Custom exterior doors

[Al Olme]

I need to have some doors built. The guy who designed my house used full light glass doors as walls (picture below). The original doors have been in place since 1984 and the previous owners didn't think must about maintenance so the doors that aren't protected by an overhang are rotting. Most of these doors, but not all, are fixed in place. Because of the unusual configuration, they must be solid wood, no "filler material" can be used. I believe the existing doors are fir but I'm not a wood expert.

The construction isn't really complex but the size and weight is more than I should take on. Anybody have suggestions about who might build these? I'm going to need nine of them.

 

[chris_goris]

The construction IS complex. You may be better off repairing the existing doors. Or after 42 years, replacing the entire door with vinyl clad doors. I wouldnt tackle those for less than $1000 each and that would probably be reusing the glass.

 

[Willemjm]

The construction IS complex. You may be better off repairing the existing doors. Or after 42 years, replacing the entire door with vinyl clad doors. I wouldnt tackle those for less than $1000 each and that would probably be reusing the glass.

I don't have the capacity in time to bid for that.

However, interested to know why you think those are complex?

Looks like a combination of cope and stick, with M&T.

 

[Henry W]

I need to have some doors built. The guy who designed my house used full light glass doors as walls (picture below). The original doors have been in place since 1984 and the previous owners didn't think must about maintenance so the doors that aren't protected by an overhang are rotting. Most of these doors, but not all, are fixed in place. Because of the unusual configuration, they must be solid wood, no "filler material" can be used. I believe the existing doors are fir but I'm not a wood expert.

The construction isn't really complex but the size and weight is more than I should take on. Anybody have suggestions about who might build these? I'm going to need nine of them.

Al - are these standard sizes? Can you provide width and height? There are lots of options for residential doors - if sizes are not 'wacky'. I have just been looking a bit because we are replacing a primary door at our church - likely a custom build, but searching the internet has shown options too.

I searched 'full lite' residential exterior doors and got this as first hit. Not endorsing - don't know the company at all. It is NOT a local company but just used as an illustration. $500 and up depending on size.
https://www.etodoors.com/fd1l.html/...MIpaSAyPvUkgMV_oCDBx0YiQpUEAQYASABEgLwivD_BwE

Do you 'have' or know a contractor or installer? I have contact in Durham that MIGHT travel to Asheboro. PM me if you want info.

 

[scsmith42]

Shed brand Studio's in Charlotte specializes in door construction.

Shed Brand Studios | Charlotte’s Stained Glass & Custom Door Experts – 50 Years of Craftsmanship

Shed Brand Studios offers: Custom stained glass and leaded glass windows, restoration, repairs, and stained glass supplies. Custom solid wood doors, frames, and installations. Glass and mirror types cut to size & installed into doors, cabinets, table tops, etc. Repairs to glass items such as lam

www.shedbrandstudios.com

 

[ptt49er]

Shed brand Studio's in Charlotte specializes in door construction.

Shed Brand Studios | Charlotte’s Stained Glass & Custom Door Experts – 50 Years of Craftsmanship

Shed Brand Studios offers: Custom stained glass and leaded glass windows, restoration, repairs, and stained glass supplies. Custom solid wood doors, frames, and installations. Glass and mirror types cut to size & installed into doors, cabinets, table tops, etc. Repairs to glass items such as lam

www.shedbrandstudios.com

They make some beautiful doors!

Really tempted by their stained glass class too

 

[NC door guy]

AI, I’m a custom door builder here in the Burgaw area and saw this post, thought I might be able to assist you with this project. I’ve been manufacturing custom doors for over 40 years and just moved my shop to NC a few years ago.
Reach back out to me if need someone who could build exactly what you’re looking for.

 

[Al Olme]

First, thanks so much for the replies and ideas.
Chris, thanks for your thoughts. I don't understand the complexity you mention but I guess i don't need to. After 40 years the glass capsules have lot their seal and nee to be replaced. I really need to stay with wooden doors, the house is mid century and there's lots of wood that needs to match. Again, thanks.
Henry, I can't tell you how many times I've made a similar search and not found ETO. They might be a good option. I'm going to talk with the local guy first but ETO's prices are by far the lowest I've seen. You should have seen the quote from Anderson. I've attached an image that gives details about size. The current doors are fir. Note- where it says "All rails are 30" wide" it should be glass, not rails.

 

[tri4sale]

With those views, I'd look at replacing with picture windows (the windows on the right) and do a single door and picture window to the deck. Minimize what blocks the view.

As for Anderson, I've seen them quote $120,000 on a whole house (26 windows) that ended up getting done for under $20,000.

 

[Al Olme]

tri4sale, thanks for the thought. I've considered that but the nine units that I need to replace are just part of the total number. I really want to stay with the architects original thoughts. Alvis Owen George was the architect, he did mostly commercial buildings [including the original buildings for the NC Zoo in Asheboro] but if you were a friend, he'd do a house so I guess the original owners were friends. He's not all that well known but he moved in the circle of great architects. Le Corbuisier even came to visit him here in Asheboro. I guess I feel that I owe it to the house to keep it as original as I can. Hoping to hear from "NC door guy" about making the doors.

 

[tri4sale]

tri4sale, thanks for the thought. I've considered that but the nine units that I need to replace are just part of the total number. I really want to stay with the architects original thoughts. Alvis Owen George was the architect, he did mostly commercial buildings [including the original buildings for the NC Zoo in Asheboro] but if you were a friend, he'd do a house so I guess the original owners were friends. He's not all that well known but he moved in the circle of great architects. Le Corbuisier even came to visit him here in Asheboro. I guess I feel that I owe it to the house to keep it as original as I can. Hoping to hear from "NC door guy" about making the doors.

I get the thought of keeping with the original, but I personally prefer the wide open view when it's that nice, and that's more of what the average consumer would be looking for, and since I'm in real estate that skews my opinion But ultimately you are the one that has to be happy with the design and cost. One big picture window could easily be cheaper than three doors, although there is a limit to how big you can make the picture windows so that is always a factor.

 

[Al Olme]

I gave up my broker's license when I moved to NC. It's a toss up on the appeal question. I bought this place from pictures on line and the selling feature for me was the originality. I've seen too many vintage homes ruined with enameled woodwork and plastic windows. I'm getting too far afield, sorry. We should stick to the woodworking aspect. Still hoping to hear from "NC door guy" about making the doors.

 

[chris_goris]

I don't have the capacity in time to bid for that.

However, interested to know why you think those are complex?

Looks like a combination of cope and stick, with M&T.

The complexity lies in all of the sealing surfaces between the doors and the glass as well. These will also have to be dead on square and the original jambs may need replacing as well. I believe the originals are probably some sort of laminated glue up for structural intergrity and to make them thermally (inside vs out) and moisture stablized. also. Not just chunks of lumber milled with cope and stick. These are my concerns taking on doors like this, YMMV