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Replacing exterior french doors

16 years ago

I need to replace the french doors in the basement of my 1972 split-level. The doors open onto a patio in the back yard. I want something nice and secure, but the house is not worth spending thousands on one set of doors. Any advice? I'm lost as to where to start. I'd planned to just go to Home Depot or Lowe's, but wondering if I can get better quality for less somewhere else?

Shelley

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Comments (7)

Michael
16 years ago
Quality for less is no bargain because it's usually less quality for less.

I would recommend steel doors. They are secure and will last a long, long time. Depending on what brand you buy, they can be expensive (quality ones are). You should probably consider spending about $2,200 on a good set of doors, installed.

Michael

Here is a link that might be useful: Quality doors
better2boutside
16 years ago
brushworks has it right- less money less quality.

However- if you can find a scratch and dent sale, mis-orders whatever. I found that our local anderson supplier would sell french doors (scratch & dent) for $700- the retail is $2500. Better yet, we found a distributor upstate that was selling new doors for $850. (again they sold only misorders and you had to select from what they had in stock)

Anderson makes a great french door with three point locking system. Remember that you need to get hardware for the doors so add another $300 for the basic white set.
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shelley_r
Original Author
16 years ago
I can't afford to spend $2200 on a set of doors, and even if I could that would be out of balance with the rest of the house. Any alternatives to HD or Lowe's would be appreciated. How can I find another supplier (who will install)?

Shelley
hendricus
16 years ago
So what's the matter with Lowe's? We bought a center opening patio door, clad inside and out, blinds in the glass, for a thousand bucks, Jeldwen.
cecilt
16 years ago
Go to Lowes and order the Therma Tru by Benchmark. About $900 and you get a good fiberglass (not steel) which is much better anyways, blinds between the glass and factor about $300-$400 to install.
Michael
16 years ago
cecilt, is that your opinion or have you been determined to be the expert on door skins?

Michael
cecil
16 years ago
Michael, if you think a steel door is better than fiberglass be my guest and recommend them. When you install one, I'll be the first to come over kick it then watch it dent. Then I'll scratch it and watch it rust. Try either with a fiberglass door. Shelley R asked a question I responded with my opinion. Where is your constructive advice?

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