What this covers
A patio door connects a kitchen, dining or family room to a deck or patio, as a hinged pair, a single door with a fixed panel, or a slider. Because it faces weather and gets heavy use, the installation matters: the installer checks the subfloor and header, sets a sill pan, shims the frame level and plumb so the panels swing or glide true, fastens and insulates it, flashes and seals the exterior, and sets interior casing. Where a wall is opened for a wider door, a new header is framed. Tempered glass is standard, and screens, blinds between the glass and multipoint locks are options chosen before the order.
When to call
- A door that drags, leaks at the sill or fogs between the panes.
- A room you want to open onto a new deck or patio.
- A rotted sill or subfloor at the door from years of water tracking in.
- A door warped or broken by storm or fire damage.
What to expect
- PlanStyle, size, swing and finish are chosen and the opening and header checked.
- Remove and prepareThe old door comes out, the subfloor is repaired, and a sill pan and flashing go in.
- SetThe unit is shimmed level and plumb, fastened, insulated and sealed outside.
- FinishCasing, hardware, screens and adjustments are done, and you operate the door.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Hinged or sliding?
Hinged doors give a wide full opening and a traditional look but need swing room. Sliders save floor space and suit modern homes. Both come with the same glass and finish options.
Why is the sill pan so important here?
Rain and snow sit against a patio door more than any other opening, and people track water in. The pan catches what gets under the threshold and drains it out instead of into the subfloor.
Can the opening be made wider?
Yes, by framing a larger header and reworking the siding. It is common when a six-foot slider gives way to a wider multi-panel door.
Related: Sliding door installation · French door installation · Entry door installation · All siding, windows and doors
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.