Sliding Glass Door Cost Calculator

A sliding glass door costs $1,200–$7,000+ installed depending on door type, frame material, and installation. A basic 2-panel vinyl replacement runs $1,800–$4,500. A 3-panel aluminum door costs $2,700–$6,500. A pocket sliding wood door costs $4,500–$9,500. New openings add $500–$1,500 per door for framing and structural work. Replacement installations in existing openings add only $200–$500 for fitting and finishing.

Replacement ($200–$500 install) fits a new door into an existing opening — removes old door, installs new unit, applies weatherstripping and trim. Takes 2–4 hours per door. New opening ($500–$1,500 install) cuts into an exterior wall — requires header beam, framing, structural support, exterior siding repair, and interior drywall finish. Takes 1–2 days per door. New openings require a building permit ($50–$300) and possibly an engineer's approval.

Vinyl ($800–$2,000 per door) is the best value — energy-efficient, low maintenance, never needs painting, but limited colors (white, tan, gray). Aluminum ($1,200–$3,000) is strongest and slimmest profile — great for large spans, modern look, but conducts heat (look for thermal-break frames). Wood ($2,000–$4,500) has the best insulation value and classic look, but needs regular painting/staining and can warp in humid climates. Best overall: vinyl for most homes. Best for modern design: aluminum.

Vinyl sliding doors last 20–30 years. Aluminum frames last 30–40 years. Wood frames last 20–30 years with regular maintenance. Glass lasts indefinitely unless damaged. Common replacement triggers: foggy glass (seal failure, $200–$400 to replace pane), sticky operation (worn rollers, $100–$200 to replace), drafts (worn weatherstripping, $50–$100), visible frame damage. Energy-efficient models with low-E glass and argon fill maintain performance longer.

Modern sliding doors are significantly more efficient than older models. Look for: double-pane low-E glass (blocks 70% of UV), argon gas fill between panes (25% better insulation than air), thermal-break frames (aluminum), and Energy Star certification. U-factor of 0.30 or lower is excellent. Upgrading a single-pane door to double-pane low-E can save $100–$200/year on energy bills. Triple-pane options ($500–$1,000 more) are best for cold climates.

Replacement in existing opening: possible for experienced DIYers, saves $200–$500 in labor. You need: pry bar, level, shims, screwdriver, caulk gun, and a helper (doors weigh 100–300+ lbs). Allow 4–6 hours. New opening: not a DIY project — requires structural knowledge, header installation, and exterior finishing skills. Improper header sizing can cause wall failure. Always hire a licensed contractor for new openings and permit-required work.

Standard sizes: 5 ft wide x 6 ft 8 in tall (most common replacement), 6 ft x 6 ft 8 in (standard patio door), 8 ft x 6 ft 8 in (wide opening), 9–12 ft (multi-panel). Custom sizes add 20–50% to cost and 4–8 weeks lead time. Measure the rough opening width, height, and depth. Standard wall depth is 4.5 inches (2x4 wall) or 6.5 inches (2x6 wall). Multi-panel doors (3+ panels) require wider openings and structural headers.

2-panel standard ($800–$2,000 per door): one fixed panel, one slides. Most affordable, fits standard 5–6 ft openings. Best for typical patio access. 3-panel ($1,500–$3,500): center panel fixed, both sides slide, or one panel slides. Wider opening (8–9 ft), more natural light. Best for large patios and entertaining spaces. Pocket sliding ($2,500–$5,000): panels slide into wall pocket, creating a fully open wall. Maximum indoor-outdoor flow. Requires wall modification. Best for modern homes and large openings.