We’ve all heard the phrase “Champagne dreams on a beer budget” used to describe someone who has taste that is far more expensive than their budget allows.
For example, if you’ve fallen in love with the look of a True Divided Light door for your home you may find that the price tag leaves much to be desired.
Thankfully these days, technology allows us to use less expensive materials that are just as tough to achieve the look of divided lights at a portion of the cost and effort for upkeep!
Allow us to reintroduce, Grilles Between Glass!
What’s the Deal with Grilles Between Glass Doors?
As a homeowner, we know you want it all: classic, but modern. High impact, low effort. Designer look, affordable price point. And why shouldn’t you have it all?
The truth is, your favorite Grilles Between Glass designs have been #trending for quite awhile now and they’re not going anywhere.
These specially made ODL doors are fiberglass doors with the grilles in between a sheet of tempered glass on the inside and outside of the grille. If you don’t have much overhang or if you find that your door(s) get direct sunlight and exposure to outside elements more frequently, this is the perfect door for you!
What’s the Difference Between True Divided Light and Grilles Between Glass?
The most important differentiating factor between these two styles is cost. While it’s almost impossible to tell the difference visually, one is far more affordable for the average homeowner.
True Divided Light (TDL) doors have the wood dividers with individual pieces of glass. This inevitably leads to a higher price point. Keep in mind, TDL doors are absolutely made for people who prefer or even require a solid wood door.
Grilles Between Glass (GBG) doors are fiberglass doors with the grilles in between a sheet of tempered glass both inside and outside of the grille. Because of the less expensive materials used to manufacture these types of doors, the price point is lower.
Don’t mistake the less expensive materials for “cheap”. They are specifically made for homes that get direct sunlight and exposure to outside elements more frequently because they are TOUGH. Another bit of lagniappe is that they cost a portion of the maintenance price!
These beauties are easy to clean and easy on the wallet.
Refinish or Replace?
If you’re on the endless merry-go-round of deciding between refinishing or replacing your door with a GBG door, we get it. It’s a hard decision to make. Here are a few factors that may help you make that decision
Our refinish service is a great choice for those who have doors that are suffering from exposure to weather or just normal wear and tear. This service includes painting, varnishing and staining that will help get those faded doors looking as good as new.
STEPS FOR OUR DOOR REFINISHING SERVICE;
- We assess your door to determine the condition of the door. If any putty or caulk is needed we apply to the needed areas.
- We remove the lockset from the door.
- We sand the entire exterior of the door.
- We then add concentrated stain to marine varnish. This will restore the original color to the door.
- Lastly, we apply one coat of marine varnish to the exterior part of your door.
It’s important to keep in mind that not all doors can be salvaged. That’s why we offer a free evaluation and estimate opportunity! Simply email us with a few pictures of your door and we’ll get back to you promptly with our evaluation.
If refinishing isn’t an option for your door, our next recommendation would be to look into your Grilles Between Glass door options.
Contact Us
We are proud to not only sell new doors, but to also offer door refinishing services including painting, staining and varnishing that will help get those faded doors looking as good as new.
You can receive our services on both sides of the lake, from metro New Orleans to Mandeville and the entire Northshore. Contact us today to learn more or to get a free estimate!