skip to main content

Building a Home Design Dilemma

Black sliding patio doors - advice

4 years ago

We are currently in the middle of a ver large home addition. As part of the addition - we are building a great room with 2 sets of sliding patio doors. For aesthetic reasons - I would like the patio doors in black on the interior. They could be black or white on the exterior. The contract that we signed with our contractor included the cost is the doors but they were priced out for Harvey doors - which turns out only have white internal grids. If we remedy the issue is is an additional $1000 for purchasing the grid panels to snap in and an interior part that can be painted. My question is - does this seem right? When I search online there are a ton of black sliding doors. Is The Harvey brand equivalent for something else in terms of cost and quality? I really haven’t seen the name. I am just tired of being told everything is over budget. This just feels so off to me.

Featured Answer

PRO

Patricia Colwell Consulting

4 years ago

I really dislike grids in windows or doors so IMO a waste of money and honestly unless all the windows in the house are black on the inside I would not just plunk in2 black patio doors either .

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

User
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Black is always a large upgrade. 1K would be cheap for that.

Your new construction needs to 100% match the existing home’s construction. It doesn’t need to scream ADDITION, which it will, with black anything. Worse, it says, “SO 2020 undesigned”. Additions should be designed so that they look like they were part of the original structure. What does your architect say about going rogue with the fad look?
Related Discussions
How to replace sliding glass patio door with pocket door ,LONG
Q
Comments (12)
To all reading this post: First of all, the quoted post should be attributed to Brickeyee. My sincerest apologies for my error. Here's a copy-and-paste version with the relevant section. Posted by brickeyee (My Page) on Thu, Jan 31, 08 at 19:46 .... The track should also NEVER be attached to a header in a weight bearing wall. A secondary header should be installed with about a 1/2 inch clearance below the structural header. If the header bows (and they all do to some extent) it can cause problems with the track. If the wall is NOT weight bearing the header will not be loaded and you CAN omit the second header. Decker, You asked what I meant by a secondary header. The real answer is I don't know; I'm just parrotting what I've read. But the term was used when describing 2x4(?)as something to which the pocket door track would be attached. BTW, this door installation is not a DIY project. I'm just trying to second-guess potential problems in construction. Again, I apologize if I've opened a can of worms.
...See More
Can a sliding patio door be painted?
Q
Comments (4)
I forgot to mention one VERY IMPORTANT caveat about painting vinyl: it is imperative that the new color not be substantially darker than the original. Vinyl expands when the heat of the sun shines on it. If painted dark, it can literally permanently warp and destroy the door! This is not the case with fiberglass, as the glass fibers controls expansion. Of course, this is especially important if on the south and west sides of the home which get the full brunt of the sun. Painting a white door to a creamy white or light tan should not be a problem, but never anything darker! Avoid grays, as the black pigmentation attracts heat.
...See More
Sliding or Hinged Door for Patio Door
Q
Comments (28)
We replaced our French patio door with a slider last year (here 27 years) and we are sorry we didn't do it much sooner. It is much easier to operate since the french door was so heavy and it was a pain to open and close as compared to the slider which operates beautifully. We didn't replace it with a French styled slider, ours has minimal casing to open-up the view. It gives our room a lift.
...See More
Window treatment advice for sliding doors
Q
Comments (7)
That’s a good point with the built in blinds. We had considered doing that, but were worried they could break over time and would not be able to be easily replaced. Now I’m wishing we would’ve just done it… One long rod across the whole wall might be a little too much considering we open the window blinds often to let the sunlight in. I’m totally fine with keeping just the blinds for the windows and putting up curtains for the sliding door. This is probably the hardest design dilemma we’ve had with the house!
...See More
Brian Sullivan
Original Author
4 years ago
Ouch
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
4 years ago
Your budget (or the contractors allowances) only allowed for grids between glass. This is a builder grade option. If you want dividers you will need to upgrade to simulated divided light. If you don’t want to change the budget, skip the grids completely.
millworkman
4 years ago
"Is The Harvey brand equivalent for something else in terms of cost and quality?"

Mediocre performance and quality. Look to Marvin Essentials or Elevate. Black will be more expensive in every brand. I say no grids on sliding doors, they tend to get quite busy looking.
whaas_5a
4 years ago
Agree with no grids on sliding doors
WestCoast Hopeful
4 years ago
No grids. So lovely when wide open. Only do black inside if you have it elsewhere in house too
cpartist
4 years ago
I have a craftsman house with Simulated divided lights on every window in my house. However on my sliders, I opted for no grids and I'm glad I did.

Related Stories

MOST POPULAR Find the Right Glass Door for Your Patio

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

It’s more than just a patio door — it’s an architectural design element. Here’s help for finding the right one for your home and lifestyle

MOST POPULAR 11 Reasons to Paint Your Interior Doors Black

Brush on some ebony paint and turn a dull doorway into a model of drop-dead sophistication

REMODELING GUIDES Pocket Doors and Sliding Walls for a More Flexible Space

By Laura Gaskill

Large sliding doors allow you to divide open areas or close off rooms when you want to block sound, hide a mess or create privacy

PATIOS Patio Details: Covered Dining Area Extends a Family’s Living Space

By Annie Thornton

Large sliding glass doors connect a pergola-covered terrace with a kitchen and great room in Seattle

DOORS The Art of the Window: 12 Ways to Cover Glass Doors

By Jess McBride

Learn how to use drapes, shutters, screens, shades and more to decorate French doors, sliding doors and Dutch doors

LIFE Edit Your Photo Collection and Display It Best — a Designer's Advice

By Apartment 46 for the Home

Learn why formal shots may make better album fodder, unexpected display spaces are sometimes spot-on and much more

KITCHEN DESIGN Bold Kitchen Makeover With Blue, Black and Brass Touches

By Bryan Anthony

Classic details and modern amenities make this remodeled kitchen in Westchester County, New York, a winner

DOORS Creative Ways With Barn-Style Doors

By Laura Gaskill

Considering jumping on the barn-door bandwagon? These examples in different styles offer inspiration aplenty

DREAM SPACES Design Workshop: The Case for Big Overhead Doors

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Garage-style doors are cost-effective solutions for opening rooms to dream views and fresh air — and they’re more stylish than ever

PATIOS 6 Patio Cover Types to Shade You in Style

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Protect yourself and your deck from the blazing sun with umbrellas, cloth, built structures — or nature's perfect shading solution

Sponsored

Peabody Landscape Group

8 Reviews

Franklin County's Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting

More Discussions

It's April 2024. How is your build going?

157

Need Help Reviewing Floor Plan!

52

House plan and foundation

12

Will it be cheaper to build a home?

14

Foundation house plan

9