Who makes the best patio French door?

We are in the process of selecting an out-swinging French door. I have gotten estimates for Pella and Anderson, both familiar nationwide names. The prices are atrocious! Today, I met a representative of Superior doors who claims his product is far superior to Pella and Anderson plus less expensive. Most of their products seem to be sliding doors, but they do have one French door. Has anyone heard of this company? Any thoughts out there on which company is the best, quality and service? Also, I will need a screen that mounts on the inside of the door. So far, my choice from opinions I have heard and read, is Phantom screens. Help??

 

You get what you pay for. I use Andersen almost exclusively. I think Pella is over priced and I've had problems with Marvin. Any hinged door is going to cost significantly more than a slider. The big reason is that the door has to be sold to you as an assembled set up unit instead of knocked down in boxes and there is a lot more hardware involved. Andersen makes their own inside screen kit for their outswinging FWHO. If memory serves, I think it costs around $400.00.
That number could be wrong.
I try to discourage customers of mine from going with outswinging doors unless there is a roof covering the area that the door is opening out to because you know at some point the door is going to be left open in inclement weather. Maybe that's not a problem where you are.
I've heard of Superior but never used their stuff. Everyone says that their products are cheaper and comparable to Andersen, Pella, and Marvin. Haven't found one yet.

 

Thanks Craig for your comments. I was quoted $1000 and some change for the Anderson screen. The Phantom is in the $600-700 range. Do you know if Anderson makes their own or uses one made by another company?

 

Well, $1000 or so is about right for a double door. It would also depend on where you got the quote, prices can vary depending on the discount the supplier is getting.

I'm pretty sure Andersen makes their own, or possibly has their design built specifically for them.

I have to agree with Craig on all the points he brought up. I have an Andersen FW inswing that I got at almost 1/2 off (gotta check in the markdown rack!), my wife absolutely loves how smooth operating and solid it is. For insulation and noise, its almost like we have a solid wall there she says.

 

Andersen Frenchwood, a very nice door, and cheap as very nice doors go. Marvin is about 1/2 more, but not necessarily 1/2 better. I have had way too many problems with Pella to even consider recommending them. As suggested above, you can sometimes find bargins at lumberyards(not big box), on misorders (not seconds). Check around. Not familiar with the company you mentioned.

 

The internal screen kit Andersen sells is an Andersen product