help, when I'm down next I'll pop in and see you if I haven't had any luck locally. Rachel
PRO
Synseal Group
7 years ago
Speak to Dalmatian windows at East Kilbride - they will help you out