Home Depot is having a 25% off sale on their Jeld-Wen doors right now. Originally I was looking at the doors in the Andersen 400 line, but if I can get a comparable or better Jeld-Wen door because of the sale, I would rather go that route.

The Jeld-Wen door that I was quoted came out to ~$1100. I looked up the number online, and it appears to be the "Builders Wood" line of their wood doors.
Builders Wood Sliding Patio Door | JELD-WEN Doors & Windows

I am going to have them price me out the Tradition Plus or the Custom line as well.

Which line in Jeld Wen is comparable to the Andersen Frenchwood 400, so I'm comparing apples to apples?
Sliding | JELD-WEN Doors & Windows

Thanks.

 

IMO...they really aren't the same at all. I like some JW products and I like the company overall...but I just don't think much of their patio doors either slider or swing. Hardware (rollers, hinges, handles and latches) just doesn't measure up to Andersen...again...IMO.

They are also aluminum clad...not vinyl. That can be a big issue in some areas and requires a bit more maintenance. They do offer more color choices of course.

Oh...the closest would probably be the Tradition Plus. The Custom is pretty much the architectural (IE more options and more $$$) grade.

 

In what areas would the aluminum clad vs vinyl clad be an issue? I am in Maryland FWIW.

I would like to spend up to about $1500 or so. I will be able to get 10% off for military discount as well.

As for color, we are going white/white.

Basically I could get a $2200 Jeld-Wen wood door for $1500, or the cheapest it looks like I can get into an Andersen is about $1900, $1700 after the discount.

What about security? That is my wife's #1 concern. Does either have any advantages over the other? I know Andersen has that foot lock. I assume something similar could be added to the Jeld-Wen.

 

Aluminum doesn't always like to play near salt water....vinyl is a better choice in that case I think. I'm sure JW has something similar to the foot lock or an aftermarket could be fitted.

I also like the high sill of the Andersen...really helps with weather intrusion during heavy rain.

I didn't mention earlier...but another thing I like is that Andersen really seems to support their products with parts. I've been able to get parts for 20 y/o doors with no problem when I was selling them both....not so for JW.

I had an Andersen Permashield (200 series) slider at my last house and currently have a Frenchwood (400 series) swing door here.....just no comparison to JW. Both of my doors were/are smooth as silk in operation and lock up like bank vault doors.

Sorry...but for $200 difference...I'd go with Anderson.

Hmmm......just wondering.....you might want to make sure that you are comparing apples to apples. The Andersen Narrowline 200 series (larger glass area and smaller rails and stiles) uses all the same hardware as the 400 series and would probably be equivalent to the Siteline JW version. Kinda depends on the style of house and what you are looking for.

 

Yeah, I am not entirely sure I am comparing apples to apples, I wanted to make sure that I was. From things I've read online (you know how that goes), 'they' said to skip over the Andersen 200 line and go with the Andersen 400, if you're going to spend the money on a new door. I believe I've read the insulating properties of the 400 were more favorable over the 200, along with a couple other things which I forget.

Talking to my wife, it seems we like the larger framed looking doors.

My house is a split foyer, built in '79. Door will be going here:

 

I imagine theres about 2-3% efficiency difference between the Narrowline 200 and Frenchwood 400. IIRC the glass is the same (as long as you upgrade on the Narrowline). 200 comes std with double pane...400 comes standard with the Hi Perf LowE4...I think. 200 can be upgraded and any diff would mostly just be from the larger glass area. If thats the original door from '79 in the pic...either Andersen would be like you built a wall there. Hard to believe the difference from an old cheap door to a new quality door.

I'd say go get pricing for both with the glass options I mentioned and any other things like hardware, screen or grilles, then look at the store displays. The Frenchwood swing doors I have are great...but unless it was absolutely necessary for the style of the home...I'd probably go with a Narrowline glider over a Frenchwood glider.

You'll be happy with either one, but you'll probably be happier with the 200 price.

Oh...don't let anyone try to tell you to buy a universal screen kit to save a few bucks....get the Andersen....you'll be glad you did.