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By Ross Bentley Updated January 23, 2024 double door window
Typically costs range from $1,200 to $3,800 .
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A new sliding glass patio door costs an average of $2,300, with most homeowners paying between $1,200 and $3,800* including materials and labor. Installing a sliding glass door is a great way to connect your home’s indoor space to your patio or deck. While traditional hinged doors can get the job done, sliding glass doors maximize natural light and help create a more open feel.
In this guide, we’ll explain the main factors that affect the price of sliding patio doors and offer tips for your installation.
* Article cost data via Angi , Home Advisor , and Fixr .
Door size , frame materials , brand, and glass type have the biggest impact on cost.
Larger doors naturally cost more. Most sliding patio doors are 80 inches tall, though it’s possible to purchase oversize doors with heights of 82 or 96 inches. These doors are usually 60, 72, or 96 inches wide. Three-panel sliding doors that cover an entire wall can be even wider.
Standard-size sliding glass doors cost about $10 to $50 per square foot. Just as custom windows cost more than standard windows, custom sliding glass doors cost more.
Sliding patio doors come in several frame materials , each with their own benefits and price ranges .
The type of glass in the door also affects the price. Untreated, single-pane glass panels cost the least, but they can pose safety, security, and energy-efficiency problems. Specialty glass shatters less easily and helps prevent heat from transferring indoors. Terms like “ impact-resistant ,” “ hurricane-proof ,” and “laminated” are sometimes used interchangeably but do have some differences, so always make sure you know what you’re buying.
Top window brands , such as Milgard and Pella , sell sliding glass patio doors. These companies offer sliding doors at a variety of price points, but brands such as Marvin and Renewal by Andersen typically have more high-end options.
Here’s how the costs of some top window companies compare.
Professional installation for a sliding patio door typically costs between $65 and $85 per hour, and the job usually takes about seven hours from start to finish. This means labor typically makes up $455 to $595 of sliding door installation costs.
Replacement windows on average range from $300 to $1,200.
Single-hung windows on average cost $150 to $400 per window.
Double-pane installation typically ranges from $450 to $1,000 per window.
Most homeowners should opt for professional installation for this type of door . Here’s why.
Anytime your project involves cutting into your home’s walls, you should hire a professional contractor. This includes putting in a set of sliding glass doors, even if you’re enlarging an existing door opening. Compromising your home’s structural integrity isn’t worth trying to save money on labor. Additionally, sliding glass doors are heavy—typically between 40 and 60 pounds—so this job usually requires at least two people. The best door and window installation companies will help protect your home and ensure your new doors are installed properly and securely.
Experienced do-it-yourselfers (DIYers) may be able to handle sliding door replacement for one or more panels, though it will probably require at least two people. You’ll need to pry the old frame out of the jamb , apply new flashing, install a sill pan, fit the new frame in the opening, and insert the glass panel . Then, you must finish the interior and exterior door frames with insulation, trim, and caulk. Doing this incorrectly can create air leaks and potentially even security problems. If you have any doubt about your abilities, hire a professional.
Depending on the specifics of your door project, the following considerations may also come into play.
Most sliding glass doors consist of two panels , but larger walls can allow for three-panel and even four-panel doors. These are a larger financial investment but can create a striking look and allow for greater continuity between your home’s interior and exterior space. Here’s how material costs break down by panel number.
If you’re replacing a patio door with a new one, expect to pay $100 to $150 to remove and dispose of the old door .
It’s easier and less expensive to install a sliding glass door in an existing door opening than to cut an entirely new opening. Cutting the opening alone typically costs between $400 and $1,500, and contractors will also need to install a frame for about $300 to $600. Since this project requires structural alterations to your home, you’ll need a permit for a new door opening and may want to hire a structural engineer. This can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,500.
Sliding glass isn’t your only patio door option. Here are some other popular choices.
Here’s how these door styles compare in price.
If you’re installing sliding patio doors as part of a larger home upgrade, consider the following extra projects. Many times, you can save on labor and minimize construction time by bundling projects.
If you want your home’s outdoor space to get more use, consider installing or upgrading a patio or a deck. Patios typically bookend the rear of your home and start with a poured concrete or paved floor. They’re a less expensive option priced between $2,000 and $5,700. Decks, which are raised wooden structures that may be attached to the house or freestanding, cost slightly more at $4,100 to $11,900. Both options can be customized with simple features such as a fire pit and chairs or an entire outdoor kitchen.
Particularly if you’re cutting a new opening for your sliding glass doors , you’ll want to make sure your flooring can withstand the extra foot traffic. Flooring prices are calculated by square foot and vary widely by material. Vinyl and linoleum flooring are usually the least expensive and can cost as low as $1 per square foot . Carpet can range from $3 to $22 per square foot , and high-quality tile and hardwood can easily cost $30 per square foot . Patio flooring can cost anywhere from $1 to $4 per square foot for gravel and up to $35 per square foot for granite flagstones.
You can add several extra features to your sliding patio doors to make them more functional or attractive. Here are some of the most common options.
The Department of Energy estimates that 25% to 30% of home heat loss occurs through windows, particularly single-pane windows. Since most sliding glass doors are sold by window companies, it may be a good time to get a new set of windows to match your new door . You may be able to save on labor by installing both at once, and measuring for new windows is easy to do yourself.
Energy-efficient windows transfer less heat and keep out drafts, meaning your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable. The typical window replacement cost is $670 to $1,390 per window, but you’ll save on utility bills long-term by upgrading your home’s energy efficiency .
Sliding patio doors are an excellent way to join your home’s indoor and outdoor spaces. Even when closed, they look attractive and allow in plenty of natural light . We recommend insulated sliding door frames and treated low-e glass to keep your home as energy-efficient as possible. Look for a set of doors with a good warranty , and opt for professional installation for the best results.
Here are some common cost ranges for sliding patio doors of various widths that are 80 inches in height.5ft: $330–$1,6656ft: $400–$2,0008ft: $533–$2,665
Most homeowners who install patio doors spend between $1,200 and $3,800 in total.
French doors can be less expensive to install than sliding doors, but with a range from $900 to $5,800, the price can vary widely. Additionally, sliding glass doors can be more cost-effective in the long run than high-end French doors.
The average cost of sliding patio doors is around $2,300 for both materials and installation.
Here are the benefits and drawbacks of sliding glass doors compared to other options.Pro: They let in a lot of natural light.Pro: They save floor space over hinged doors.Pro: They allow a larger door opening.Con: They can be more expensive than hinged doors.Con: They are less secure than nonglass doors.Con: They can be less energy-efficient.
We researched and analyzed dozens of window manufacturers. We then crafted a rating system based on each brand’s standard and energy-efficient product offerings.
We spoke directly to representatives at each company to learn how the installation process works and determine how each brand personalizes its windows for each home. We also closely analyzed each company’s warranty options to ensure their product and labor guarantees match or exceed industry standards.
Finally, we assessed the manufacturer’s years of experience and customer reputation. In addition, we analyzed the 100 most recent Google Reviews for each provider across various locations and branches.
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