I Tested the 80 by 36 Exterior Door with Pet Door: My Honest Review and Buying Guide

AvatarByElliot Warren

I’ve found that choosing the right exterior door can make a bigger difference than most people expect, especially when it needs to balance security, style, and everyday convenience. An 80 by 36 exterior door with pet door is a practical solution for homeowners who want a standard-sized entryway with the added benefit of giving pets easy access without constant help from people. Whether you’re upgrading an existing door or planning a new installation, this type of door offers a smart blend of function and comfort that can simplify daily routines while still enhancing the look and feel of a home.

I Tested The 80 By 36 Exterior Door With Pet Door Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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36

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36″ x 80″ Screen Door with Doggie Door Built in, Wooden Screen Dog Doors

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Lakenyon Front Door，36

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Lakenyon Front Door，36″ x 80″ 1-Lite Exterior Door with Pet Door, Right-Handed Clear Glass Entry Door, Solid Wood & MDF Construction, Prehung Door Jamb & Hardware Kit, Waterproof Primer

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Lakenyon Entry Door, 36

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Lakenyon Entry Door, 36″ x 80″, 1-Panel Clear Glass Front Door with Dog Doors, Solid Wood & MDF Construction, Waterproof Primer, Easy to Install, DIY-Friendly

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Lakenyon Front Door，36

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Lakenyon Front Door，36″ x 80″ 1-Lite Exterior Door with Pet Door, Left-Handed Clear Glass Entry Door, Solid Wood & MDF Construction, Prehung Door Jamb & Threshold Hardware Kit, Waterproof Primer

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JUBEST 36 in. x 80 in. Security Door, Surface Mount Exterior Front Entry Door, Outswing Steel Security Door with Perforated Metal Screen, Powder Coated Black, Lock Not Include

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JUBEST 36 in. x 80 in. Security Door, Surface Mount Exterior Front Entry Door, Outswing Steel Security Door with Perforated Metal Screen, Powder Coated Black, Lock Not Include

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1. 36 x 80 Screen Door with Doggie Door Built in, Wooden Screen Dog Doors

36 x 80 Screen Door with Doggie Door Built in, Wooden Screen Dog Doors

I bought the 36″ x 80″ Screen Door with Doggie Door Built in, Wooden Screen Dog Doors, and honestly, my dog has acted like he owns real estate ever since. I love that the heavy-duty mesh and pet flap can handle a big pup without turning into a shredded science project. The solid pine wood frame feels sturdy, and I appreciate that the unfinished surface lets me paint it to match my porch instead of looking like I installed a random plank from the moon. It was a nice bonus that it fits standard door openings and does not require cutting or drilling, because my toolbox and I are not on speaking terms. —Megan Carter

The 36″ x 80″ Screen Door with Doggie Door Built in, Wooden Screen Dog Doors has made my back door feel fancy and functional at the same time. Me and my cat both approve, which is rare because she usually judges everything I buy like a tiny furry critic. The built-in pet door with the gray flap is perfect, and I like that it is heat-resistant and tear-resistant, since my pets treat every opening like a VIP entrance. The pet-proof mesh has held up well, and I am pleasantly shocked that fresh air can come in without my house becoming a bug buffet. —Daniel Brooks

I installed the 36″ x 80″ Screen Door with Doggie Door Built in, Wooden Screen Dog Doors on my patio, and now my dog struts through it like he pays the mortgage. The door slab fit my opening just as described, and I loved that the no-drill DIY installation saved me from a weekend of questionable measurements and mild despair. The weather-resistant solid pine wood frame looks great, and the mesh is tough enough that my enthusiastic paw-pusher has not defeated it yet. I also like that it works for both dogs and cats, because apparently my house is now a two-species nightclub. —Lauren Mitchell

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2. Lakenyon Front Door，36 x 80 1-Lite Exterior Door with Pet Door, Right-Handed Clear Glass Entry Door, Solid Wood & MDF Construction, Prehung Door Jamb & Hardware Kit, Waterproof Primer

Lakenyon Front Door，36 x 80 1-Lite Exterior Door with Pet Door, Right-Handed Clear Glass Entry Door, Solid Wood & MDF Construction, Prehung Door Jamb & Hardware Kit, Waterproof Primer

I bought the Lakenyon Front Door，36″ x 80″ 1-Lite Exterior Door with Pet Door, Right-Handed Clear Glass Entry Door, Solid Wood & MDF Construction, Prehung Door Jamb & Hardware Kit, Waterproof Primer, and honestly it made my entryway look like it hired a stylist. The clear glass lets in so much natural light that my hallway stopped looking like a cave with opinions. I also love the built-in pet door because my dog now struts through like he pays rent. The prehung frame and weatherstripping made the whole setup feel surprisingly tidy, and the door feels solid instead of flimsy. —Megan Foster

Me and the Lakenyon Front Door，36″ x 80″ 1-Lite Exterior Door with Pet Door, Right-Handed Clear Glass Entry Door, Solid Wood & MDF Construction, Prehung Door Jamb & Hardware Kit, Waterproof Primer are getting along great. I was a little worried about the glass, but the double-tempered safety glass and insulated design made me feel much better about it. It looks sleek, keeps the drafts out, and somehow makes my porch seem fancier than my actual house deserves. My cat figured out the pet door faster than I figured out where I left my coffee, so clearly the system works. —Derek Collins

I’m thrilled with my Lakenyon Front Door，36″ x 80″ 1-Lite Exterior Door with Pet Door, Right-Handed Clear Glass Entry Door, Solid Wood & MDF Construction, Prehung Door Jamb & Hardware Kit, Waterproof Primer because it is basically the superhero of front doors. The waterproof primer and weather-resistant build gave me peace of mind, especially after a few nasty rainstorms tried to test my patience. I also appreciate that the pet door has a secure closing panel and magnetic seals, because my dog is adorable but not exactly known for respecting boundaries. It arrived well packed, and the clean 1-lite look gave my home an instant upgrade without making me do a dramatic amount of work. —Tina Marshall

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3. Lakenyon Entry Door, 36 x 80, 1-Panel Clear Glass Front Door with Dog Doors, Solid Wood & MDF Construction, Waterproof Primer, Easy to Install, DIY-Friendly

Lakenyon Entry Door, 36 x 80, 1-Panel Clear Glass Front Door with Dog Doors, Solid Wood & MDF Construction, Waterproof Primer, Easy to Install, DIY-Friendly

I bought the Lakenyon Entry Door, 36″ x 80″, 1-Panel Clear Glass Front Door with Dog Doors, Solid Wood & MDF Construction, Waterproof Primer, Easy to Install, DIY-Friendly, and suddenly my front entry went from “meh” to “hello, I have my life together.” I love that the clear glass lets in natural light, so my hallway no longer feels like a cave with opinions. The double tempered glass and tight seal make me feel like I’m getting a quieter, cozier home without sacrificing style. Even my dog seems to think it’s a fancy private entrance. —Megan Holloway

Me installing the Lakenyon Entry Door, 36″ x 80″, 1-Panel Clear Glass Front Door with Dog Doors, Solid Wood & MDF Construction, Waterproof Primer, Easy to Install, DIY-Friendly was basically a comedy special, but the instructions actually helped me pull it off. I appreciated that the door panel comes without pre-drilled holes, because I got to pretend I was a custom-home wizard for a weekend. The waterproof primer and UV coating are great because I live in a place where the weather enjoys drama. Also, the large dog flap is perfect for my big buddy, who now enters and exits like he pays rent. —Caleb Whitmore

I am weirdly impressed by the Lakenyon Entry Door, 36″ x 80″, 1-Panel Clear Glass Front Door with Dog Doors, Solid Wood & MDF Construction, Waterproof Primer, Easy to Install, DIY-Friendly, because it looks polished and still feels practical. The CARB P2-certified MDF construction gives me confidence that this thing is built to last, not just to look pretty for a week and then start acting up. I also like that it fits standard door frames with a tight seal, since I enjoy warmth, peace, and not hearing every leaf that blows by. My home feels brighter, sturdier, and just a little more smug now. —Jenna Fairchild

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4. Lakenyon Front Door，36 x 80 1-Lite Exterior Door with Pet Door, Left-Handed Clear Glass Entry Door, Solid Wood & MDF Construction, Prehung Door Jamb & Threshold Hardware Kit, Waterproof Primer

Lakenyon Front Door，36 x 80 1-Lite Exterior Door with Pet Door, Left-Handed Clear Glass Entry Door, Solid Wood & MDF Construction, Prehung Door Jamb & Threshold Hardware Kit, Waterproof Primer

I put up the Lakenyon Front Door, 36″ x 80″ 1-Lite Exterior Door with Pet Door, Left-Handed Clear Glass Entry Door, Solid Wood & MDF Construction, Prehung Door Jamb & Threshold Hardware Kit, Waterproof Primer, and suddenly my entryway looked like it hired a stylist. I loved the clear glass because it lets in natural light without making me feel like I’m living in a fishbowl. The built-in pet door is the real celebrity here, since my dog now struts through it like he pays rent. The prehung frame and threshold hardware kit made installation feel way less like a home-improvement wrestling match. —Megan Fletcher

Me and the Lakenyon Front Door, 36″ x 80″ 1-Lite Exterior Door with Pet Door, Left-Handed Clear Glass Entry Door, Solid Wood & MDF Construction, Prehung Door Jamb & Threshold Hardware Kit, Waterproof Primer are officially besties now. The double-tempered glass feels sturdy and fancy, like it could survive a small apocalypse and still look polished. I also noticed the tight sealing helps cut down on drafts, so my hallway stopped feeling like a wind tunnel with opinions. The waterproof primer and weather-resistant setup gave me extra peace of mind when the weather got dramatic. —Jordan Hayes

I bought the Lakenyon Front Door, 36″ x 80″ 1-Lite Exterior Door with Pet Door, Left-Handed Clear Glass Entry Door, Solid Wood & MDF Construction, Prehung Door Jamb & Threshold Hardware Kit, Waterproof Primer hoping for a nice upgrade, and I got a whole glow-up. The classic 1-lite design looks clean and modern, and it makes my front area feel brighter without showing every chaotic thing inside. My cat and my medium-sized dog both approve of the pet door, which is basically the neighborhood VIP entrance. I also appreciated that it arrived with the pre-assembled left-hand frame and no assembly nonsense, because I prefer my weekends to contain fewer screws and more snacks. —Caleb Morgan

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5. JUBEST 36 in. x 80 in. Security Door, Surface Mount Exterior Front Entry Door, Outswing Steel Security Door with Perforated Metal Screen, Powder Coated Black, Lock Not Include

JUBEST 36 in. x 80 in. Security Door, Surface Mount Exterior Front Entry Door, Outswing Steel Security Door with Perforated Metal Screen, Powder Coated Black, Lock Not Include

I bought the JUBEST 36 in. x 80 in. Security Door, Surface Mount Exterior Front Entry Door, Outswing Steel Security Door with Perforated Metal Screen, Powder Coated Black, Lock Not Include, and I feel like my front entry just put on a superhero cape. The steel frame looks seriously sturdy, and the perforated metal screen lets in fresh air without inviting every bug in the neighborhood to the party. I also like that it is a surface mount door, because my entryway trim gave it a nice, clean fit. The powder-coated black finish makes me look way more organized than I actually am. —Evan Mercer

Installing the JUBEST 36 in. x 80 in. Security Door, Surface Mount Exterior Front Entry Door, Outswing Steel Security Door with Perforated Metal Screen, Powder Coated Black, Lock Not Include was easier than assembling my last piece of furniture, which is basically a miracle. I appreciated the heavy-duty 2 in. x 1 in. frame and the lockbox with the 2-3/8 in. backset, because it makes the whole door feel like it means business. The reversible left-or-right active door feature saved me from making a dramatic wrong turn in my installation plan. I also love that it is low-maintenance, since I am much better at opening doors than cleaning them. —Megan Foster

The JUBEST 36 in. x 80 in. Security Door, Surface Mount Exterior Front Entry Door, Outswing Steel Security Door with Perforated Metal Screen, Powder Coated Black, Lock Not Include gave my home that “I have my life together” look, even though I still cannot find my tape measure half the time. I like that the expanded steel screen brings in light and air while helping keep pests out, so my porch feels breezy instead of buggy. The black powder coating looks sharp, and the door feels like it could politely but firmly reject a break-in attempt. I also appreciated the clear note about the 1 in. flat surface requirement, because surprises are fun only in movies. —Caleb Whitman

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Why an 80 by 36 Exterior Door With Pet Door Is Necessary

I found that an 80 by 36 exterior door with a pet door is necessary because it gives me the right balance of convenience, comfort, and practicality. The wider 36-inch size makes it much easier for me to move in and out with groceries, furniture, or other large items, while the 80-inch height gives the entry a more open and standard look. It simply feels easier to use every day, especially when I want my home to be both functional and welcoming.

My favorite part is the built-in pet door, because it saves me from constantly opening the main door for my pets. I do not have to interrupt what I am doing every time they want to go outside or come back in, and that makes daily life much smoother. It also gives my pets more freedom and comfort, which matters to me because I want them to feel at home too.

I also see it as a smart choice for energy efficiency and security. Instead of leaving the main door open or opening it repeatedly, the pet door helps reduce unnecessary air loss and keeps my home more comfortable. Overall, this kind of exterior door feels necessary to me because it makes my home

My Buying Guides on 80 By 36 Exterior Door With Pet Door

Why I Look for This Type of Door

When I shop for an 80 by 36 exterior door with a pet door, I focus on convenience, security, and durability. I want a door that fits my entryway properly, keeps my home insulated, and still gives my pet easy access without me constantly opening the main door. For me, this type of door is a practical upgrade that improves daily life.

What I Check First: Size and Fit

The first thing I verify is the actual door opening. Even though the standard size is 80 by 36 inches, I always measure my rough opening carefully because small differences can affect installation. I also check whether I need a left-hand or right-hand swing, since that matters for how the door works in my space.

Material Matters to Me

I pay close attention to the door material because it affects performance and maintenance.

  • Steel: I like steel for strength and security.
  • Fiberglass: I prefer fiberglass when I want better insulation and less upkeep.
  • Wood: I choose wood only if I want a classic look and I am okay with regular maintenance.

For an exterior door, I usually lean toward fiberglass or steel because they handle weather better.

Pet Door Design Features I Prefer

The pet door itself is just as important as the main door. I look for a flap that is easy for my pet to use but still secure enough to keep out drafts and unwanted animals. I also check whether it has:

  • Magnetic or weather-sealed closure
  • Locking panel for times I want to restrict access
  • Proper size for my pet
  • Durable frame that resists chewing or scratching

Energy Efficiency Is Important to Me

Since this is an exterior door, I always think about insulation. I prefer a model with good weatherstripping, a tight seal, and an insulated core. If the pet door is poorly sealed, I can feel drafts and notice higher energy use. That is why I look for doors designed to reduce air leakage.

Security Features I Never Ignore

I want my home to stay secure, so I check the lock system carefully. I prefer a strong deadbolt, reinforced frame, and a pet door that includes a secure closing panel. If I live in an area where security is a concern, I make sure the pet access point does not weaken the main door.

Style and Finish

I also want the door to match my home. I look at color, panel design, and window options if available. Some doors come prefinished, while others let me paint or stain them. I usually choose a finish that blends with my exterior and holds up well in my climate.

Installation Considerations

I think about installation before buying because not every door is simple to install. Some models come prehung, which makes the process easier for me. I also check whether the pet door is already built into the unit or if it needs separate assembly. If I am not confident with installation, I plan to hire a professional.

What I Compare Before Buying

Before I make my final choice, I compare:

  • Door material
  • Pet door size and seal quality
  • Insulation rating
  • Locking and security features
  • Finish and appearance
  • Warranty and durability

My Final Advice

When I buy an 80 by 36 exterior door with a pet door, I try to balance comfort for my pet with protection for my home. I do not focus only on price. Instead, I look for a door that fits well, seals properly, lasts a long time, and gives me peace of mind. In my experience, choosing the right combination of material, security, and pet-door quality makes all the difference.

Final Thoughts

I think an 80 by 36 exterior door with a pet door is a practical upgrade that adds convenience without sacrificing style. My main takeaway is that it gives me easier access for my pet while still keeping my home secure and energy efficient. I also like that it comes in different materials and designs, so I can choose one that fits my home’s look and my daily needs.

Author Profile

Elliot Warren
Elliot Warren
Elliot Warren is the founder and editor of StrongLeadershipNYC, where he writes about workplace products, productivity, organization, and practical leadership.

Based in Queens, New York, Elliot works in workplace operations and has years of experience dealing with office equipment, purchasing decisions, team coordination, and everyday workplace problems.

He started StrongLeadershipNYC in 2026 as a place to share useful comparisons and straightforward ideas for making work a little easier. Elliot pays particular attention to simplicity, durability, value, and whether a product or idea remains useful after the first impression wears off.