Some entry doors just stop doing their job well before they're technically "broken." That was the situation for a homeowner in Lakewood, New Jersey, whose original double doors were still functional but no longer reflected the home or held up the way a front entrance should. What started as a simple desire for something more inviting turned into a full double entry door transformation that changed both how the home looks and how it feels to walk through the front door every day.
The Project
The Problem
The homeowner's original double doors had heavily tinted, nearly opaque glass panels that ran the full height of each door. While that style may have offered privacy, it also blocked almost all natural light from entering the home and gave the entryway a dated, closed-off feel. The dark tint made the doors look heavier than they needed to, and from the outside, the entrance didn't do much to welcome anyone in.
Inside, the story was similar. The interior side of the doors was a plain, builder-grade white with a tinted glass transom overhead that let in minimal light. The hardware was outdated, and the overall entryway felt more functional than intentional, a space that existed simply because every home needs a front door, not one that added anything to the home's character.
The homeowner wanted more than a like-for-like replacement. They wanted an entrance that let in real natural light, felt more current, and gave the front of the home genuine curb appeal.
The Solution: A ProVia Double Entry Door
After a free in-home consultation with the ACRE Windows & Doors team, the homeowner chose a ProVia double entry door finished in a two-tone design, a rich black exterior paired with a crisp white interior. This combination has become increasingly popular because it lets homeowners get a bold, modern look from the street while keeping the interior bright, clean, and versatile enough to match any decor.
Each door features a craftsman-style panel design on the lower half and clear divided-lite glass on the upper half, giving the entrance a structured, architectural look rather than a plain slab door. Instead of the heavy tinted glass of the original doors, the new glass panels are clear, letting genuine daylight pour into the entryway while still providing privacy through the grille pattern and panel placement. A matching transom window above the doors adds even more natural light without sacrificing any security or insulation.
ProVia is known throughout the entry door industry for a level of craftsmanship that goes well beyond what's available through big box retailers. The doors are built with durable core materials, precision-fit weatherstripping, and glass packages designed to perform through New Jersey's full range of seasons, from humid summers to cold, damp winters near the coast.
The Installation Process
Replacing a double entry door isn't as simple as swapping one slab for another, especially when the goal is a completely different look and improved performance. Our team's process included:
- Removing the existing double doors and transom, and inspecting the rough opening and surrounding framing for any damage or settling
- Making any necessary adjustments to ensure the new doors and transom would sit level, plumb, and properly supported
- Installing the new ProVia double doors with the two-tone black exterior and white interior finish
- Fitting and sealing the matching transom window above the doors
- Applying flashing, insulation, and weathersealing at every seam to keep the entryway fully weathertight
- Finishing interior and exterior trim to a clean, professional standard so the new entrance looks like it was always part of the home
Every step was handled by our own trained installation team. ACRE never uses subcontractors, which means the same crew that measured and planned the project is the crew that installed it, start to finish.
The Result
The transformation is immediately noticeable from the street. The black exterior gives the home's entrance a bold, modern presence, while the craftsman-style panels and divided-lite glass add character that the original tinted-glass doors never had. The transom window ties the whole entrance together, adding height and light without changing the footprint of the opening.
Step inside, and the difference is just as significant. Natural light now fills the entryway throughout the day, something the old heavily tinted glass never allowed. The crisp white interior finish keeps the space feeling bright and clean, and the updated hardware brings the whole entrance up to a modern standard. What used to be a purely functional doorway is now one of the most eye-catching features of the home.
Beyond the visual upgrade, the homeowner also gained real performance benefits. The new doors seal tighter than the originals, helping keep conditioned air inside and reducing drafts, an especially welcome improvement heading into the colder months.
Why Homeowners Across NJ, PA, and DE Choose ACRE Windows & Doors
A project like this involves more than picking out a door style. It requires the right guidance, precise installation, and a product built to last. Here's what sets ACRE apart:
- Andersen Certified Elite Contractor status — A distinction held by only a small percentage of contractors nationwide, reflecting a higher standard of training, product knowledge, and installation quality
- No subcontractors — Every project is completed by our own experienced team from measurement through final walkthrough, so accountability never gets passed off to someone else
- 0% financing available — Making a meaningful upgrade like a new entry door more accessible without requiring the full cost upfront
- Free in-home consultations — We walk your space with you and help you figure out what's actually possible, with honest recommendations and no pressure
Thinking About Upgrading Your Entry Doors?
If your current entry doors feel outdated, block out too much natural light, or just don't match the home you actually want to come home to, a project like this Lakewood transformation might be exactly what your entryway needs. Whether it's a straightforward door swap or a full two-tone upgrade like this one, ACRE Windows & Doors brings the same level of craftsmanship to every job across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Northern Delaware.
Schedule Your Free In-Home Consultation Today!
We'll walk through your home, talk through your options, and help you find the entry door solution that fits your style and your budget, with no pressure and no obligation.
