How Much Does It Cost to Install Sliding Patio Doors? (2023)

A new sliding glass patio door costs an average of $2,300, with most homeowners paying between $1,200 and $3,800* including materials and labor. Installing a sliding glass door is a great way to connect your home’s indoor space to your patio or deck. While traditional hinged doors can get the job done, sliding glass doors maximize natural light and help create a more open feel.

In this guide, we’ll explain the main factors that affect the price of sliding patio doors and offer tips for your installation. 

*Article cost data via Angi, Home Advisor, and Fixr.

 

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Major Cost Factors of Sliding Patio Door Installation

Door size, frame materials, brand, and glass type have the biggest impact on cost.

Size of Door

Larger doors naturally cost more. Most sliding patio doors are 80 inches tall, though it’s possible to purchase oversize doors with heights of 82 or 96 inches. These doors are usually 60, 72, or 96 inches wide. Three-panel sliding doors that cover an entire wall can be even wider.

Cost by Door Size

Standard-size sliding glass doors cost about $10 to $50 per square foot. Just as custom windows cost more than standard windows, custom sliding glass doors cost more.

Door Width (in Inches)	Door Height (in Inches)	Square Footage	Cost Range
60	80	33.3	$330–$1,665
60	82	34.2	$342–$1,710
60	96	40.0	$400–$2,000
72	80	40.0	$400–$2,000
72	82	41.0	$410–$2,050
72	96	48.0	$480–$2,400
96	80	53.3	$533–$2,665
96	82	54.7	$547–$2,735
96	96	64.0	$640–$3,200

Door Frame Material

Sliding patio doors come in several frame materials, each with their own benefits and price ranges.

• Vinyl: Vinyl patio doors are the least expensive and most popular. This material is lightweight and low maintenance, but it can warp when exposed to extreme temperatures. Also, it often doesn’t form as tight a seal as other options, potentially allowing air leaks.
• Composite: Composite frames combine wood particles and resin. They’re slightly more expensive than vinyl, but they don’t warp. They also seal more tightly when closed.
• Aluminum: This highly durable, lightweight metal resists rot and corrosion. Unfortunately, aluminum frames also conduct heat, so they’re less energy-efficient in hot climates.
• Wood: Wood frames are excellent insulators, but they require frequent maintenance in the form of sealing and painting. Wood doors are also prone to water damage.
• Fiberglass: Usually the most high-end door frame material, fiberglass is often designed to look like wood, but it requires far less maintenance.

Material	Cost Range
Vinyl	$300–$1,200
Composite	$600–$1,200
Aluminum	$750–$2,500
Wood	$1,000–$3,000
Fiberglass	$1,500–$2,500

Glass Types

The type of glass in the door also affects the price. Untreated, single-pane glass panels cost the least, but they can pose safety, security, and energy-efficiency problems. Specialty glass shatters less easily and helps prevent heat from transferring indoors. Terms like “impact-resistant,” “hurricane-proof,” and “laminated” are sometimes used interchangeably but do have some differences, so always make sure you know what you’re buying.

• Low-e: Short for “low-emissivity,” low-e glass coatings reduce light wavelengths such as infrared and UV radiation without blocking visible light. Opting for low-e glass is a fairly inexpensive way to keep your utility bills from rising after installing glass doors.
• Impact-resistant: A type of laminated glass, impact-resistant glass typically consists of two glass panes with a translucent polymer layer in between. The polymer is very difficult to penetrate, so even if this glass shatters, it will remain adhered to the polymer instead of scattering across the ground.
• Gas-filled: Double-pane or triple-pane glass has an insulating gas layer, such as argon or krypton, between the panes. This provides maximum energy efficiency and noise reduction. 
• Textured: Patterned or frosted glass obscures views, increasing privacy while still allowing in some natural light.
• Tempered: Sometimes called safety glass, tempered glass is heat-treated. This means it forms tiny, pebble-like pieces instead of sharp shards when it breaks.
• Hurricane-proof: No window is truly unbreakable, but glass that’s marketed as “hurricane-proof” typically combines laminated and tempered glass for the highest possible impact resistance.
• Soundproof: Though not fully soundproof, combining multiple laminated glass panes with insulating gas can reduce the amount of outdoor noise you hear when the door is closed.

Type of Glass	Cost Range
Low-e	$100–$500
Impact-resistant	$300–$500
Gas-filled	$400–$600
Textured	$500–$1,000
Tempered	$700–$1,000
Hurricane-proof	$1,000–$3,000
Soundproof	$1,200–$4,000

Sliding Door Brand

Top window brands, such as Milgard and Pella, sell sliding glass patio doors. These companies offer sliding doors at a variety of price points, but brands such as Marvin and Renewal by Andersen typically have more high-end options.

Cost by Brand

Here’s how the costs of some top window companies compare.

Door Brand	Cost Range
Pella	$350–$2,400
American Craftsman	$350–$2,500
Masterpiece	$500–$1,500
Jeld-Wen	$750–$3,500
Harvey	$795–$2,000
Andersen	$800–$3,500
Kolbe	$1,000–$1,500
Milgard	$1,000–$3,500
Marvin	$2,800–$3,900

Labor Costs

Professional installation for a sliding patio door typically costs between $65 and $85 per hour, and the job usually takes about seven hours from start to finish. This means labor typically makes up $455 to $595 of sliding door installation costs.

 

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Professional vs. DIY Sliding Patio Door Installation

Most homeowners should opt for professional installation for this type of door. Here’s why.

Professional Sliding Door Installation

Anytime your project involves cutting into your home’s walls, you should hire a professional contractor. This includes putting in a set of sliding glass doors, even if you’re enlarging an existing door opening. Compromising your home’s structural integrity isn’t worth trying to save money on labor. Additionally, sliding glass doors are heavy—typically between 40 and 60 pounds—so this job usually requires at least two people. The best door and window installation companies will help protect your home and ensure your new doors are installed properly and securely.

DIY Sliding Door Installation

Experienced do-it-yourselfers (DIYers) may be able to handle sliding door replacement for one or more panels, though it will probably require at least two people. You’ll need to pry the old frame out of the jamb, apply new flashing, install a sill pan, fit the new frame in the opening, and insert the glass panel. Then, you must finish the interior and exterior door frames with insulation, trim, and caulk. Doing this incorrectly can create air leaks and potentially even security problems. If you have any doubt about your abilities, hire a professional.

 

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Additional Factors Affecting Sliding Door Installation Cost

Depending on the specifics of your door project, the following considerations may also come into play.

Number of Panels

Most sliding glass doors consist of two panels, but larger walls can allow for three-panel and even four-panel doors. These are a larger financial investment but can create a striking look and allow for greater continuity between your home’s interior and exterior space. Here’s how material costs break down by panel number.

• 2-panel: $400–$1,500
• 3-panel: $1,500–$3,500
• 4-panel: $2,500–$5,500

Old Door Removal

If you’re replacing a patio door with a new one, expect to pay $100 to $150 to remove and dispose of the old door.

Retrofitting vs. Creating New Opening

It’s easier and less expensive to install a sliding glass door in an existing door opening than to cut an entirely new opening. Cutting the opening alone typically costs between $400 and $1,500, and contractors will also need to install a frame for about $300 to $600. Since this project requires structural alterations to your home, you’ll need a permit for a new door opening and may want to hire a structural engineer. This can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,500.

 

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Sliding Patio Doors vs. Other Door Types

Sliding glass isn’t your only patio door option. Here are some other popular choices.

• Screen doors: Adding a simple screen door is a cost-effective way to open your home up to your patio while keeping insects and debris out. While these doors aren’t as luxurious or aesthetically pleasing, they’re practical and cost-effective.
• French doors: French doors consist of two hinged doors and may open outward or inward. Patio French doors often contain glass inserts covered by grilles. These doors don’t let in as much light as sliding doors and require more room to open and close, but they’re more secure.
• Folding glass doors: Bifold patio doors, sometimes called glass walls, are also made from large glass panels, but they fold accordion-style along a track instead of sliding. Unlike sliding glass doors, they can open to the door frame’s entire width. They’re considered a high-end option.

Costs of Different Types of Doors

Here’s how these door styles compare in price.

Type of Door	Cost Range
Screen doors	$150–$600
French doors	$900–$5,800
Folding glass doors	$4,600–$13,800

 

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Extra Options to Consider During Sliding Door Installation

If you’re installing sliding patio doors as part of a larger home upgrade, consider the following extra projects. Many times, you can save on labor and minimize construction time by bundling projects.

Install a Patio or Deck

If you want your home’s outdoor space to get more use, consider installing or upgrading a patio or a deck. Patios typically bookend the rear of your home and start with a poured concrete or paved floor. They’re a less expensive option priced between $2,000 and $5,700. Decks, which are raised wooden structures that may be attached to the house or freestanding, cost slightly more at $4,100 to $11,900. Both options can be customized with simple features such as a fire pit and chairs or an entire outdoor kitchen.

Repair or Replace Flooring

Particularly if you’re cutting a new opening for your sliding glass doors, you’ll want to make sure your flooring can withstand the extra foot traffic. Flooring prices are calculated by square foot and vary widely by material. Vinyl and linoleum flooring are usually the least expensive and can cost as low as $1 per square foot. Carpet can range from $3 to $22 per square foot, and high-quality tile and hardwood can easily cost $30 per square foot. Patio flooring can cost anywhere from $1 to $4 per square foot for gravel and up to $35 per square foot for granite flagstones.

Upgrades and Add-Ons

You can add several extra features to your sliding patio doors to make them more functional or attractive. Here are some of the most common options.

• Window tinting ($5–$30 per square foot): Tinting your glass doors can decrease heat transfer, increase privacy, and prevent glare.
• Retractable screens ($100–$400): Particularly in areas with high insect activity, having a screen can keep your home pest-free while allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space.
• Pet panels ($150–$400): A pet door will allow your furry friend to access the yard without you always having to slide the door open.
• Built-in blinds ($150–$400): To increase your privacy or block unwanted sunlight, you can install a basic set of blinds or opt for built-in blinds that fit the door frame.
• Extra insulation ($300–$500): Help maintain your home’s energy efficiency by buying extra insulation inserts for your new doors.
• Smart locks ($700): Your new sliding glass doors will lock, but consider integrating the lock with your smart-home system to increase security and convenience.
• Automatic sliding doors ($2,000–$3,500 plus installation): Install an automatic system if you want patio doors to open at the touch of a button. It will add to your home’s luxurious feel.

Window Replacement

The Department of Energy estimates that 25% to 30% of home heat loss occurs through windows, particularly single-pane windows. Since most sliding glass doors are sold by window companies, it may be a good time to get a new set of windows to match your new door. You may be able to save on labor by installing both at once, and measuring for new windows is easy to do yourself.

Energy-efficient windows transfer less heat and keep out drafts, meaning your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable. The typical window replacement cost is $670 to $1,390 per window, but you’ll save on utility bills long-term by upgrading your home’s energy efficiency.

 

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Our Recommendation

Sliding patio doors are an excellent way to join your home’s indoor and outdoor spaces. Even when closed, they look attractive and allow in plenty of natural light. We recommend insulated sliding door frames and treated low-e glass to keep your home as energy-efficient as possible. Look for a set of doors with a good warranty, and opt for professional installation for the best results.

 

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How We Chose the Top Window Brands

We researched and analyzed dozens of window manufacturers. We then crafted a rating system based on each brand’s standard and energy-efficient product offerings.

We spoke directly to representatives at each company to learn how the installation process works and determine how each brand personalizes its windows for each home. We also closely analyzed each company’s warranty options to ensure their product and labor guarantees match or exceed industry standards. 

Finally, we assessed the manufacturer’s years of experience and customer reputation. In addition, we analyzed the 100 most recent Google Reviews for each provider across various locations and branches.