How to Add a Glass Panel Front Door

In 2015, we decided to upgrade our boring and standard builder grade door with a custom glass panel front door. Five years later, we still love it! It was a fairly inexpensive project that really packs a punch for our curb appeal! Here are the details on how to add a glass panel front door to your home.

Where to Shop for a Glass Panel Front Door

We worked with our local Kansas City Pella Windows and Doors to create this customized door. The original door installed by our builder was also a Pella brand door, which made it easy to swap out with the new door (the original door dimensions were already in their system). Cheers for no extra measurements involved!

We went to the Pella showroom in Kansas City to look at our options. Before going, we knew we wanted to keep the door black in color and we wanted 3/4 light. Pella offered 3/4 light with 8 panels, which was perfect. We requested the door be painted back on both sides. The door was a already painted when it was delivered and they provided us with touch up paint, which we have used a few times already!

Q: Can People See in Your Front Door?

Because the door is 3/4 glass with glass sidelights, I often get asked if we care that people can see in. This is definitely something to consider if you care about this! We simply don’t care – ha! We don’t pull our shades on our first floor either. I much prefer the light and having people be able to see in has never been in problem for us!

Installing the Glass Panel Front Door

The door was ordered and delivered in about a three week turn around time. We saved money on install by having my husband remove the old door and install the new one. This step did not take long as we already had everything pre-drilled. We simply reused the hinges from the original door, which also saved us a little money.

Not only does the door look great from the street and it totally bumped up our curb appeal, but the light that pours into the inside of the house makes this sun loving girl very, very happy! Since the new door was installed, we have since painted our home white with almost-black accents. We kept the door the original black color and love it even more now that the house is white!

Adding an Electric Keypad

The original door had a builder grade oil rubbed bronze door handle. We have since upgraded to a Schlage Locks door handle and keypad, which we absolutely love! No keys needed and everyone has their own code to get into the house! My husband used to work for a commercial door and hardware company, so we had someone come and install it for us. I’m sure it is possible to install yourself! I love the sleek look of the Satin Nickel against the dark door.

In total, these upgrades cost a little over $1,000. I’ve linked some items from our porch here. So many neighbors have commented on the door! It really makes SUCH a difference when you look at our overall curb appeal! And all the light! I love it! It’s also fun for me to decorate around. I think it’s even pretty enough to forego a wreath. Completing small projects with a big impact are so worth it to us! XO