Door Style · Traditional Character
Stable Doors
A traditional split door — open the top half for ventilation and chat with the postman, keep the bottom half closed for kids, pets and security. uPVC and composite specifications. Made in Westmeath.
A stable door is one door, split horizontally into two leaves. You can open the top half on its own — for ventilation, daylight, or a chat with the delivery driver — while the bottom stays locked, keeping kids and pets inside and the threshold guarded. Or open both halves together as a single door.
Wright Windows manufactures stable doors in our uPVC range and supplies composite stable doors for high‑security back‑door applications. The split is between locking points: the top half has its own latch, and a bolt connects both halves so they swing together as one when both are unlocked. Multi‑point locking on the bottom half, toughened safety glass standard.
- Top + Bottom Split
- Child + Pet Safe
- Multi-Point Locking
- Made in Westmeath
How They Work
Two halves. One door. Three modes.
The top half is a smaller door hinged the same side as the bottom half. There’s a latch in the middle that holds the two halves together — when engaged, they swing as one door. Disengage the latch and the top half can be opened on its own while the bottom stays locked into the threshold.
Three modes of use: top open / bottom closed (ventilation + safety, the classic stable‑door use), both closed (locked single door), or both open (full doorway). The bottom half always has a multi‑point lock and toughened glass standard.
Why Stable
Key Benefits
- Ventilation with safety. Open the top half on warm days while kids and pets stay safely inside.
- Doorstep chats without opening fully. Talk to deliveries with the bottom half guarding the threshold.
- Traditional character. Suits cottages, country homes, mews and farmhouse renovations.
- Full security when closed. Bottom half has multi‑point locking, top half latches into the bottom and frame.
- Wide colour range. White, light oak, rosewood, anthracite grey, bog oak, blue, green, red — plus dual‑colour.
Available Materials
Stable Doors, in Two Materials
Wright manufactures uPVC stable doors and supplies composite stable doors — the two most‑requested specs for back‑door and side‑door installations.
Specifications
Configurations & Detail
Split Point
Typically split at the same height across both halves — the top half about 40% of overall door height, bottom half 60%. Custom splits available.
Glazing
Top half typically half‑glazed or fully glazed for daylight and visibility. Toughened safety glass standard. Obscure glass option.
Locking
Multi‑point lock on bottom half, latch and bolt connecting top to bottom and to frame. Top half can be barrel‑bolted into the head.
Best Suited For
Where stable doors win.
- Family homes with young kids — open the top for fresh air, keep the bottom locked.
- Households with pets — especially dogs — that need ventilation without escape risk.
- Country homes, cottages and farmhouse renovations — traditional character suits the look.
- Back doors and side doors where a half‑open option for delivery handovers is useful.
- Kitchen back doors — ventilation while cooking without opening the full door.
Recent Work
Stable Door Project Gallery
Stable Doors FAQ
Common Questions
Are stable doors as secure as a single door?
Yes. The bottom half has multi‑point locking identical to a single‑leaf entrance door. The top half is bolted into both the bottom half (via the latching bolt) and into the frame head (via a barrel bolt), giving the same resistance as a single solid door panel.
Where on the door does the split happen?
Typically about 40% from the top — the top half is shorter than the bottom — so the split sits at a comfortable leaning height for an average adult. Custom split positions are available, useful if you want the split lower for kids’ eye level or higher for taller occupants.
Are stable doors energy efficient?
Yes — when closed, the two halves seal against each other and against the frame with continuous compression weather seals, giving thermal performance comparable to a single‑leaf entrance door. uPVC stable doors achieve A‑rated thermal performance.
Should I use a stable door as my front door?
You can — they make characterful front doors on country‑style homes — but most installations are back doors or side doors. Front‑door stable doors are more common on cottages, farmhouses and rural detached homes where the traditional look suits the property.
Ready to quote your stable door?
Visit our Milltownpass showroom by appointment, or request a free no‑obligation written quote.
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