We are replacing a 5' wide window with a 6' sliding patio door. Trying to keep expense down so we are installing ourselves. Does anyone have opinions on a brand of replacement door? Probably will end up at one of the big box stores for convenience and cost. I've had a Pella and like it alot, we may end up with a ThermaStar by Pella (vinyl) for about half the price. Home Depot has a lower vinyl Andersen door for about the same. This is for a western lake side exposure, sometimes gets very windy which is why we want a slider rather than a french door.
Any thoughts?

 

Finding the door is the easy part. Putting a 6' door in a 5' opening is a real trick! You will have to remove your existing header and install a 7' header over the framed rough opening with 60"+ between your jack studs holding up the header. What type siding do you have on the house? It will have to be modified? What type walls are the interior. They will likewise have to be modified.
You can do this, but it won't be a walk in the park. Let us know your questions and we'll walk you through it.

Larry

 

I wouldn't recommend the ThermaStar door, which is just a brand name that Pella took over to have a vinyl line. If you were to get an Andersen door, the Narroline and Perma-Shield models (200 series) are the cheapest models that I'd suggest you consider.

 

TO add also...the door at HD may say Silverline/American Craftsman "an Andersen Company"...but they are no where near Andersen quality. Matter of fact the solid vinyl ones marked that way are barely suitable for a cheap porch to sunroom conversion.

Save til you can afford it and order a real 5' Andersen as Sleeper mentioned. Better quality and much easier to install most likely. If you really need a larger opening, then get a no frilles Andersen Frenchwood french door.

 

On the inside we have paneling over sheetrock, eventually (as soon as this project is finished) all of the paneling is going to be removed with a lot of drywall repair needed. Not a problem. On the outside it is aluminum siding...also eventually to be replaced, but not for a few years. There is some electric to move, but I'm okay with that since I want some electric outside and this will be a good chance to do it.
I found an 8' Andersen door on Craigslist. New in Box from HD, was a special order that didn't fit. I think they are asking $750...sounds like an awesome deal, but hubby doesn't want such a big door. Other than transporting it and installing it, I'm not sure why his opposition. Wouldn't you want a nice big window overlooking the lake?
I think your're right. This is a pretty big project.

 

That's OK, I am remodeling a basement overlooking a lake and they would be happy with a single pane of glass 8' tall and 35' wide, so I see where you are coming from on the view. As long as you have the expertise to deal with the additional header needed, removing and replacing aluminum siding (bear), and doing extensive interior patching you can do it. It is a major project.
$750 would be a good price if you didn't have to haul it 700 miles, rent a trailer to haul it in, chance breaking it on the way home. Keep looking, it's there and you'll find it.

 

An 8' Andersen for that price is probably a great deal. Hardware included?