Before and after
Use the full masonry arch.
The brick opening did not need to change. Replacing the opaque package with a measured steel-and-glass entry brought daylight through the complete semicircle.
Before
After
Arched Steel Entry Door in Highland Park
Highland Park · Dallas, Texas · Project record 2018
A dark solid entry beneath an existing brick arch was replaced with a full-height steel-and-glass double door, bringing daylight through the foyer while preserving the home's original masonry opening.
Ironwork
- Full-arch steel-and-glass double entry within an existing brick opening
- Part of a coordinated seven-opening exterior door package
- Field measurement, custom fabrication, insulated glazing, finish, hardware, and installation
Replacing a solid door inside an existing arched masonry opening?
Existing condition
A strong arch with very little daylight.
The original entry filled the brick opening with a dark painted door, solid sidelights, and an opaque panel above. The arch was generous, but the assembly beneath it made the opening feel smaller and kept the foyer visually separated from the front approach.
Custom replacement · 2018
The new door uses the full masonry opening.
The steel replacement follows the semicircular head and divides the opening into two active glazed leaves. Its grid gives the broad glass area enough structure to belong with the brick architecture, while the brass hardware creates a clear focal point at the center.
The photographed entry belonged to a larger seven-opening order that also documented bronze finish, insulated Low-E glass, coordinated hardware, and installation. This page keeps its visual claim deliberately focused on the one opening shown in the archive.
Buyer notes
What this project answers.
A before-and-after image can make an arched entry look simple; the work is in surveying the existing masonry and resolving the complete frame, glass, swing, threshold, and hardware package around it.
Can an existing brick arch be reused?
Usually, if its actual radius and bearing points are surveyed carefully. The steel frame is fabricated to the measured masonry rather than asking the masonry to conform to a stock door.
Why use insulated Low-E glass in an entry door?
An exterior steel door is part of the building envelope. Insulated Low-E units improve thermal performance while keeping the clear view that makes the transformation worthwhile.
Does a larger order need one identical door design?
No. The openings can have different sizes and functions, but finish, rail heights, glazing, hardware families, and keying should be coordinated so the package feels intentional.
One photographed opening, one honest claim
The archived sales order covers a larger door package, but the available finished photography proves this arched entry. The page therefore uses the documented package specifications without pretending that the single comparison image shows every opening. See more custom steel entry doors or request an entry-door quote.
Plan a similar project
Useful before the first drawing.
Start with the short answer. D’Hierro handles the technical development after you share the opening, the goal, and whatever plans or photographs you already have.
Texas glazing guide Steel Doors & Windows in Texas: Glass, Heat, and Comfort Understand Low-E glass, U-factor, SHGC, insulated glazing, orientation, frames, seals, and installation when planning steel doors or windows in Texas. Entry-door decision guide Pivot vs. Hinged Steel Entry Doors Compare pivot and side-hinged steel entry doors by proportion, swing, threshold, hardware, weather exposure, daily use, and installation. Entry-door replacement guide Replacing an Existing Entry Door with Custom Steel Plan a custom steel entry-door replacement around the existing opening, floor and threshold, surrounding finishes, weather exposure, removal, and installation. Trade specification guide Architect & Designer Checklist for Custom Steel Openings A practical specification and submittal checklist for custom steel doors, windows, partitions, and glazed openings—from design intent through installation. Large-opening planning guide Planning Oversized and Double Steel Entry Doors Plan an oversized or double steel entry around proportion, active leaves, clear opening, structure, glass, hardware, threshold, delivery, and installation. Door hardware coordination guide Steel Door Hardware, Smart Locks, and Access Control Coordinate pulls, levers, multipoint locks, smart locks, closers, panic hardware, access control, wiring, and door preparation before custom steel fabrication.
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