skip to main content

Porches & Decks Windows Design Dilemma

recommendation for replacing exterior doors

4 years ago

We need to replace 2 sets of full-view French doors onto my back deck as well as a sliding glass door. Actually one of the sets of doors needs to really just be a window as it's never used as a door. The current ones are wood and approximately 23 years old! Should I go with vinyl? Any reason not to? Any brands recommended, or ones to stay away from? We would be in a mid-price range. My backyard is heavily wooded and private so I don't need inner blinds. Any advice is deeply appreciated!

Renee

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

calidesign
4 years ago
The fiberglass doors are good as they do not warp over time the way that wood does. Have a good door company come out to give you estimates and go over material options. The installation of the doors and window is just as important as the doors themselves.
Renee Hunter thanked calidesign
millworkman
4 years ago
Integrity by Marvin, either Essential or Elevate would be a good choice. If you tell us your region of the country we can recommend a quality vinyl product as many are regional. Stay away from the box stores in my opinion.
Renee Hunter thanked millworkman
Related Discussions
Can Anyone Recommend A Good Source for Exterior Doors?
Q
Comments (5)
The front door is just ugly aside from not being very weather tight. During the winter it leaks a lot of cold air from all sides of it. It's a solid core door, that has been dinged up through the years, no window either. We want something which will let in light to the hallway. Plus, the existing screen door, is a cheap one with fake stained "glass" in it and is falling apart. We recently painted it which improved it's appearance dramatically but doesn't take care of the problems it has. Plus it does nothing for the overall appearance of the home. We've been able to stop some of the air leakage with weather stripping, but because of the way the lock is installed it tends to jamb and not close properly if we use enough to really make it as leakproof as it needs to be. Thanks for the links for the French door tho. I do agree with you on the point of it going to look like a front door in the living room if I use something else - which has been part of my problem all along and why we haven't yet jumped into replacing this one. I want to make sure I pick the absolute right door here or it's going to really look terrible!
...See More
Exterior Front Door Replacement
Q
Comments (11)
"Good brands are Bayer Built & Therma Tru. Better brands are PlastPro or Provia, Marvin, Andersen, et. al." Therma Tru and Plas Pro are both an OK door when purchased from the right supplier/vendor. Provia, Homeguard, HMI and Albany are the best steel or fiberglass doors. Marvin & Andersen are not in the entry door business, they sell patio doors typically which have a much taller sill and not really good for main entrances. Wood doors are another ball game entirely. A local lumber can order either for you. Typical stock jamb depths are 4 9/16", 5 1/4" and 6 9/16" and millwork supply houses. All are available and and the two deeper jambs definitely will not triple the price.
...See More
Replacing exterior door - how to handle vinyl siding trim
Q
Comments (11)
I should probably have followed up - appreciated the advice here. I was able to pull it out just as described and it turned out OK. My main problem turned out to be that the existing door, and wall in that area, was over 1" out of plumb from top to bottom - that part was a nightmare. But I was able to rip some brick molding and had to build a bit of an extension as well since the original jamb and storm and other bits ended up as a thicker wall. I was even able to keep the top drip edge (I still need to clean up the edge to look nicer). It also turned out the wall studs behind that white trim to the left of the door were rotted at the bottom from water pooling on that step and from chipmunks digging out underneath (no rot from normal weather hitting the door and sill from outside though due to the big overhangs). So I built a form and repoured to fill in the gaps and reform threshold - that part actually came out really well I think. The original was from 1960 and really hadn't rotted anywhere except for the pooling which I addressed, so I think this fix should at least survive me (50).
...See More
Recommendations for online replacement cabinet door companies
Q
Comments (0)
Hi. Any recommendations for online replacement cabinet door companies? I will be doing unfinished cherry shaker. Thanks
...See More
Related Professionals
Waukesha Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Orange Flooring Contractors · Taunton Flooring Contractors · Palm River-Clair Mel Window Contractors · Everett Window Contractors · Norwalk Window Contractors · Palm River-Clair Mel Window Contractors · Scotts Valley Window Contractors · Fairview General Contractors · Anchorage Architects & Building Designers · Ridgewood Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Athens Furniture & Accessories · Eau Claire Furniture & Accessories · Medway General Contractors · Rock Island General Contractors
PRO
China Windows & Doors Manufacturers Association
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
What material do you like? Both Vinyl and Aluminum is good choice. According to your door change frequency 23 years, I suggest you use Aluminum or Thermal Break Aluminum Lift and Slide Doors, which is better in sound proof and water & air tightness than traditional slide doors. China WDMA is a factory association which can provide you several level products to meet your different budgets. For example the best price Aluminum lift and slide door size 1800mm(W)*2010mm(H) with profile thickness 2.0mm, 6mm+12A+6mm Low E double tempered glass,German hardware only $650. The same specification and quality lift and sliding doors from China factory who has certification of NFRC or NAMI is only $815,still very cheap. For the Vinyl Doors,I have a quotation below, size 72*80, $425, still high cost performance.

Some exterior doors FYI below
Renee Hunter
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks all! I'm located in NC
0

Related Stories

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Replace or Revamp Your Garage Doors

By Laura Gaskill

Boost curb appeal and maybe even security with new garage doors. Find out cost ranges and other important details here

EXTERIORS Great Home Project: Replace Your Exterior Siding

By Mitchell Parker

Learn the material options, costs and other factors when replacing or updating your siding

FRONT DOOR COLORS Front and Center Color: When to Paint Your Door Blue

By Jennifer Ott Design

Who knew having the blues could be so fun? These 8 exterior color palettes celebrate sunny-day skies to electric nights

EXTERIORS Pros Answer Your Questions About Metal-Frame Doors

By Julie Butterworth

Find out what to consider when adding these chic, industrial-style interior and exterior doors

MOST POPULAR How to Choose a Front Door Color

By Vanessa Brunner

If choosing a door paint isn't an open-and-shut case for you, here's help

EXTERIORS 10 Ways to Bring Charm to Your Home’s Exterior

By Laura Gaskill

Give your facade, driveway or garage doors a more appealing look to make a strong first impression

MODERN ARCHITECTURE Entryway Appeal Can Hinge on a Pivot Door

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Larger, heavier and often more dramatic than their swinging cousins, pivot doors fit right in with modern homes

FRONT DOOR COLORS Front and Center Color: When to Paint Your Door Green

By Jennifer Ott Design

Fresh, fun and a pleasant surprise on a front door, green in subtle to strong shades brings energy to home exteriors

CURB APPEAL 5 Bright Palettes for Front Doors

By Jennifer Ott Design

Splash bold green, blue, orange or red on your front door, then balance it with a more restrained hue on the rest of the house

DIY PROJECTS Make Your Own Barn-Style Door — in Any Size You Need

By No. 29 Design

Low ceilings or odd-size doorways are no problem when you fashion a barn door from exterior siding and a closet track

Sponsored

Dream Outdoor Solutions

10 Reviews

Providing Quality Home Improvements in South Riding for Over 30 Years

More Discussions

Driveway decor?

14

I want to add a front porch

5

Front Porch Ideas

13

Peak/Front Step A.I tool?

16

Ipe Retaining Wall Slats

0