Denise, Is anyone still reading this old thread? I stumbled upon this thread while trying to figure out what kind of patio sliding door I have because I need to order a replacement handle set. From what I see in your pics, you and I have the exact same door, down to the # of screw holes in the operating panel where the handle set goes. There are no labels on my door either, except the name Guardian printed in white on the corner of each panel. I checked out the Jeld-Wen Caradco connection but it seems those are only premium wood doors. Mine's vinyl. I can't take the operating panel off myself, and I have no help to do so. Anyone have any new thoughts? The door is only 5 years old, but the metal handle snapped right off the other day and I need to find a replacement. Home Depot generic sets are the wrong ones. (differently placed screw holes) Thank you! ~Kristen

You lost us at " the Home Depot salesman said...", lol. Provia makes a great hinged unit, as does Homeguard. In sliding, I agree with Wow's recommendations. I can't say that there is anything at HomeDepot that I'd recommend in terms of quality. I think that they can special order Thermatru which is probably the bare minimum of where I'd start. Regarding a hinged doo being weathertight, there is no issue with either as long as it is a quality product.

Thank you guys! @SJ McCarthy , I think this terrazzo is made with concrete and not epoxy. I’m also looking at another brand of terrazzo, which might be epoxy. These are 1/8” lower (1/2” as opposed to 5/8”). I’ll know more tomorrow. I’ve also seen some in resin? I’m still hoping the porcelain tiles will work, but having trouble finding any that aren’t a 3 month wait and I’m not finding any that I like as much as the terrazzo options. Thank you for the link. Those tiles are beautiful! I dont think I will do the Matt but it is a very good idea and I will keep it in mind for the front door Thanks @hallettco! I agree with you! Plus I have a 4” gap between the slider and the outside patio that people have to step over to get in.

It will look fine provided they match (color, trim). And if it's not okay, use the window dressing trick described above. I think reducing the height of the door would actually make it worse (not that either is bad). You want it either the same or quite different. You don't want it close but missed it by that much.