Sliding Glass Door Replacement Cost: Homeowner Price Guide
HomeGuide puts the average cost to replace sliding glass doors at $700 to $2,400, including materials and installation. That range covers a full swap of the door, so it works as a starting point for homeowners who plan a replacement. Other sources publish different figures, and the sections below show each one with its label.
Sliding glass door replacement cost breakdown
The table lists selected figures from each source, with the size and label that go with each one.
| Item | Size | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sliding patio door, typical installed range | Not given | $600 to $10,000 | This Old House |
| Installing a sliding patio door, national average | Not given | $2,000 to $4,000 | Fixr |
| Aluminum patio door, average installed for materials and labor | 72 by 80 inches | $2,756 | This Old House |
| Single-glazed vinyl door, low-end installed | 72 by 80 inches | $1,626 | Fixr |
| Wood patio door, materials only | Not given | $500 to $1,500 | Fixr |
| Four-panel patio door, materials only | Not given | $2,500 to $5,500 | Fixr |
| Large multi-panel door with hurricane-proof glass, materials only | Not given | $1,000 to $4,000 | HomeGuide |
This Old House’s typical range is far wider than HomeGuide’s average, and Fixr’s national average range sits higher than HomeGuide’s. The two 72 by 80 inch rows come from different sources and use different frame materials, so they are not a direct comparison.
Labor vs. materials
Bob Vila puts the total labor cost to install a sliding glass door at $300 to $800. It also states the hourly rate as about $70 to $100 per hour.
This Old House says labor and installation can add $400 to $1,400 or more to the total project cost. For a door longer than 8 feet, Bob Vila estimates roughly $100 per linear foot for installation. Materials-only figures leave out installation, so add labor before comparing them with installed totals.
DIY vs. hiring a pro
Swapping a door in an existing opening means lifting heavy glass, setting the frame square and sealing it against the weather. Those steps need the right tools and some door installation experience, so weigh your skills before you start.
Opening a solid wall is a different job. It is structural work, and HomeGuide puts cutting an opening and installing a door into a solid wall at $1,400 to $3,500, including permits and a structural engineer’s plans. A licensed pro and a permit may be required, so this part is not a DIY project.
Ways to save
- Ask whether removal of the old door is on the quote. HomeGuide lists labor and disposal for removing an old sliding glass patio door at $95 to $250.
- Compare quotes line by line, and check that each one uses the same door type and the same labels, such as installed or materials only.
- Ask whether rollers or built-in blinds are part of the quote or listed as extras.
- Clear the path to the door and the area inside before the crew arrives.
How to get an accurate quote
Ask each contractor for a written quote that lists the door, glass type, frame material, removal of the old door, installation labor and any wall work. Use the same list for every bid.
Ask these questions before you agree to a price:
- Is the price installed or materials only?
- Does it include removal and disposal of the old door?
- If the opening must change, are permits and structural plans included?
- Who pulls the permit, and is it listed on the quote?
What changes the price
- Door size and number of panels
- Glass type, such as double-pane, triple-pane or hurricane-proof
- Frame material, such as vinyl, wood, aluminum or fiberglass
- Whether the price is materials only or installed
- Removing the old door
- Wall work needed to cut a new opening
- Extras such as built-in blinds, tinting or new rollers
Frequently asked questions
How long does installation take?
Bob Vila estimates the whole job takes anywhere from 2 to 7 hours.
How much does it cost to replace the rollers?
Bob Vila lists roller replacement at $110 to $300 installed.
Do energy-efficient sliding doors lower bills?
HomeGuide says ENERGY STAR qualified sliding doors can cut energy bills by as much as 12 percent.
Sources
Related cost guides
Figures are estimates based on the sources above and vary by region, home and contractor. Get at least three written quotes before you hire. See our disclaimer and how we research.