I'm looking at getting a new front door, but I keep noticing that the ones with sidelights are way more expensive. For example, I saw a prehung fiberglass door at Lowe's for under $1,000, but I just got a quote for a 6-panel Therma-Tru without any glass and one sidelight that's around $3,700! On top of that, installation is going to cost me another $1,250. Is this pricing normal, or does it seem outrageous to anyone else?
3 Answers
The high cost is partly because each sidelight is basically a mini-door with a window, so it requires more materials and techniques to finish it properly. If you're looking for a less expensive option, you might want to look into a direct set sidelight, which is just a big glass panel instead of a separate door. It’s cheaper but doesn’t have the same upscale vibe.
It definitely seems high, but it's likely because sidelights aren't that common compared to standard doors. They often share manufacturing with custom doors, which pushes the price up. Most cheap exterior doors are the standard 32x80 or 36x80 size, but adding a sidelight complicates things more.
Honestly, pricing can vary a lot based on the brand. Thermatru is known for being pricey. A comparable product from a cheaper brand might be closer to $1,500-$2,000, and the $1,250 installation fee actually sounds reasonable. Consider asking around for alternative brands or even checking local salvage yards or resale stores for options!
Yeah, mine's 36x80 too! They really seem to jack up the price for that extra glass.