Some door styles never really go out of fashion, and the classic two-panel front door with two sidelights is definitely one of them.
This project, completed back in 2022 for our friends at Dark Horse Management, is a great example of how a relatively simple door configuration can become something special with the right combination of materials, finishes, and hardware.
I’ve shared quite a few two-panel doors over the years, but surprisingly, there aren’t nearly as many of them in our finished project gallery as I originally thought.
And this one definitely deserves a spot.
Choosing the Right Manufacturer for Each Project
One of the things I’ve learned over the years is that not all fiberglass door manufacturers are created equal.
Around 2021, I started putting more effort into expanding our network of door suppliers and manufacturers. Up until then, we had relied on a relatively small group of companies for most of our projects.
While many manufacturers use similar construction methods and offer comparable products, each has its own strengths.
Some specialize in oversized fiberglass doors, others offer more flexibility with custom sizes or panel configurations, and some produce exceptionally realistic woodgrain textures.
The challenge is figuring out which manufacturer is the best fit for each individual project.
It makes the design and estimating process a little more complicated, but it also gives us significantly more flexibility when creating custom entry door systems.
And after working with so many different manufacturers over the years, I think we’ve gotten pretty good at knowing who to call for what.
Why Cherry Woodgrain Fiberglass Was the Right Choice
For this particular project, one of the main priorities was achieving a realistic natural wood appearance.
That’s where the cherry woodgrain fiberglass door came in.
Cherry has always been one of my favorite wood textures. It has a distinctive grain pattern that adds depth and character without being overly pronounced.
With the advances in fiberglass door manufacturing, modern woodgrain textures can now replicate the appearance of natural wood remarkably well.
The grain is molded directly into the fiberglass skin, creating a three-dimensional texture that becomes especially noticeable when paired with a properly applied stained finish.
It’s one of those details that can make a relatively simple two-panel door look considerably more interesting.
And unlike a traditional wood door, a fiberglass entry door offers the advantage of lower maintenance and better resistance to moisture-related deterioration.
Creating a Traditional Entry Door Design
The goal for this project was to create a more traditional front entrance rather than something overly contemporary.
The two-panel door profile was a natural starting point.
It’s one of the most versatile door styles available, but the final appearance depends heavily on the surrounding details.
The color of the door, the type of glass used in the sidelights, and the hardware style all influence whether the finished system feels traditional, transitional, or modern.
For this project, we selected the finish, glass, and hardware to complement the cherry woodgrain texture and create a cohesive traditional appearance.
The two sidelights also help balance the proportions of the entrance while allowing natural light into the home.
The result is a custom fiberglass door system that feels substantial and elegant without relying on overly complicated decorative elements.
The Importance of Getting the Details Right
One of the things I enjoy most about designing custom front doors is that even familiar configurations can look completely different depending on the choices made along the way.
You can take the same two-panel door profile, change the woodgrain texture, adjust the finish, select a different glass pattern, and use another hardware style—and end up with an entirely different aesthetic.
That’s why I prefer approaching every project individually rather than simply offering clients a handful of standard door packages.
Sometimes the most important decision isn’t the overall door configuration. It’s choosing the right manufacturer, the right texture, and the right combination of finishing details.
Final Thoughts
This project is a great reminder that a beautiful custom entry door doesn’t necessarily need to be oversized or feature an elaborate design.
Sometimes a classic two-panel fiberglass door, realistic cherry woodgrain texture, and carefully selected glass and hardware are all it takes.
I’m really happy with how this one turned out, and it’s another great example of why having access to different manufacturers makes such a difference in what we can offer our clients.
Simple, traditional, and timeless.