When configuring doors for your home, it’s important to consider a few important factors before making a decision. Which way should the doors swing? Should they slide instead? What about single versus double doors? Here are some tips and tricks to consider when planning your entryway so you can make the best choices for your space.
Swinging Doors
The most common door in the Louisville, Kentucky and the surrounding area is an inswing door, which opens inward or into the house. Variations can include single or double doors or even a patio unit, combining a fixed door panel with a swinging panel. When using inswing doors throughout the house, it’s important to account for traffic flow and furniture layout so the inward swing doesn’t interfere with the living space.
If traffic flow or furniture do turn out to be an issue, another option is an outswing door. These doors pull open to the outside of the house, though you’ll still need to have room on the stoop or porch for the door to swing unimpeded. Not all outswing doors are equal. Marvin builds an outswing door which manages water infiltration. Other manufacturers do not. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s door warranty to understand your risk.
Sliding Doors
In situations where neither an inswing nor outswing is ideal, you might consider a sliding door, which has no swing at all. Instead, it slides open and shut, maximizing space. Additionally, for interior entries in newer homes or new builds, pocket doors can be created to hide the door inside the wall when not needed. For spaces where the walls cannot accommodate pocket doors (and privacy is not a major concern), barn door concepts are a great option. These doors hang from specialized hardware, allowing them to easily slide over the adjoining wall when open.
Finding the Right Fit
Depending on your preference, there are many ways to configure your entryway beyond the classic look. Front doors with sidelites can be replaced with double doors, for example. One current trend is removing sidelites and transoms and replacing them with a double door configuration that spans the full width and height of the entry, creating a truly grand entrance. Due to the complexity of this entryway configuration, you’ll likely need to work with a custom door manufacturer and expert installation team like Door Store and Windows to get the job done right. The results though will speak for themselves!
Before picture of a client’s door with sidelites and transom. They wanted to replace the entry with something a bit more modern.
Look at this transformation. Sidelites and transom – gone!
Accommodating ADA Requirements
As our population gets older, requests for entryway thresholds that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) have become much more common. Ordinarily, door thresholds are 1 1⁄2” to 2” high, which can be difficult to navigate for those with trouble walking or who are in wheelchairs. ADA thresholds are much lower—1⁄4” to 3⁄4” high—to make it easier to enter. However, these thresholds are not rated against wind and water infiltration and require adequate overhead protection and cover to minimize water seepage. Often, it can be more cost effective to designate one entry for ADA-compliance to avoid the possible need for major structural additions and changes.
Ready to learn more about choosing the perfect door for your space? Give us a call at 502-896-1717 or send us an email to set up your free in-home, no-obligation consultation.
