Adding sidelights to an existing door involves modifying the surrounding structure to accommodate the new window panels.
If you're keeping your current front door and wish to enhance its look with surrounding sidelights, you can achieve this by creating two voids on either side of your front door to integrate your new sidelights.
Understanding the Process
Sidelights are narrow windows typically installed on one or both sides of a door frame. Adding them to an existing door means cutting into the wall structure next to the door frame and installing a new, wider frame that includes the spaces for both the door and the sidelights.
Key Steps Involved
The process generally requires professional construction knowledge as it involves structural changes to the door frame and possibly the adjacent wall. Here's a simplified overview:
- Assessment: Evaluate the existing door frame and wall structure to determine if adding sidelights is feasible and what modifications are necessary.
- Planning: Design or select the new door frame unit that incorporates the desired sidelights. This unit will replace your current door frame.
- Removal: Carefully remove the existing door and its frame.
- Modification: This is where you create two voids on either side of your front door to integrate your new sidelights. This involves cutting openings into the wall framing on either side of the door space to make the overall opening wide enough for the new frame unit.
- Installation: Install the new, wider door frame unit with the integrated sidelights into the newly created opening.
- Finishing: Complete interior and exterior trim work, seal gaps, and finish the surrounding wall areas. Re-hang your existing door (or install a new one).
Why Create Voids?
Your existing door frame fits within a specific opening. Sidelights require additional space next to this opening. By creating two voids – essentially cutting out sections of the wall structure – you enlarge the total opening to accommodate the combined width of the door, the sidelights, and the necessary framing.
Considerations Before Starting
Adding sidelights is a significant renovation project. Consider the following:
- Structural Impact: Cutting into walls requires understanding of load-bearing structures. This is why professional help is often recommended.
- Frame Size: Ensure the new door frame unit with sidelights will fit the desired aesthetic and functional space.
- Materials: Choose sidelights and frame materials that match your door and home's style.
- Budget: This project involves materials, labor, and potential finishing costs.
- Time: The process can take several days, depending on complexity and skill.
Adding sidelights can dramatically improve the appearance and natural light in your entryway. By creating the necessary voids beside your existing door opening, you make space for these attractive features.
