Best Sliding Door Types and Brands According to Reddit Users

When considering the best type of sliding door, several factors come into play, including material, energy efficiency, and specific features like built-in blinds. Here’s a summary of the best types of sliding doors based on the discussions in several Reddit posts we have researched.

Material:

• • Vinyl: Often recommended for its durability and low maintenance. It’s also generally more affordable.
  • Aluminum: Not as commonly recommended due to issues like sweating, which can lead to condensation problems 
  • Fiberglass: Offers a good balance of durability and energy efficiency. Marvin Elevate, for example, is a fiberglass option, though some users have reported issues with its feel and durability 

Brands:

• • Andersen: Generally well-regarded, especially the 400 series, which offers better sealing and durability compared to the 200 series 
  • Pella: Also recommended for its weather sealing and smooth operation 
  • JELD-WEN: Considered a budget option, but some users have reported poor customer service experiences 

Features:

• • Built-in Blinds: Many users prefer doors with built-in blinds for convenience and aesthetics. It’s important to check the quality and ease of use of these blinds 
  • Lift-and-Slide Models: These are recommended for better performance and less air leakage, though they might be more expensive and not available at all big box stores 

Energy Efficiency:

• • Double or triple-pane glass with Low-E coatings is recommended for better thermal efficiency, especially in colder climates 

Ultimately, the best sliding door for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and the climate you live in.

If energy efficiency and durability are top priorities, consider investing in a higher-end model like the Andersen 400 series or a well-reviewed Pella door. If budget is a concern, JELD-WEN or similar brands might be suitable, but be aware of potential service issues.

Cost Comparison of Different Sliding Door Types

When comparing the costs of different sliding door materials, several factors come into play, including the material itself, brand, and additional features. Here’s a breakdown based on the discussions from several Reddit sources and discussions:

Vinyl:

• • Vinyl sliding doors are generally the most affordable option. For example, a vinyl door from Lowe’s is priced at around $450 (depending of course on the door size etc). However, they are often considered less durable and may not offer the same level of craftsmanship as more expensive options .

Composite:

• • Composite doors are typically more expensive than vinyl. A composite sliding door from Home Depot is priced at $800, which is significantly higher than the vinyl option . Composite materials can offer better durability and energy efficiency compared to vinyl.

Fiberglass:

• • Fiberglass doors, such as those from Marvin, can be quite expensive. For instance, a Marvin fiberglass door was quoted at $6,500 installed. Fiberglass is often praised for its durability and energy efficiency, but it comes at a higher cost.

Aluminum:

• • Aluminum doors are generally more expensive than vinyl but can offer better longevity, especially in harsh weather conditions. In one discussion, aluminum doors were priced at about 50% more than vinyl, with a quote of $16.5K compared to $11K for vinyl .

Wood:

• • Wood doors, especially those with aluminum cladding, can be quite costly. They are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal and durability. However, they can be prone to issues like rotting if not properly maintained .

In summary, vinyl is the most budget-friendly option, while fiberglass and aluminum tend to be more expensive but offer better durability and energy efficiency. Composite doors fall somewhere in between, offering a balance of cost and performance. 

Best Sliding Door Brands

Now lets see some popular sliding door brands that many Reddit users have used for their homes:

1. Andersen: Known for their quality and durability, Andersen offers a range of sliding doors. The 400 series is particularly recommended for its airtightness and durability, especially in harsh climates . However, the 200 series has received criticism for being less durable and having issues with air leakage .
2. Pella: Pella is another highly recommended brand, praised for its weather sealing and smooth operation. It also offers a lifetime warranty, which can be a significant advantage .
3. Milgard: Offers great options in vinyl and fiberglass, with a lifetime warranty on parts and labor. They are known for their energy efficiency and have been positively reviewed for their sliding doors .
4. JELD-WEN: While often considered a budget option, JELD-WEN doors are available at big box stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot. However, some users have reported issues with customer service .
5. Cortizo Cor Vision: This brand was mentioned for its contemporary design with a super-thin frame, which is ideal for creating a seamless indoor/outdoor flow. However, specific reviews on its performance and reputation are limited .
6. Panda Windows: Mentioned as a high-quality option, though specific pricing and availability details were not provided .