Replies

1. 
   user-201496 | Apr 13, 2009 04:47pm | #1

   Certainteed makes a nice all vinyl door at a reasonable price. A 6' door will be easier to operate than an 8' door because of the added weight of the larger door. Likewise a 5' door or a triple 9' door will be even easier to operate but the net opening width is smaller than a 6' door.

1. 
   MikeSmith | Apr 13, 2009 06:51pm | #3

   cucky.... i like the Anderseneither the narrow line or the frenchwoodif you have to have a slider.. they're a good choicemyself, i prefer a centerswing door ( like the old Atrium )... or a french door with either one fixed panel or both operatingMike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

   Edited 4/13/2009 11:52 am ET by MikeSmith

1. 
   user-201496 | Apr 14, 2009 12:03am | #8

   The Andersen Frenchwood door has an electrostaticly applied paint on the outside. I had these doors and after about 10 years they will need attention. Also a sliding door is much less leak prone than a hinged door. I build houses on the beach and I know from experience.

2. 
   peteshlagor | Apr 13, 2009 05:13pm | #2

   Personally, a slider will never cross the threshold in one of my houses.

   They make French Doors for such applications.

   But, hey.  That's only me!

    

1. 
   Chucky | Apr 13, 2009 09:18pm | #4

   I hate sliders too.  This door is replacing a large window and I told my wife that there was no way in hell that i was putting in a slider.  We both wanted French doors. 

   Unfortunately, unless we go with an outswing door, there is too little room inside to accomodate a regular door.  We also want to leave the door open for ventilation.  A slider with a screen would be great for this.

   The Anderson Frenchwood series look like nice doors.  This morning, I got a quote for a similar door from another manufacturer (Lepage Millwork).  At today's exchange rate, the Lepage door is 3800 USD + installation.  Ouch!

1. 
   jocobe | Apr 13, 2009 10:23pm | #5

   In sliders I prefer Andersen. The Andersen Permashield Patio Door is less expensive then the Frenchwood Gliding Door. Andersen has a new line out called the A Series. Same panels as the Frenchwood, but the frame and sill is Fibrex. Supposedly a little less expensive then the Frenchwood..View Image

2. 
   MikeSmith | Apr 13, 2009 11:22pm | #6

   chucky....  if  you  use  a center  -swing  with  one  fixed  panel,  the  operating  door  will swing  back against the  fixed  foorMike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

3. 
   sapwood | Apr 13, 2009 11:50pm | #7

   I have a Pella wood door. It has been in use for about six years now and still works just like new. It's a heavy thing that requires a good pull to separate it from the weather stripping and to simply overcome its inertia.... I don't know how a seven year old would do with it.

   This door replaced a perfectly good french door due to floor plan constraints. I love it. When letting the dog in or out I think it is quicker with the slider and less cold air enters the house. During the warm months, the screen slider is perfect for air flow.

4. 
   racerboy | Apr 14, 2009 03:24am | #9

   Chucky:

   Installed an Andersen slider two years ago.  Located on the west side of the house, gets a lot of rain and of course the sun.  Best door I've ever installed.  Easy install, quiet, easy to open, nice screen.  The boss likes it too, which was the deal-maker.

    

5. 
   maverick | Apr 14, 2009 04:00am | #10

   check out Vetter

   I have installed several of them. very well built, half the price of anderson

6. 
   Chucky | Apr 29, 2009 02:44am | #11

   Finally found a dealer in my area for a wood french-style slider that i can afford.  Anyone heard of Hurd doors before (http://www.hurd.com/) ?  Any good ?

   The Hurd door would come to about $3200 installation included.  The Anderson would be about $4200.  The two others I found (Loewen and Lepage) would be about $5500.  None of the other manufacturers mentionned in the previous posts have dealers in my area. 

   Thanks

1. 
   DanH | Apr 29, 2009 02:52am | #13

   Hurd is (or was -- no recent experience) a reasonably respected brand around here. Maybe a step up from Andersen in terms of finishes.
   The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. -John Kenneth Galbraith

7. 
   DanH | Apr 29, 2009 02:49am | #12

   Our Andersen is 32.5 years old. With an occasional (every 2-3 years) track cleaning and adjustment it still slides smooth, though the screen required new rollers about 5 years back.

   Be aware that any patio door is heavy (due to the glass) and will be difficult for small children (under 5 or so) to slide.

   The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. -John Kenneth Galbraith