OK I was not too impressed with the Anderson slider. Same with the Pellas. 8ft wide standard height. It a lower level door out to our backyard and something we would use all year round. Like a familyroom.
I really liked the triple locking system, thicker base rail and overall construction! The local hardware is quoting me over $3,200+ bucks. Is this the going rate or should I shop around some more? Can anyone give me a comparable company with the equivalent quality?
thanks for any input.

 

Hey Biketrax

Surprised you didn't like the Anderson, tho I'm not that familiar with Marvin, so hard to compare. You've named probably the 3 biggest brands, with widespread distribution, so kinda hard for me to make any further suggestions.

And, yes, I'd probably have to say $3200 is about right. You didn't say the width tho? The 8 footer height is not a standard item (catalogued, but not as common as 80 inch), so you pay a premium for that. Also, what are the specified options on the glass and hardware? That can add up quickly.

Before you make a final decision, check on model changes over the years (will parts be available 10 yrs from now?), sill construction (if blowing rain or snow is an issue), construction of the roller assy (single or double wheel, ease of adjustment), corrosion resistance of the chosen hardware, method of weatherstripping the panel to the frame, oh, and of course the warranty!

Check around at lumber yards and construction supply companies if you can. The hardware store may be able to get the door, but due to low volume sales, they may not get the discount some of the other companies can.

Spend wisely, (unless yer a rich dude of course...lol), the door should last at least 20-30 years with proper maintenance.


Forgot to ask, were you looking at the Frenchwood Anderson? Or the Narrowline? The Narrowline has most of the same options as the Frenchwood, but it does have a smaller perimeter frame(= more glass area).

 

Andresen. Pella, throw in Marvin and Sierra Pacific -- THOSE are pretty much the Cadillacs.

$3200 -- that's what it is, and that's not a bad price.

If you want it done for half that, shop the brands that equate to Chevys, Fords and Toyotas.

It's just like shopping for a new car. You can spend $15K or you can spend $100K. They will both get you from point "A" to point "B". It's a question of what do you want in addition to that???

 

I would have to vote for Andersen 400 series doors, the "Frenchwood" types. IMHO they are a quality product, and i have always had good service from Andersen, they back their products. Marvin is a very nice product, but not worth twice the cost of Andersen, again IMHO.