Can You Add Glazed Double Doors to an Existing Internal Opening?

A wide internal opening can make a home feel bright and open. However, being able to separate two rooms can still be useful. Internal glazed double doors provide that separation while allowing light to pass between the spaces.

If you already have an open doorway or a larger opening between two rooms, you may be wondering whether you can add glazed double doors to it.

In many cases, they can. However, check the existing opening first. Fitting the doors may involve more than simply fixing a new frame into the space.

Can Glazed Double Doors Be Fitted Into an Existing Opening?

Every opening is different.

Start by comparing the size and condition of the existing opening with the dimensions of the new door system. The surrounding structure must also support the new frame and keep it secure and correctly aligned.

If the existing opening is larger than the door system, additional framing can create the correct opening for the new doors.

This is why it is useful to assess the space before purchasing the doors or planning the installation.

What Should Be Checked First?

One of the first things to consider is whether the proposed door system will actually suit the existing space.

This includes checking the width and height of the opening, the surrounding wall construction and the amount of space available for the new frame.

Accurate measurements at this stage can help avoid problems when installing the frame and doors.

Why Might Additional Framing Be Needed?

A new door system will not always match the dimensions of an existing opening.

Where necessary, timber framing creates a suitable opening and provides a secure structure for the new door frame.

Careful positioning keeps the opening at the correct size for the chosen door system. Once the structure is in place, the installer can position and check the new frame. The installer can then close and make good the surrounding areas.

Fitting and Aligning the Door System

Correct alignment is particularly important with double doors.

The frame must sit correctly within the prepared opening so that the two doors meet and operate properly. Even a small difference in its position can become noticeable once the doors are in place.

During installation, the installer should check the frame rather than rely only on the appearance of the original opening.

What Happens to the Walls Around the New Doors?

Installing the doors is only part of the work involved in altering an existing opening.

New framing often means that the surrounding area also needs plasterboard, filling, smoothing and other making-good work. This integrates the new door system with the existing walls and hides the framing and fixings.

Depending on the project, the surrounding area may need further decorating to complete the finish.

A Real Glazed Double Door Project in Newcastle

Handyman MultiFix completed this type of installation in a Newcastle upon Tyne home.

The original internal opening did not contain these glazed double doors. Handyman MultiFix prepared the opening and built the necessary timber framing. The team then positioned and secured the black glazed double-door system before closing and making good the surrounding areas.

The photographs in this article show genuine stages from the project.

View our full Internal Glazed Double Door Installation in Newcastle project to see the project in more detail.

Are Glazed Double Doors Suitable for Your Home?

Glazed internal doors can be useful where you want to create more separation between two areas without completely closing off the visual connection between them.

Whether they are suitable for a particular opening depends on the available space, the door system and the condition and construction of the surrounding area.

For that reason, it is best to check the opening and the proposed doors together. A particular set of doors may not fit the existing space without preparation.

Thinking About Adding Internal Glazed Doors?

If you have an existing internal opening and are considering glazed doors, send us a few clear photographs and approximate measurements. Please also include your postcode and, if you have already chosen the doors, a link or product details.

Handyman MultiFix can review the information and advise on the next step.