One of the more interesting trends over the past several years has been the growing shift from traditional double door setups to large single doors—especially as 42-inch wide fiberglass doors have become more widely available across different manufacturers.
This transition has opened up a lot of design freedom. A typical builder-grade double door with a transom above it usually fits into a brick opening of roughly 68 by 95 inches (give or take). That space is ideal for replacing the old setup with a 42-inch by 96-inch fiberglass door, paired with two sidelights.
Not only does this give homeowners a modernized look, but it also increases security, simplifies the locking system, and allows for a more airtight installation. And from a design perspective, it’s a win-win.
The Two-Panel Door: Timeless and Versatile
One of the most popular configurations for these wide doors is still the two-panel fiberglass door, and for good reason. Depending on the choices around glass, color, hardware, and finish, the same basic slab can swing from rustic to ultra-modern.
If you scroll back through a few of our older projects, you’ll find examples like a plank-style two-panel fiberglass door with wrought iron in the sidelights and a traditional-style lever set—full of warmth and character.
But this latest project went in the opposite direction: clean, minimal, and transitional.
We used a smooth two-panel layout without planks, paired with privacy glass sidelights free of any decorative metalwork. The modern lever set by Emtek tied everything together and gave it a distinctly contemporary look—precisely what the client was after.
Why Design Flexibility Matters
I love being able to tweak these small elements with clients—working through the many possible combinations of door grain, panel layout, glass design, and hardware until we land on something that feels just right for their space. It’s a collaborative process, and one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
Unfortunately, a lot of door companies today have reduced that process to flipping through 3 to 5 stock options in a binder. There’s not much room left for design exploration or customization in that kind of setup.
But for clients who care about how their entrance feels—how it fits the home, the proportions, the lines—these little decisions matter.
Final Thoughts
Swapping double doors for a single fiberglass entry door is one of the most impactful updates a homeowner can make. It simplifies the mechanics, improves efficiency, and with the right design approach, completely transforms the curb appeal.
Whether you’re after a rustic cottage vibe or a sleek transitional entryway, the fiberglass door market today offers more flexibility than ever before—and it’s our job to make the most of it.