How much does it cost to install a sliding patio door?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

A sliding patio door is a glass door, half of which is fixed in place and half which slides over the fixed portion. Patio doors are installed because they are a source of natural light into a house or room and they provide easy access to your porch, backyard, deck, or pool. Patio doors are great to install as they provide a great level of security, weather protection, and a beautiful appearance.

The national average range for installing a sliding patio door is between $2,000 to $4,000. Fitting a 72"x80" aluminum sliding door will cost around $2,756. Costs can run as low as $1,626 when installing a 72” x 80” single-glazed vinyl door. Or prices could run as high as $4,804​ when opting for a 72” x 80” dual-pane wood sliding patio door with extra features, such as a dog door and vertical blinds.

Sliding Patio Door Prices

Sliding Patio Door Prices by Size

The price for installing your sliding patio door will vary by the type of door installed and the size of the door. A larger size means more material, longer labor times, and sometimes more expensive hardware. Below are some of the more common patio door sizes installed and the average cost you can expect to pay for each. The first dimension represents the width of the door and the second dimension the height, which is typically a standard 80”. Prices include the cost of the door but no installation or additional costs.

Cost of Sliding Patio Doors by Material

There are a variety of types of materials that you can choose for your new sliding patio door. Each material has its own pros and cons as well as aesthetic look. Choosing the right material will largely have to do with the type of look you are trying to achieve and the type of weather you experience in your area. Below is a table of the different materials you can choose for your sliding patio door as well as the average cost without installation or other additional fees.

Vinyl Sliding Patio Door

Vinyl sliding patio doors are among the most popular options for homeowners looking to install a functional yet less expensive door option. Vinyl sliding patio doors are also easy to install and increase the home’s overall value. There are some drawbacks to vinyl, though. The two primary cons to choosing this type of door are they have a tendency to warp in higher temperatures and do not have as strong of an air seal as the other material types. Costs for a sliding vinyl patio door will run between $300 and $700 without installation.

Metal Sliding Patio Doors

Metal sliding patio doors are another less expensive option. They are more durable than vinyl and provide for a slightly better air seal. They are easy and less expensive to install. One of the drawbacks of a metal sliding door is that the frames warp or bend more easily than steel. Also, for some homeowners, the metal may not fit in well with the room’s overall decor. Metal doors for sliders can cost between $500 and $1000 without the cost of installation.

Wood Sliding Patio Door

Wood doors provide a popular option for homeowners looking for a more moderate range sliding patio door option. Wood sliding doors provide for better insulation than some of the other options. They add to the room’s decor. If you keep your wood sliding door well-maintained, you can expect it to last for a long time. The main cons of installing a wood sliding door are that they can require more maintenance to keep them up and tend to be more expensive than other options. Wood doors are moderately priced, ranging in cost from $500 to $1,500 without installation costs.

Aluminum Sliding Patio Door

Aluminum sliding patio doors are known for their strength and durability, making them ideal for areas with strong winds. They are insect and weather-resistant, which means they won’t rot or corrode. And while they are not the least expensive option, they are not one of the highest ones. The two main drawbacks that you will find with aluminum sliding doors are that they act as a thermal conductor and tend to produce more condensation. You can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $1,000 for an aluminum door depending on the brand.

Composite Sliding Patio Door

Composite sliding doors are best known for their durability. They are not likely to warp when subjected to extreme temperatures. While they are considered moderately expensive, they can be worth the cost for their longevity and ability to create a tight seal. Composite sliding doors do not have many drawbacks. Some homeowners may not find them as aesthetically pleasing as others. Homeowners may be looking for a stronger door, such as a steel construction. The costs for a composite range from $600 to $1,200.

Fiberglass Sliding Patio Door

Fiberglass sliding patio doors are a more popular option for those looking to use their patio door as a focal point of their decor. They come in many design and style options, which allows you to create a more customized look. You can paint or stain your sliding fiberglass door to match the colors in the room. Another pro of this type of door is that it is extremely low maintenance. The main drawbacks to fiberglass are they can be more expensive, typically running between $1,500 and $2,500, and are less durable than other options, sometimes cracking over time. It is also possible to damage the finish when using certain types of cleaning products.

Steel Sliding Patio Door

One of the most durable options is a steel sliding patio door. Steel doors are versatile enough to be used for any size of sliding door and with any decor. One of the biggest drawbacks of steel doors is that they are expensive to purchase. You can expect to pay between $2,000 and $4,000 plus the costs of installation. Other issues are that they can become dented, difficult to repair, and more susceptible to rust.

Sliding Patio Doors Cost by Type

When deciding to install a sliding patio door, you must determine which type of material you would like and the type of door. The most common options when choosing a type are 2-panel, 3-panel, 4-panel, 5-panel, and 6-panel. Since each panel requires more material and time to install, the more panels you have, the greater the cost. Below is a table of costs based on the type of panel you choose, minus the costs of installation.

2-Panel Sliding Patio Door

A 2-panel sliding patio door is one of the most common doors you will see in a home. It consists of two glass panels. One of the panels remains fixed. The other panel slides open and closed, creating the entrance. Two-panel sliding patio doors are a good option when looking for a simple exit into your yard. Two-panel sliding doors are the least expensive option, with costs between $400 and $1,500.

3-Panel Sliding Patio Door

The price for a 3-panel sliding patio door is higher than a 2-panel because it has an additional panel and two that operate as sliders. You can choose to have one or two panels fixed and one or two of the panels as sliders, which provide two openings. This type of door is often chosen when you would like two or more exits if choosing the two operable designs. Others may choose two fixed panels to allow for more natural light through the doorway area. Three-panel sliding doors are more moderately priced, ranging from $1,500 to $3,500.

4-Panel Sliding Patio Door

When looking at the cost of a 4-panel sliding glass door, you notice that the price is almost double that of a 2 panel. The price is higher because you are getting twice the door. Four-panel door options consist of two fixed panels and two panels that slide open. This is the best choice when looking to open up a large area to natural light and want two sliding panels to enter or exit. Because of their size, a 4-panel sliding patio door can be used to improve the room’s aesthetics. Four-panel sliding doors are a more expensive option and can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $5,500.

5-Panel Sliding Glass Door

In recent years, more extensive panel options have resulted from custom projects and started to gain more popularity. A 5-panel door is very similar to the 4-panel variety but with an extra door. Although more expensive, some people find this a worthwhile addition to large, expansive living rooms and family spaces, especially where there is a view. Five-panel sliding glass is most suited to houses with a lot of light and space to roam around. The average cost of a 5-panel sliding door is $3,000 to $6,000.

6-Panel Sliding Glass Door

At the very end of the spectrum are 6-panel sliding glass doors. Although they are not very common and usually reserved for custom jobs, they are an attractive possibility with at least three sliding panels to bring the outside in and vice versa. A 6-panel sliding glass door becomes a major selling point for renovated homes featuring these good views from the window. Expect to pay around $3,500 to $6,500 for a 6-panel sliding door.

Sliding Patio Door Pane Costs by Glass Type

A door pane is a sheet of glass or transparent material that is placed into a door. There are several different types of panes that you can choose from, illustrated in the chart below with a short description and cost.

Low-E Coated

Low-E coated is a reflective type of glass. It is considered one of the most energy-efficient options as the coating on the glass reflects the sunlight. This effect helps to reduce the heat gain that you have in your living space. It minimizes the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light that comes through the glass to keep your living space at more consistent temperatures. The coating is thin and virtually transparent, preventing any alteration of the aesthetic of the door. You can expect to pay between $100 and $500.

Impact Resistant 

If you live in an area with inconsistent or unpredictable weather, then an impact-resistant sliding patio door may be a great option. The glass on this door is designed to withstand pressure, strong winds, and flying debris. For homes on the outskirts of hurricane and tornado paths, this door can protect against glass damage and preserve the integrity of your home. The cost for impact-resistant sliding patio doors should range between $300 and $500.

High Energy Efficiency

With so much light coming in through a sliding glass patio door, you may be looking to maximize efficiency. This can be especially true if you live in an area with high temperatures. The glass has a low U-factor value, which makes it designed to conserve energy. Installing this type of door helps you reduce your overall energy bills. The cost for this runs anywhere from $400 to $600.

Gas-Filled

With gas-filled glass, argon or krypton gas is sandwiched in between the panes. This provides for much greater insulation than simply air alone. They can help to improve U-value, which minimizes the heat exchange through the window. They are ideal for all climates and help reduce condensation and frost buildup. Since the gas used is non-toxic, they also are considered environmentally friendly. Costs for this will run between $400 and $600

Textured

Many homeowners may choose textured glass for their sliding door due to its appearance. They come in several different textures, which provide a unique look for the room. You can choose from frosted glass, beveled, ripple, glazed, and water glass. Depending on the style you choose, they provide varying privacy levels, obscuring what is seen through the glass. You can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,000 for a textured glass.

Tempered Sliding Glass Door

Tempered glass is also referred to as safety glass. If broken, this glass would break into smaller, less dangerous pieces instead of larger chunks. Tempered glass can be a good choice if you live in an area where strong winds are prevalent. If flying debris breaks the glass, it would be a lot less dangerous, especially if you have small children in the home. Tempered glass is toughened, making it strong and durable. Not only will it break better if it happens, but it can withstand a lot more before it breaks. Tempered sliding glass doors can cost between $700 and $1000.

Hurricane Proof 

Hurricane proof sliding glass doors are exactly what their name implies. They are glass doors designed to withstand damage during a hurricane. They are impact-rated and impact-resistant, meaning that the glass has been fabricated and tested to resist a hurricane’s high winds. They are also stronger, making them more difficult to break in the event of flying debris. Since broken glass and high winds can spell disaster, this glass is a must if you live in a hurricane region. The cost for this runs anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000.

Soundproof 

A soundproof sliding patio door is perfect for homeowners who live in busy or high traffic areas and want to reduce the amount of sound coming into their homes. These doors are as effective as soundproof windows and work by creating a nearly impenetrable barrier between the sound and your ears. They essentially take on and capture the mechanical energy of a sound wave. You should pay between $1,200 to $4,000 for soundproof sliding patio doors.

Sliding Patio Door Cost by Number of Panes

When choosing patio doors, you need to determine the number of panes you want your glass door to have. For each pane that is added, the glass will be thicker and more durable and better insulates your home. If you live in a temperate climate that sees few storms or weather events, then a single-pane door would suffice. But if you live in an area that is vulnerable to high winds and storm damage, a double- or triple-pane glass can lower the risk of damage. Double- and triple-pane glass is also recommended in areas that see temperature extremes as they are more energy-efficient and reduce your energy costs.

Single-pane Sliding Patio Door

Single-pane sliding patio doors consist of one pane of glass that provides a barrier of protection between your home and the outdoor elements. Single-pane options are less expensive as they use less material and take less labor to manufacture. The main drawback to single-pane doors is that they provide less insulation, making it more difficult to maintain the temperature in the room and leading to higher energy bills. They also are less durable and more likely to crack or break when subjected to storms or high winds. Single pane windows are the least expensive option and will cost between $350 and $1,500.

Double-pane Sliding Patio Door

This door features a double pane of glass instead of a single one. Double-pane glass is much more durable than single-pane, making it more resistant to high winds. Since the overall glass is thicker, they also have better insulation. This makes them more energy-efficient and helps to maintain the temperature in your home. They are designed to last longer, which can improve the value of your home. Double pane windows are moderately expensive and cost anywhere from $450 to $2,100.

Triple-pane Sliding Patio Door

Many homeowners choose triple-pane sliding door glass due to its improved durability. These doors are designed with three panes of glass sandwiched together. This makes them extremely energy-efficient, helping to keep the heat or cold out of your home. Triple-pane glass is more resistant to high winds and thrown debris. While triple-pane windows are the most durable and energy-efficient, they can be quite costly, running anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000.

Average Cost of Sliding Patio Door By Brand

The cost of your glass sliding patio door will be largely determined by the brand you choose, along with the size and type. Different manufacturers offer different types of doors and use different methods and materials for their construction. In addition to that, the brand you choose will determine the door’s warranty. Since a sliding glass door can be an investment and can be costly to replace, finding a brand with a good warranty against defects can be important to factor into your choice. Below is a table of the most popular sliding glass door brands and their average costs.

Peachtree 

Peachtree windows were designed with both energy-efficiency and quality in mind. They only use high-quality fiberglass to create durable sliding glass doors that reduce energy costs and maintain the temperature in your room. But fiberglass doors are not the only type of slider they offer. They offer doors in aluminum, steel, and real wood to help the door fit in with any room decor. Peachtree sliding patios doors are reasonably priced, averaging between $350 to $1,000 uninstalled.

Pella Sliding Door

Pella offers both contemporary and traditional sliding door designs to fit in with any decor. They offer doors with vinyl, wood, and fiberglass frames and 2-, 3-, and 4-panel configurations. Pella has 27 standard colors and custom colors to achieve your desired appearance. If you want an upgraded look, they offer French door sliding options and triple-pane models that are highly durable, energy-efficient, and help reduce noise. Pella sliding doors are also fairly affordable, costing between $350 and $2,400.

American Craftsman 

American Craftsman offers a wide range of sliding patio doors in varying styles and materials to complete the desired look in your home. Their doors are all energy-efficient, though you can choose styles with varying degrees of efficiency. They offer premium, modern designs constructed with vinyl or wood and even offer narrow options to allow you to fit one in a more customized space. You can also improve efficiency by adding triple-pane or Low-e glass. American Craftsman doors are reasonably priced, running between $350 and $2,500.

Therma-tru

Therma-tru offers a variety of sliding doors to help you meet your specific needs. You can choose from energy-rated options to provide the greatest efficiency or opt for an impact-rated model to withstand high winds. Other options that you can choose from to customize your door is Low-e glass, noise-reducing construction, and textured or privacy glass designs. All of their doors are designed to be durable and are backed by the most comprehensive warranties in the industry. You can expect to pay $450 to $3,500 for a Therma-tru door without installation.

Masterpiece

Masterpiece is a collection from MP Doors that’s exclusively available at The Home Depot. MP Doors creates composite sliding patio doors known for their beautiful quality and good value for the money. The fully composite frame is highly resistant to rotting and offers an innovative two-panel design. The brand is recognized for smooth white door finishes and a flush glaze that produces a high-performance, low-maintenance finish. Masterpiece sliding patio doors retail for $500 - $1,500.

Crestline 

Crestline offers sliding patio doors in vinyl, wood, and aluminum. Their doors are meant to be functional and aesthetically pleasing. To achieve this goal, they offer a wide palette of colors and wood finishes to help you achieve the look you have envisioned. They offer Low-e and other energy-efficient options to help you maintain your desired temperature and save you money on your energy bills. Crestline doors are considered moderately priced and can cost anywhere between $500 and $3,000.

Jeld-wen 

Jeld-wen offers many sliding door options depending on what function you wish it to serve and how you wish it to look. They offer 2-, 3-, and 4-panel options, some that even come in unique, space-saving designs. They also offer doors with specialty glass, such as low-friction and impact-resistant. They design their doors to be aesthetically pleasing by offering several colors and materials, including wood and stainless steel. All of their doors are covered under a 10-year limited warranty. When pricing Jeld-wen sliding doors, you will realize you have moved to a slightly higher price range, with doors running between $750 and $3,500.

Harvey 

Harvey offers sliding patio doors in a wide range of prices so that you can get what you are looking for to fit into your budget. Their solid reputation for producing a quality product with durable glass is highly-rated among contractors. Their products are so durable that even their vinyl frame doors are reinforced with heavy-duty aluminum. They offer an Energy Star glazing for all of their glass so you can improve efficiency even further. The cost for a Harvey sliding patio door without installation will cost between $795 and $2,000.

ProVia 

ProVia carries a wide range of energy-efficient sliding doors and windows, as well as siding, roofing, and stone products. Its patio doors are available in several collections: the Endure and Aspect vinyl sliding doors, the Aeris sliding doors with a wood interior and vinyl exterior, and the Designer steel and fiberglass hinged doors. There are also Ecolite vinyl sliding doors with a quiet sliding system and a strong thermal barrier for efficient use. The average ProVia Endure sliding patio door cost is $800 to $3,000.

Anderson Sliding Patio Door

Anderson offers both vinyl and wood frame options in several finishes and colors to fit in with your home’s decor. You can choose options with a protective aluminum or fiberglass exterior to increase durability. Their base options maximize light and view. They offer higher-end options that are extremely energy-efficient. Their sliding doors are backed by a 10-year limited warranty that is easily transferable. Anderson windows are typically more expensive and cost as low as $800 to as high as $3,500.

Kolbe 

Sliding patio doors from Kolbe are renowned for premium-quality wood finishes. The brand’s functional and aesthetically-pleasing sliding doors are available in several popular collections, including the VistaLuxe WD Line featuring aluminum and wood. The same materials are used in the Ultra Series, while the Heritage Series features historical detail wood options. Glastra and wood are used in the Forgent series for a distinguished design. Across these collections, most homeowners pay between $1,000 and $1,500 for Kolbe sliding patio doors, if not slightly more for a custom design.

Milgard 

These sliding glass patio doors are known for their smooth operation and aesthetically pleasing design. They are also designed for both right- and left-hand operations. You can start your search for the perfect door by choosing one of their design series. The Tuscany Series features premium vinyl frames. The Trinsic Series offers contemporary vinyl looks with a narrow frame profile. Clean styles and slim profiles can be found with the Style Line Series. Those looking for high-performance, more durable doors with fiberglass and aluminum can find what they are looking for with the Ultra and Aluminum Series. Milgard doors are designed both for function and aesthetics, which is reflected in the price. Costs for these doors range between $1,000 and $3,500.

Marvin Sliding Patio Door

At Marvin, energy-efficiency and customer satisfaction are their top priority. They offer multiple styles of sliding doors, including multi-slide doors. If you are looking for an unobstructed view of the outdoors, they offer panoramic options that feature large panels and a narrow frame. They utilize products based on the highest industry standards to provide quality and durable products, meant to last for years. Marvin sliding patio doors are among the most costly brands, with doors ranging between $2,800 and $3,900 without the cost of installation.

Sliding Patio Door Installation Cost

Installing a sliding patio door requires professional knowledge so that it can be installed properly, so hiring a professional to do the job is a good idea. Installing a sliding patio door includes: preparation of the opening for the new door (measuring to make sure the new door fits), applying leakproof flashing, caulking and installing the new frame, adding extension jambs, trim, and filler strips, and then adding filling in the exterior trim to support the door.

Installing a patio door in a wall where no existing opening requires some modifications to the wall, plumbing, and electrical wiring. If the wall is load-bearing then only experienced carpenters or structural engineers should decide whether it can be done and how. The cost to hire a structural engineer varies depending on a few factors. For instance, the length of time in their field will increase their price. Newly graduated structural engineers will charge between $18-$26 per hour while engineers with more experience charge from $30-$42 per hour for the same work.

The average cost to install a sliding patio door averages $1,400-$4,000. This price includes labor costs, which average around $65-$85 per hour and will take approximately 7 hours to install, as well as material costs including shims, silicone, and caulking. Removal and disposal of an old patio door typically costs $100-$150 and is included in the cost.

Sliding Patio Door Replacement Cost

Before you can install your new sliding patio door, you will have to remove your old door. Old patio door removal costs usually around $100-$150.

If you already have a sliding door in place, you can actually save on the overall cost of installation. Replacing an existing sliding door costs around $700 to $2,400 on average. You'll be expected to pay around $100 to $300 for removal of an old door. Additional costs of $100 to $300 may apply if the frame needs replacing or repairing.

You might also just need a panel replaced on your pre-existing door. This will cost between $400 and $700 in general, which covers the cost of removing and disposing the old panel, plus the installation of the new one.

Cost to Install a Sliding Glass Door in an Existing Wall

If you wish to install a sliding glass door into an existing wall without any kind of pre-existing door or opening, the costs will be higher on average than simply replacing a door. This kind of installation will cost around $1,500 to $5,000 on average.

The cost of creating a new opening in the wall ranges from $400 to $1,500, and then there's another $300 to $600 in costs to frame the new opening, plus the potential costs of permits and structural engineers, which can add anywhere from $300 to $1,500 onto the total price.

How to Measure for Sliding Patio Door

If you are replacing an existing sliding patio door or installing a new door, one of the most important steps is to correctly measure for your new door so that it will fit properly. Sliding patio doors often come in standard sizes so it shouldn’t be too complicated to order a door that will fit. The typical patio door opening is 6'8" tall and 6 to 12 feet wide.

To measure your patio sliding door opening for replacement, remove the wood trim first so that you can get more accurate measurements. Measure from one top corner to the other to get the width, and measure from the top corner to the bottom corner on the same side to get the height. Take 3 width measurements at different locations and average them, and 3 height measurements at different locations and average them, and submit these averages to the contractor. Make sure you measure your sliding patio door from the inside, as the measurements will be more accurate.

This cost guide is based on installing a 6’-wide sliding patio door. It is important to keep in mind that the bigger the size of the door, the higher the cost.

Oversized Sliding Glass Door Cost

A sliding glass door between 8 and 12 feet wide would be considered an oversized door and a more customized option. If you have a large space to fill or would like to let in a lot of natural light into the home, then an oversized sliding door maybe your desired option. These doors will typically have more than one fixed panel and a large slider. They could also be designed with two large sliders and one fixed panel if you desire two entryways.

Since these doors are larger than standard sizes, they will be considerably more expensive. You can expect to pay anywhere between $4,000 to $7,000 to have an oversized glass sliding door installed. This cost will include the cost of the door and approximately $100 per linear foot for installation. Installation costs are higher as it is more labor-intensive. Door panels used for an oversized glass door installation will be up to 6 feet in width and 11 feet tall.

Patio Door Lock

Locks are a very important part of the installation process of a patio door. In comparison to the past, locks for sliding doors are much more advanced and provide a much higher level of security. A basic lock for a sliding patio door averages $10-$15 only for the lock and other options are available such as auxiliary locks ranging from $20-$50 without installation. Some common lock types for patio doors include deadbolts, foot locks, and security bars.

A newer option to consider are smart locks for sliding glass doors. Only a few smart locks for sliding glass doors are currently available, but as the technology evolves, they are expected to become more common. These locks provide a keyless option allowing homeowners to lock and unlock their sliding glass door through a keypad on either side. They are stronger and more tamper-resistant, which provides for better security.

Some smart lock options can even connect with your smartphone, Alexa, or Google Home through an app, allowing you to lock and unlock your slider by voice or directly from your smartphone. You will also have the added convenience of giving out one-time use codes for house sitters or workers. The cost of these locks has quite a range running between $250 and $700.

Screen for Sliding Glass Door

Having a screen for your sliding patio door is a great way to naturally cool your home, allowing fresh in while blocking bugs and dirt from entering your living space. They can help you cut down on your energy bills by cooling the property naturally, without the need for fans and air conditioning units, and they come in various styles so you can find one that suits you.

There are two main types of screens for glass doors: sliding and retractable.

Sliding Screen for Patio Door

Sliding screens are installed on the exterior of the sliders and are only located on one side of the doors. They’re cheap and affordable, with great value options available for $150 to $250, but they’re not ideal for homeowners with pets as claws and paws can damage them, leading to repair costs.

Retractable Screen 

Retractable screens are becoming more and more popular with many homeowners due to their unique advantages. As the name implies, they’re able to retract into a housing chamber when not in use, letting you pull them out and store them away as needed. They can be easily installed on any patio door and are available in a range of colors and styles, as well as being more durable than sliding screens. However, they’re more expensive on average, costing $400 to $600.

Automatic Sliding Patio Door Price

Enhance your new patio sliding door with an automatic sliding door system. Automatic sliding doors provide beauty, strength, and technology into one! Automatic sliding doors make it easy to open up with little maintenance and also provide a reduction in operational noise. Automatic sliding doors are on the expensive side and range from $2,000-$3,500 per door including installation fees.

Sliding Glass Wall Cost

Sliding glass walls are a unique way to provide elevated functionality and beauty to a design space. They can be used in interior and exterior spaces. They are engineered simply and create a unique architecture that can be the epitome of minimalism.

Glass walls use a simple slide method, opening and closing to allow you to move throughout the interior of your home or to the outside while keeping rooms sectioned but not limiting visibility. One of the benefits of sliding glass walls is that you can use an unlimited number of panels to create a wide opening. You can integrate swing doors to optimize the space. Some sliding glass walls come with either a single or no track floor option to allow for a smooth transition without creating a slipping hazard.

Another great option that can be used with glass sliding walls for exterior doors is telescoping sliding doors. Their compact design can be ideal for both expansive and modest openings, creating a versatile and aesthetically pleasing exit. You can customize the look by choosing a wood frame, aluminum, or even a frameless design. Telescoping sliding doors can be visually appealing and one of the most expensive options for an exterior patio door. Costs range from between $2,500 and $10,000 installed.

Insulation

When it comes to sliding patio doors, some options provide better insulation than others. Models such as double- and triple-pane or high energy-efficient options will provide better insulation due to their construction and thickness. But if you are looking to improve your sliding door insulation, you can have insulation panels for sliding glass doors installed. Double glazed inserts can be added to sliding glass doors, but it requires disassembly of the door for the process to be completed. On average, these inserts cost between $300 and $500 to install. You can improve the insulation on your sliding glass door for less by adding blackout curtains or cellular blinds. However, these affect the overall look of the door.

Energy Star Certified Patio Doors

Due to advances in technology, ENERGY STAR certified patio doors make it easier to save energy than ever before.

ENERGY STAR patio doors offer reduction in energy costs up to 12%, reduction of cold drafts, reduction of noise, less condensation in cold weather and better protection from sun damage to furnishings.

ENERGY STAR is a government-supported program that uses energy ratings and their U-factor to define their energy efficiency. The U-factor measures the rate at which heat transfers and how well the window insulates. The U-factor ranges from 0.25-1.25 and is measured using Btu/h. ENERGY STAR rates patio doors based on the gas between the panes, glass, spacer, and reinforcement. ENERGY STAR is managed by the EPA and the US Department of Energy.

ENERGY STAR doors are excellent for installation and provide many benefits. The only downfall comes with the cost. ENERGY STAR doors are quite pricey and range from $234-$1,050 depending on the material of the door and the brand.

Maintenance

Since a sliding glass patio door can be a costly investment, you want to make sure that you protect that investment by properly maintaining it to last as long as possible. While it is important to keep your glass clean and free from debris to avoid scratches, another major area of focus should be the track. Sliding doors have difficulty moving and even become stuck when debris is caught in the track. To ensure that your sliding patio door continues to function smoothly, clean both the tracks and rollers monthly or more frequently if you track in a lot of dirt or sand. You can remove loose debris with a vacuum and more stuck on grime with a cleaner, cloth, and some elbow grease.

You want to make sure that your door stays properly sealed to prevent air and energy loss. If you notice that your seal has tears or cracks or is broken, you should have it replaced immediately. This prevents air loss and keeps debris out.

Right Hand vs Left Hand Sliding Door

Right hand and left hand are terms that help to determine the way in which the door will slide open.

While facing the sliding patio door, if the door handle is on the left hand, then this is considered a right-hand door. The right side of the door is fixed and the left side will slide open along the tracks. Opposite to that, if the door handle is on the right side of the door, then this is a left-hand door. The left side of the door is fixed and the right side will slide open along the tracks.

Sliding Patio Door vs French Door

When choosing the right door for your patio, you will be faced with multiple options. Deciding on the right one will largely have to do with how you wish the door to function, the cost, and aesthetics. Two of the most popular options for patio doors are sliding doors and French doors.

A sliding patio door works with at least two panels. One or more panels will be fixed in place, and one or more additional panels will slide open, creating the exit. Sliding doors can be popular options due to their ease of operation, clean and aesthetically pleasing appearance, and their narrow frames provide natural light. Homeowners may choose a sliding door if they have less space in the room because the sections fold back instead of opening out. The main drawbacks to a sliding glass door are that they can wear out over time, especially if not well maintained, and can be costly, especially when opting for more energy-efficient or decorative selections.

French doors consist of two door frames that open separately either inward or outward by using handles. French doors are often chosen for the ability to customize the look of the room. They come in many designs and improve the aesthetics of the room. They are easy to operate and provide access to the outdoors without having a large opening in the room. The main drawback of choosing French doors is that natural light is significantly limited.

When it comes to cost, French doors are the most economical option, running between $1,000 and $4,000, while sliding doors can cost between $1,200 and $5,000.

Sliding Patio Door vs Folding Door Cost

Folding doors are another popular option for patio doors. Folding doors are designed with a whole glass wall that folds open completely along a track located in the floor and creates an opening to the outside. Unlike sliding glass doors, the whole door opens completely, providing a wider exit space.

They are similar to sliding doors in a couple of aspects. They are both easy to operate and allow a significant amount of natural light to come in. One of the main drawbacks is that even though their function is easy, the panels are quite heavy. Moving the panels can be difficult for some people. Folding doors are a lot less expensive than sliding doors, running between $900 and $1,000, but they have fewer options when it comes to design.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Built-in Blinds

As an additional feature, some sliding patio doors offer built-in blinds, which give your home extra elegance and beauty. There are many advantages of built-in blinds such as little maintenance, easy cleaning, energy efficiency, and reduction in noise. Patio doors with blinds can be a worthwhile investment and improvement cost. Purchasing a patio door with built-in blinds can increase the cost of the patio door considerably. A patio door with built-in blinds can raise the cost by $150-$400.

Pet Panels

Pet panels make it easy for pets to go outside and do their business when they want. Designers have created pet panel inserts that fit in any sliding patio door without any drilling. Pet panels come in a variety of sizes depending on the size of your pet and make it very convenient to let them go outside on their own time. Patio doors can be purchased with pet panels already attached or you can purchase the insert on their own. Sliding patio doors with pet panels attached range in cost from $125-$500, depending on the size, brand, and style. Pet panel inserts can be purchased separately at a cost of $54-$350.

Grids

Door grids are a beautiful enhancement option that mimics the look of a multi-paned door. Grids are often chosen based on their attractiveness and to act as an accent piece for a home. Grids often come as part of the door and increase the door value by $50-$100.

Transoms

Transoms are small, detailed windows that are located over or beside a door. They are good for adding extra light, with many different styles available. Transoms are quite popular and are a great improvement choice for installing a new sliding patio door. Transoms are quite costly and range from $150-$800 per window.

Sidelights

Adding some sidelights to your patio door can help to enhance its appearance. There are different styles of sidelights that run along the side of the patio door or some that illuminate an entrance way. Sidelights that run along the length of the door range in price between $100-$250 each. The sidelights that illuminate the entrance way are called path lights and typically cost $75-$100 each. For installation of sidelights an electrician charges an average of $40-$100 per hour for installation.​

Shutters 

While most homeowners have heard of shutters for windows, many may not realize that shutters are an option for their sliding glass doors as well. Shutters are a great way to add privacy and improve the aesthetic of the room. With shutters, you can filter the amount of light coming in through them to suit your liking, helping control the room’s temperature. A popular option that many homeowners use are plantation shutters, which come in both bi-fold and tri-fold configurations. While the cost of shutters depends on the type and size, you can expect to pay between $20 and $45 per square foot.

Tinting a Sliding Patio Door

As with windows, some homeowners add tinting to their sliding patio door. Tinting involves adding film over the window. Many different films can be used, depending on the desired result. Dual reflective film is designed to keep heat out while maintaining the view. Other films, such as the silver series, are designed to give the homeowner maximum privacy. Tinting provides several benefits, such as added privacy, UV protection, glare reduction, heat blocking, and added security. Costs for tinting vary widely depending on the type of film chosen and the size of the area being tinted. On average, you pay anywhere between $6 and $28 per square foot.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• The warranty on patio doors may differ depending on the brand. Most companies, however, offer a lifetime warranty. This usually includes a lifetime warranty on the door against warping, peeling, rotting, or cracking, on the hardware and on the glass seals. Warranties do not include surface fading due to sunlight, air pollutants, and atmospheric conditions or damage from improper installation, abuse, accident, negligence, or anything else beyond their control.
• If you are required to make any changes to the framing of your patio door, a permit may be required to ensure that the required amount of ventilation is maintained and that no safety issues arise. Pay a visit to your city or town hall to get information on the permit you may need to complete the job.
• During a home inspection, a homeowner should be informed of any repair and maintenance concerns to a patio door. They should be informed whether there are things like rot or mold and should be given the cost to adapt the existing door-opening structure.
• If your screen door becomes damaged over time and constantly falls out then it is a good idea to replace it.
• If you are looking to replace your sliding glass door you should do it in good weather. Once you remove the old door, your inside will be exposed to outdoor elements until the new door is put in place.
• If you experience any issues with the flooring, siding, or interior trim due to rotting, water damage, or other reasons, this can add to the final cost. The cost of floor repairs is dependent on the size of the space and can range from $200-$3,500. If there are any issues with the siding the average cost to repair siding is $600-$1,200. If there are any issues with the interior trim, it averages $140-$250 to repair the trim.