I have a question about my front door. Long story short, I moved into my grandparents house after they passed away. I am slowly trying to update it because it’s quite outdated.
is there anyway to update a windowless sidelite into one with windows? Or even just updating it period. I’m wondering if it’s a diy job or I would need to hire someone I’m pretty good with woodworking and can do most beginner jobs by myself
I’ve included a picture of what I’m trying to ask about. It’s the white panels on the side of the front door. I plan on changing the shutters to navy and possibly painting my front door to match. I’m just not sure what to do with the side panels
Replies
If you want to leave the existing sidelight in place and just remove the glass you can install plywood inserts where the glass was removed and finish the exterior with a good wood putty, sand and paint. If you are in a colder region however, you may want to replace the entire door and sidelight for one that is more energy efficient. The door and sidelight are typically one complete unit so just removing the sidelight can be done but it’s a more complicated procedure. Hope this helps
The photo did not show up.
I think he wants to go the other way, put in windows where there are none.
the answer is, it all depends. (on what exactly is there now)
I would suggest watching "How to Replace Sidelights on a Front Door | Ask This Old House", which shows the replacement of two sidelights with updated sidelights. I don't know if this example is applicable to your situation, as the picture was not included in your posting...
Installing A Sidelight--Door--Sidelight Unit from Gary Katz, also on You-Tube, is an excellent video on installing an entire unit (door with 2 sidelights), if you end up doing that. By the way, Gary Katz's videos on door installation are the best I've ever seen, that makes door installation systematic...