FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Master bedroom double door entry

diymarkandmatt | Posted in General Discussion on July 8, 2009 03:26am

Hello Group,
I’m in the middle of a master bath/bedroom remodel and wanted to get some feedback on a design idea.
It’s a standard California track home and one thing that has always bothered me about CA track homes is that they have often have double entry doors into the master. I think it is suppose to make the room feel grand….even though it’s only 12×14. The inswing takes up a lot of floor space and often we leave the left door pegged (fixed) and just use the RH door. Seems goofy to me.
Anyway I’m thinking now is the time to frame it into a 2-8 doorway. But wanted to get your opinions on the idea. Maybe it’s more standard than I thought…

Mark

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    jonblakemore | Jul 08, 2009 03:39am | #1

    How long are you planning on living there?

    For resale, I would be tempted to just leave the door "pegged" and go on with it. But if you're planning on staying for >5 years, I can't see anything wrong with making it a 2/8 door. Maybe consider a 3/0 door for future accessibility (disability, aging in place, an unexpected broken leg, etc.) and ease of moving furniture in and out.

     

    Jon Blakemore

    RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA

  2. fingersandtoes | Jul 08, 2009 03:40am | #2

    What a strange idea. The quicker it's gone the better. French doors are used in between rooms you want to be able to connect or make feel more like one space. Unless you are in the habit of inviting guests into your bedroom (I'd rather not know...) what's the point of the door?

    1. Dave45 | Jul 08, 2009 04:00am | #3

      It may be strange, Fingers, but that's been almost a standard for master BR doors in CA since the 70's.Unless the OP is planning on living there for a loooong time, he's probably better off to leave the double doors alone (no problem leaving one side latched). When he sells, people will expect to see doubles.

    2. calvin | Jul 08, 2009 04:02am | #4

      what's the point of the door?

      It could open up the room to the outdoors. 

      Now, if you have to look at a neighbor or a privacy fence I would guess that might provoke altering the opening. 

      It'd certainly be pretty easy, the header is already there.  However, you might have some exterior questions to deal with-existing long step if there is one, matching siding, the need to keep it over by the ext. light switch. A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

      Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

      http://www.quittintime.com/

       

      1. BryanKlakamp | Jul 08, 2009 04:26am | #7

        Hey Cal, I think he means the door from the hallway into the bedroom, not an O.S. door.

        I'm sure th OP will correct me if I'm wrong."Objects in mirror appear closer than they are."

        Klakamp Construction, Findlay, Ohio - just south of the Glass City

        1. diymarkandmatt | Jul 08, 2009 05:26am | #8

          Correct. Doorway connects bedroom to hallway.

          But I see there are reservations about changing it out to a single door for resale reasons. I am hoping to live here for 7 more years and the practical reason for changing it out is to gain a more smooth entry/exit rather than sneaking through the single side and to gain some floor space where you need to keep clear JIC you need to open that fixed door. At the same time I don't want to detract from from property value.

          I hadn't thought of changing it to a 3-0 door, I think of that size as an exterior entry door. Do any of you have 36" interior doors (or installed in clients) in your homes? Common or anomolie?

          Thanks for all the great feedback.

          Mark

          1. BryanKlakamp | Jul 08, 2009 06:06am | #10

            Mark,

            I installed a three foot door to my bedroom when we added on just for the reason of accessability. What if I had to be in a wheelchair after surgery, etc. even for a short time? It sure would be better than banging up the trim.

            I stayed in a hotel where they had a french door to the bedroom. Was probably four feet wide. Didn't much care for it. One door was too small, and both doors was way more than I needed. It didn't close tightly in the middle either. So much for privacy.

            Speaking of privacy, why don't you put a three foot door in with a sidelight? ;-)

            If you plan on being there at least 7 years, do what you want. Don't worry that much about resale. With how much houses are worth at the moment, it's value is bound to go up!"Objects in mirror appear closer than they are."

            Klakamp Construction, Findlay, Ohio - just south of the Glass City

          2. Jay20 | Jul 08, 2009 06:09am | #11

            I agree on the 3/0 door. Especially if the door comes off the hallway on the side. Just easier to get stuff through and resale time it is an wheelchair acceptable door. Since the door is already a double if you at a later date want to change it back it could be easily done.

          3. mike_maines | Jul 08, 2009 04:43pm | #14

            I like McDesign's idea, except I find sliding doors awkward to operate. 

            3'-0" doors feel really wide to operate, 2'-10" meet accessibility req's and are more comfortable to operate, 2'-8" is even better but does not meet ADA standards.

             

          4. User avater
            McDesign | Jul 08, 2009 06:17pm | #15

            2'8 can meet if you use the offset hinges, that allow the door to swing totally out of the opening - I've installed a couple.

             

            Forrest

          5. mike_maines | Jul 08, 2009 06:34pm | #16

            What do you do about the stops?  They reduce the clear opening to 2'-7".

          6. doorboy | Jul 09, 2009 05:06pm | #26

            Check out the ADA clearance requirements here:
            http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/figures/fig24a.html

            Side note: We just supplied 2-0 doors for restrooms for an Army barracks job. I asked about not meeting the ADA requirements, and the Army's reply--"If they're disABLED, they're disCHARGED"

            Edited 7/9/2009 10:12 am by doorboy

          7. mike_maines | Jul 09, 2009 05:39pm | #27

            Yup, that's why 2'-10" doors work, 2'-8" doors don't.

          8. sapwood | Jul 08, 2009 10:38pm | #18

            I've got 3- 0 doors in my house, bath and bedroom. Anything else feels cramped. My wife and I like openness. If you want good design input, you should post a photo and/or a plan drawing of the spaces. Anyone giving design input without a visual is really shooting in the dark when it pertains to your space.

        2. calvin | Jul 08, 2009 05:29am | #9

          Thank you, with that information...........

          You kidding me-French doors to a hall?

          Must be one nice hallway.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

          Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

          http://www.quittintime.com/

           

  3. User avater
    Jeff_Clarke | Jul 08, 2009 04:12am | #5

    Hi Mark.  When we renovated our house two years ago we built a new master bedroom at the head of the main stair entered by a pair of antique salvaged (rehabbed) French doors with beveled glass lites.   Ours is certainly not a tract home - it's a custom home.

    We're putting curtains on the back for privacy, but we love the spaciousness afforded by a 5' x 7' opening that stays open during the day.

    A few caveats -

    - our child is grown

    - the doors enter a suite with exercise room/study/roof deck also - so we are constantly in and out.

    - the bedroom IS large (about) 480 SF

     

    Jeff



    Edited 7/7/2009 9:13 pm ET by Jeff_Clarke

    1. fingersandtoes | Jul 08, 2009 06:55am | #12

      In a large master suite like yours I completely see the point. Otherwise, as you say, the quite substantial space would not get used. But when a bedroom, especially a master, is not very large it is important to make it feel private and like a retreat. If it is a strong regional custom that the master have them, then maybe there is a case for keeping them. Otherwise, out.

  4. mike_maines | Jul 08, 2009 04:24am | #6

    That's a design idea I've never understood.  I can see it for a 480sf master, or if the master is linked to a sitting room or dressing room, but to a hallway or living space?  Double doors are just not practical, and a little ostentatious IMO.  I would think the space could be used much more effectively.

  5. User avater
    McDesign | Jul 08, 2009 04:32pm | #13

    How about this (assuming the doors are 2'6 wide):  Build hollow walls on either side of the opening that are ~15" wide.  Get two sliding door kits, and make two sliding doors that are 15" wide.  Closed, they look like a single 2'6 door, centered in the opening. 

    Open, the 2'6 opening is totally clear with no door swing to deal with.

    I've done that at home, with some French doors, to partition an 8' wide hallway with a single 36" wide opening, and two 18" wide 5-lite French doors I cut down.

    Can post pix tonight if you're interested.

    Forrest



    Edited 7/8/2009 9:33 am ET by McDesign

  6. gordsco | Jul 08, 2009 10:15pm | #17

    Another option to the full double door is a full plus half.

    One housing company I finished for would have us install 'french doors' consisting of an 18" door next to a 30" door. It sounds a bit odd but is very pleasing to the eye and the 48"opening comes in handy when showing off the house or on moving day.

    With the smaller door bolted top and bottom, the 30" operating door latches solidly on to the 18" instead of that hollow rattle so common when latching full french doors.

     

  7. User avater
    xxPaulCPxx | Jul 09, 2009 12:31am | #19

    Screw bad design - put in a big single door.  If you are worried about resale, make it a heavy solid core and put weatherstripping on the jamb to reduce sound transmission - sell the bedroom as "quiet to outside noise".

    Tu stultus es
    Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
    Also a CRX fanatic!

    Look, just send me to my drawer.  This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.

    1. User avater
      McDesign | Jul 09, 2009 12:36am | #20

      six feet wide?

      1. User avater
        xxPaulCPxx | Jul 09, 2009 06:07am | #21

        Sure. He can make it vertical opening... have a remote control by the bed as well as the door. ;)..or he could make it a smaller single panel door, ya goofball!

        Tu stultus esRebuilding my home in Cypress, CAAlso a CRX fanatic!

        Look, just send me to my drawer.  This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.

  8. User avater
    McDesign | Jul 09, 2009 01:19pm | #22

    Here's what I was talking about - note that I used old glass to make the cut-down yard-sale doors look old (no, they're not tempered!)

    View Image View Image View Image

    Forrest



    Edited 7/9/2009 6:23 am ET by McDesign

    1. User avater
      Gene_Davis | Jul 09, 2009 01:58pm | #23

      Didja get the glass in a yard sale? 

      View Image

      "A stripe is just as real as a dadgummed flower."

      Gene Davis        1920-1985

      1. User avater
        McDesign | Jul 09, 2009 02:09pm | #24

        Nah - as we replaced the cracked and broken panes in our house (big singles, some as big as ~40X45", I saved the pieces to cut down - not always easy to do, but works enough.

        Forrest

  9. gb93433 | Jul 09, 2009 04:43pm | #25

    If you wait long enough things will change back to where the once were. I have put many double doors in a bedroom at the customer's request in recent years.

  10. User avater
    popawheelie | Jul 09, 2009 05:53pm | #28

    I'd leave the one door pegged and just put stuff in font of it.  Treat it like wall space.

    You could also put some nice curtain or window covering on both of them to spruce them up.

    I think there are ways you could make it work for you and look good.

     

    "There are three kinds of men: The one that learns by reading, the few who learn by observation and the rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves."
    Will Rogers

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Choosing a Paintbrush

Tips for picking the right paintbrush based on paint type, surface, and personal comfort.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 695: Saving Bricks, Cut-and-Cobble Insulation, and Waterproofing Foundations
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Waterproofing Below-Grade Foundation Walls
  • Midcentury Home for a Modern Family
  • The New Old Colonial

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 333 - August/September 2025
    • A Practical Perfect Wall
    • Landscape Lighting Essentials
    • Repairing a Modern Window Sash
  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data