The trend of replacing older double doors with a small transom is still going strong—and for good reason. More and more homeowners are opting to go with a single 42-inch wide, 8-foot tall fiberglass door, flanked by two sidelights, instead.
This layout keeps the bold presence of a double door system but adds cleaner lines, better energy efficiency, and far more design flexibility when done right.
The Challenge with 42-Inch Door Profiles
Even though this trend has picked up a lot of momentum, 42-inch doors are still relatively new to the fiberglass door industry. That means profile options are somewhat limited compared to the more common 36-inch doors.
This is where customization becomes essential—and where working closely with clients makes a huge difference.
Customizing the Sidelight Design
For this project, the client had found an inspiration photo online that featured an abstract sidelight pattern. Rather than simply copying it, we took that reference and completely redrew the design from scratch. Together with the client, we carefully adjusted the composition and flow of the pattern to suit the actual proportions of their door and sidelights.
At first glance, it may seem like a random design—but it was the result of a lot of thoughtful back-and-forth to ensure it felt unique and intentional. The final product is a custom front door that no one else has.
Why It’s Worth the Wait
Yes, custom design adds time to the production process. And yes, it can be a few extra weeks. But when you’re talking about the main focal point of your home’s exterior, that time investment is nothing compared to the 30+ years you’ll be walking through it.
We always tell clients: if you’re going custom, go all the way.
Why I Still Do This
These kinds of projects are exactly why I started my own company. Back when I worked for someone else, I was tired of repeating the same 10 door styles over and over. Now, helping clients create something from scratch—and seeing their reaction when it becomes real—is still the part of the job I enjoy the most.
And honestly? I don’t think I could ever go back to doing it any other way.