I'm looking at replacing a standard 6'-0" X 6'-8" outswing, hinged at jambs, patio door (I like that big opening) with very large thermopane windows in each (no grid). The existing door is a very nice, vertical grain fir, outside is painted. The elements, which include the annual baking, drenching, freezing, UV-ing, wind-blowing disrespect only Alaska weather can heap on a door, make me desire a clad exterior/fir inside replacement. I'd like deadbolts on the vertical and horizontal stiles to fend off the deflection- and leak-causing 100mph gusts that hit two or three times a year. I've been shopping around (it wouldn't be accurate to call it "price shopping," as everyone wants about 5k for the "door of my dreams"). What's wiff dat? Five thousand bucks? Wood, Glass, glue, hinges... a drill bit to bore some holes... screws.... What am I missing?

I've told the wife I can veneer over the jambs of a vinyl installation and that white ain't all that bad looking. We could clad the interior of the door in twenty dollar bills and still come out way ahead. If I bite the bullet and buy a slider we could head for Hawaii on the savings.

This is written in a protracted state of sticker shock. Be as brutal as you like to this cheapskate. Five? Thousand? Dollars? For? A door?

 

Take all your criteria, make sure you need/want all that, and trim from there. For instance, deadbolts all over, like that. You are obviously "pricing" at door stores like Jeld Wen, Peachtree, Pella, etc. Their prices are quite a bit higher. Do you need all their bells and whistles? I am set to do an R&R on a similar door for a customer. They are purchasing their door so it will be on site. It is a Jeld Wen, special ordered through Big Orange. Comes in at about $1200 normally. They got it on sale a few weeks ago for $900. With the exception of the additional deadbolts, their requirements were similar to yours.

 

Even a special order Anderson would be less than $2000 depending on hardware and options. At least down in the lower 48. Standard 400 series door has a great locking system. Might need to go with a pine interior...but their pine is very nice.

I know prices in AK can be crazy...but $5K is complete looney toons IMO.

 

I should've mentioned Alaskans, understandably, pay a premium for living in the middle of nowhere.

The quotes are for holes top and bottom; I hadn't priced the hardware yet. I'll continue my quest with more flexibility. I had not checked with a local supplier who actually manufactures doors in Anchorage, expecting they'd cost even more.

I'll post more later.

Thanks

 

backed off the wood, went with fiberglass/composite throughout, will extend my own jambs (house is 2X10 construction) and will supply my own brick mold. spending just shy of $1500 on the 6-0X6-8 outswing patio doors now. good advice to lower expectations. door is ordered (doordered?). Thanks, guys.

 

You got it. Glad you were able to pinch some pennies and come out ahead. Jamb extension and brick mold is good DIY stuff.