Changing Double Door to Single Door with Sidelights

Case 9009

Type: Single Doors, Doors with Sidelights, Double Doors, Modern Doors
Area of Installation: Entryway
Location: Courtice, Clarington, Durham
Door: SKU-2148-0371

Sometimes the change goes in the opposite direction — from double doors to a single door. In many cases, that actually improves how the entry performs day to day.

This home originally had a traditional double door. While double doors can look impressive, they also rely on a passive leaf secured with top and bottom pins. Over time, there’s often a bit of play there, which can lead to small drafts.

For this project, we switched to a single shaker-style entry door with two sidelights, using clear border obscure glass to keep natural light while maintaining privacy. The sidelights help preserve the width and brightness of the entry while allowing the main door itself to remain solid and well sealed.

Personally, I’m not a big fan of double doors for that reason. A single door with sidelights is usually sturdier and seals better overall. But at the same time, many homeowners still prefer double doors because they open wider and make it easier to move large items in and out of the house.

In reality, most furniture and appliance manufacturers design around standard door sizes, so access is rarely a problem even with a single door configuration.
The result here is a front entry that feels balanced, bright, and more solid — with the clean proportions of a modern shaker design.

Need professional door replacement? Whether you're thinking about upgrading to double doors or simplifying to a single door with sidelights, we’re happy to help you explore what works best for your home and opening.

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