From Two Windows to a Full-View French Door — Brusly, LA
Two small windows limited access and views in this Brusly home (Baton Rouge area). We performed a clean window-to-door conversion and installed a 60″×80″ full-view French door — precise brick cut-out, code-correct framing, weather-tight flashing, and a durable finish that looks original to the house. If you’re planning a similar project, start with our coastal install primer: Professional Window Installation and cost baseline: Window Replacement Cost — LA & MS.
Homeowner Goal — Access, Light, and a Modern Look
The brief was straightforward and practical: unlock the backyard, bring in daylight, and keep the interior aesthetic consistent with a crisp, French door installation in Louisiana’s Gulf climate.
- Direct access from the living room to the new outdoor rooms
- More glass, better backyard views, and a clean, modern profile
These goals shaped the opening size, hardware selection, and the final full-view configuration — a balanced approach to access, sightlines, and daylighting without visual clutter.
Scope of Work — Precise Window-to-Door Conversion
To deliver a safe, long-lasting conversion, we followed a tightly sequenced plan with dust control and clean interior protection. This is the backbone of any quality window-to-door conversion in West Baton Rouge.
- Removal and haul-off of two existing windows (interior protected; openings sealed during work)
- Saw-cut brick, frame, and prep the opening for a 60″×80″ French door (correct lintel/header and jack studs)
- Furnish and install a full-view French door (dual insulated glazing, weatherstripping, hardware adjustment)
This scope ensures the new opening is structurally sound, square, and ready for years of smooth operation. For the flashing/weep logic we use on the Gulf Coast, see Gulf Coast Window Guide — DP/PG & Water Management.
Structural & Code Notes
Converting windows to a wide door requires correct load path and envelope detailing. Here’s what we check and document on every exterior door replacement in the Baton Rouge area.
- Header/lintel sizing for the new span and brick veneer support
- Jack/king studs and anchors tied into existing structure
- Pan flashing at the threshold, head flashing, sealed penetrations, and verified weeps
- Clearances and level threshold to reduce trip points and water ingress
These items protect the home from movement, leaks, and premature wear — especially important in humid, storm-prone South Louisiana. If your project includes impact or laminated glass, compare options here: Impact-Resistant Windows — Service Page.
Integration with the Enclosures — Threshold & Sightlines
A great conversion feels effortless. We aligned the new doorway to how the space will be used day to day — connecting the living room with the new enclosures.
- Threshold alignment to the enclosed slab for safer transitions and easier furniture movement
- Intentional sightlines to both the screen room and the glass room to frame views and guide traffic
Together, these moves make the full-view French door feel native to both the interior and the enclosure. If you’re weighing sliders vs. French doors, skim our airflow/seal notes in the Sliding Windows Guide — the sealing logic carries over to patio doors.
Finish & Function — Durable, Bright, Everyday Friendly
Finishes and hardware must balance durability with daylight and a crisp look against brick. That’s especially true in a Gulf climate with heat, humidity, and salt-tinged air.
- Noticeable daylight increase and stronger visual connection to the backyard
- Smooth traffic flow for daily use and entertaining — fewer bottlenecks at the back entry
The result is a precise French door installation that elevates function and curb appeal, with materials selected for coastal longevity. For energy and glare tuning, see Noise & Comfort — STC/OITC Basics and Replacement Windows — Glass Options.
FAQ — Window-to-Door Conversions
These answers cover the most common questions we hear about brick cut-out French doors and envelope performance.
- Can an opening be widened for a 60″ door?
Yes. We assess structure, install the correct header/lintel, and frame jambs to meet code and support a 60″×80″ door safely. - What’s involved in cutting brick and finishing the trim?
We mark, saw-cut, and remove brick cleanly, then install flashing, seal penetrations, and finish with trim/caulk for a weather-tight result that looks original. - How do you protect interiors during the cut-out?
We isolate the work zone, use dust control and vacuum extraction, and protect floors/furnishings for a tidy process start to finish. - Do I need impact or laminated glass?
If your exposure or security warrants it, we spec laminated/impact options and verify labels. Quick homeowner check here: Impact-Rated Doors — 5 Quick Checks. - What about leaks after storms?
Good drainage beats more caulk. See our Storm Leak Diagnosis — LA & MS and Window Leaks & Condensation guides.
If your home has unique conditions (e.g., slab step-downs, historic brick, or adjacent plumbing/electrical), we’ll document them during the measured visit and adjust the window-to-door conversion plan accordingly.
Related Guides & Resources
Planning a larger project or comparing options? These articles help you choose the right specs for Louisiana & Mississippi homes.
- Window Services — LA & MS Overview
- Impact-Resistant Windows — Pros & Cons
- How to Tell If Exterior Doors Are Impact-Rated
- Professional Window Installation — Step by Step
- Window Replacement Cost — LA & MS Gulf Coast
- Noise-Reducing Glass — STC vs. OITC
If you’re weighing glass packages (Low-E, laminated, spacer types) for adjacent windows, this Replacement Windows overview is a quick refresher.
Request a Professional Window-to-Door Conversion Assessment
Southern Home Improvement Center (SHIC) provides code-compliant French door installation in Louisiana, including selective window removal, precise brick cut-out, structural framing with correct headers, weather-tight flashing, and level threshold alignment to adjacent enclosures. Our process emphasizes structural integrity, long-term performance, and a finish that appears original to the home.
For a free estimate, call (225) 766-4244 or (985) 643-6611, or use the free estimate form. Licensed & insured — LA #81801; MS #R07326. If you prefer email, reach us at info@southernhomeimprovement.com.
