Alternative to Sliding Glass Door?
by
Kkl28397178
+11
We have a sliding glass door between the kitchen and a 3-season unheated porch that used to be a deck. We don't have enough clearance for French doors to open into either room. We need a door. Any ideas on something other than a slider? Thx.
Would you have clearance enough for one door? You could go with one of those doors that are split in half, don't remember what they are called. You could either enclose the rest of the space, or put in some type of tall window in the space that is left.
I think you would still like the natural light from the porch, but more protection from the cold. And you need to make sure this back door has a strong lock and/or a security system. Perhaps a wide wood door with long narrow windows would let in enough light. The narrow wall to fill in the rest of the space where your sliders are now, should be solid wood, too. The wide door's handle and locks will connect into the narrow wall, maybe made of a matching door, cut down to size. The narrow wall could have a larger long window, like the door's, but maybe a little wider than the door's, or the same size. Best wishes 😇
Door with side-kites, perhaps.
Darn auto correct...lites!
Do you have room for pocket doors?
How about a divided light door with 2 side light panels? http://www.homedepot.com/b/Doors-Windows-Exterior-Doors-Front-Doors-Fiberglass-Doors/Single-door-with-Sidelites/1-Panel/No-panel/N-5yc1vZc94bZ25ecodZ1z0sf7dZ1z0sfc2Z1z0sfpk?NCNI-5
French doors always look so nice compared to sliders but sliders are practical when space is a problem. Companies have "married" the two together and now actually DO make sliders that look like French doors. They look lovely and I think, once you check them out, you'll like their classy (but practical) look too.
PS: I neglected to mention that if your budget allows, you may want to eventually reduce the size of the wall so you go down to a single door. However, if the living room is relatively warm in the Winter, I still like the idea of keeping as much glass as possible so that your interior doesn't become too dark.
Those look like 36" wide doors. I see a height difference based on the rug, there is a slight step down. A door or window company would be able to make you a 72" door get with a split 36" french door in the center and two side lights with matching french glass panels, delivered in about 30 days. This is not a big box home store purchase. Find a Marvin window distributor in your area, talk to him. This is not even close to difficult. Unless your husband is a carpenter by trade, hire one to do the install. Most weekend warriors forget that a door must be plumb, square and true in all three Geometric planes. Hanging a large door doubles the fun. Good luck. BTW, Why Marvin? According to my research, done a couple of years ago prior to replacing a dozen windows in my 60 yr old brick house, Marvin still makes the best all around product in terms of thermal efficiency. Triple glazed, filled with inert gas to guarantee no thermal transfer, Wood frame. Thats why Marvin.
Oh, a Dutch door. I love them. Thank you for the input!
Sliding barn door
Better picture of sliding barn door