Home construction-related question

[TheBigCountry]

So, this is an odd one. Having all this time here at the house has gotten me into some projects (happy wife happy life?).

We bought or house last August, and the master bedroom came with a sliding door leading out to the patio/backyard area. I’ve grown to hate the damn thing, and wondering what kind of work will go into ripping out the sliding doors and closing the opening up/maybe putting a window there instead? Is it a project I could handle with a few buddies, or do I need to hire a contractor and open up the checkbook?

 

[Ric O'shay]

Most buyers and markets consider a patio door in a bedroom that leads to a patio, balcony or deck a positive feature. Are you sure removing it is the best option?

 

[Kickin45]

Ingress egress to the master is a sought after feature.
Adds value to the home. If you take it out, you may lower the value.
I however hate sliders as well. Instead of filling in the space, maybe think of French doors.

 

[TheBigCountry]

Never thought of that. If we had a screened in porch there, I think keeping it would be better suited; right now it’s just a cement patio. We’re kicking ideas around; my wife just doesn’t like it because I’m out of town a lot for work and it would be easier access for a break in.

 

[Fig]

I agree that it's probably a feature rather than a disadvantage, but if you're going to stay in the house for years and you hate it...loose it.

Regardless you just need to build a casement for either a window or a door. My go or no go would be more based on how easy it is to match the existing siding/brick/exterior, and existing windows/doors of the house, rather than worrying about building the casement and installing the window/door, which is fairly easy and straightforward.

I will say I wouldn't consider it a "beginner" project, and you need to be very comfortable with your carpentry skills before you start tearing out the sliding door casement. It's a lot more involved than doing the same sort of thing on the interior of the house.

 

[TheBigCountry]

Ingress egress to the master is a sought after feature.
Adds value to the home. If you take it out, you may lower the value.
I however hate sliders as well. Instead of filling in the space, maybe think of French doors.

Never thought of the French door. That would probably be a better suited idea.

 

[TheBigCountry]

I agree that it's probably a feature rather than a disadvantage, but if you're going to stay in the house for years and you hate it...loose it.

Regardless you just need to build a casement for either a window or a door. My go or no go would be more based on how easy it is to match the existing siding/brick/exterior, and existing windows/doors of the house, rather than worrying about building the casement and installing the window/door, which is fairly easy and straightforward.

I will say I wouldn't consider it a "beginner" project, and you need to be very comfortable with your carpentry skills before you start tearing out the sliding door casement. It's a lot more involved than doing the same sort of thing on the interior of the house.

We’re gonna be here for a few years to keep building equity. It’s got T1-11 siding so matching wouldn’t be an issue, and I have a few friends from Church that could probably help out. But as Rick above stated, French doors may be the ticket and adding in the screened in patio.

 

[riverside jeep]

It's a straight forward project if you have the tools ( minimal) and the skill. Nothing worse than looking at a hack job for the next 20 years. Be sure that you retain egress with a big enough window, code will specify what size unobstructed area and sill height. If you go the French door route my advice is to make sure that it has a awning,covered porch,something to keep the weather off them. They are a magnet for water intrusion.

 

[Slash0311]

I would agree that its not overly complicated but its also more that just filling in the hole if you remove the slider all together. Spacing on the studs, drywall or finishing out the interior wall, siding or brick on the outside to match the existing exterior is all very complicated to make things look correct. It will sll depend on your skill level and to what level you want it to look when finished.

 

[pmclaine]

Put mirrored mylar on the glass and add a stripper pole in the master.

Screw (no pun intended) the social distancing.

but

If you really hate it removing and reframing for windows would probably be one of the easier projects you could do assuming no sill or header complications. Matching the exterior siding in may be complicating.

Is the actual issue "the slider" or that you have a shitty old slider?

Maybe a modern Pella slider or French door that operates correctly is all you need.



Edit -

Saw that my ideas were same as everyone elses so mylar and stripper pole is probably the way to go.

 

[Arc Light]

I hate sliding glass doors mainly because they are a serious security risk. Unless you take precautions, they are pretty easy to defeat by just lifting the door off the track. Or just throw a rock through the damn thing. Then it's easy for the thief to just walk step over the glass as he walks out with your stuff.

 

[Downtown]

I agree with Arclight. French doors would be easier to secure than sliding doors, which can often be lifted out of the tracks.

 

[whatsupdoc]

I personally do not like the idea of a outside door leading directly into my bedroom. The job is a fairly easy job as the door has a header and you are just filling a hole no structural issues. The hardest part will be matching or blending the exterior finish. And in the future if need be you can always put a door back.

Forget about security, with the battery operated power tools available today any home mechanical lock can be defeated in seconds.

 

[10ring'r]

I would hate a big sliding window/door, from my bedroom to the outside. Would have to sleep with one eye open. For me, it's a security issue and I don't think my wife would like it either. Big windows, sure, but a big ass sliding door? Naw, I'll pass. I guess, it would depend on where you live and what kind of amenities you had on/in, the patio/backyard. Just as Fig mentioned, depending on the outside of the house, could you match everything to the existing fascia and I believe, if it's an outside wall, it's weight bearing, so that would be something to take into consideration. Good luck on your decision. Mac

 

[Hookturnr]

If your door is in serviceable condition you could also look into security laminate for the glass to slow entry. I would still consider the laminate if you go to a french door.

 

[bluegrasspicker]

You could make it the entry to a sun room.

Have your morning coffee there and grow plants.

 

[pmclaine]

Yes Ive benn in rental vacation places with sliders and unless they are on a second deck I get kind of queasy something unwanted will come through them.

 

[Jgunner]

I do a lot of slider to french door swaps. You need to measure it all first. I can honestly say, if you are not skilled in this, don’t do it yourself.

height of old door vs new
Width of old door vs new
Thickness of the wall
Trim on the inside
Trim on the outside
Flooring going to need to be trimmed back?
French doors going to swing in or out? If they swing out its special order
You going to put screens on it? Security door?
will you want a wood, steel or fiberglass door?

 

[TheBigCountry]

Definitely considering both the French doors and adding in the sun room/screened in porch. I’m a DIY kinda guy, so I’m gonna do all the research I can beforehand.

 

[Downtown]

Unmentioned advantage of a bedroom door is emergency egress in the event of a fire. Pretty handy then.

 

[Sgt47]

I went the french door route in my bedroom; much better than a slider. I've used it for moving large items into the bedroom without having to fight tight hallways, which is another plus. The bed faces the door, so i do routine dry-fire practice from bed.

 

[HayStax]

Metal security door. Have an architectural metals shop cut something out of plate on their plasma table.

Doesnt have to look like a jail cell, you can pick a pattern or draw something up.

Functional and way less work

 

[Yasherka]

Never thought of the French door. That would probably be a better suited idea.

Go with the french doors, they are an awesome upgrade to a slider (I hate those things too)

 

[Maggot]

You could make it the entry to a sun room.

Have your morning coffee there and grow plants.

This with French doors, a concealed carry permit for the little lady, with a 12 ga. pump by the nightstand. Maybe a big mean assed dawg to sleep in the sun room.

 

[SD Carpenter]

You could take out the sliders and make them full on pocket doors, then you could use real doors and have them slide into the walls. Best of both worlds.

 

[Alphatreedog]

Leave the doors as they are and let her on top more . I perfer to watch her .

 

[Sean the Nailer]

You didn't state what region you're in, so I've no idea if R-value due to cold is a factor. French doors are definitely better than sliding glass, but you'd be best with 'bars' in the doors as well hidden by the 'french' glassing. I'd also suggest a 'bar' (old-fashioned castle type thingy) across the doors as well. Something well designed into the character. That way, the deadbolt itself (keyed inside and out) is not the ONLY thing protecting your family.

As to the laminated glass, I used that in every window of my house, out West. definitely added to the 'security' factor. But just remember that it is NOT impenetrable.

 

[Alpine 338]

French Door is the way to go. A good window/door supply place that does a lot of new construction business will help you out with much of the process (sizes, measurements, code requirements, etc.). You can also order custom sizes, and the price isn't that much more then the regular sized that are offered. I would go that route vs. just buying something off the floor at Home Depot. I went with Semco, as they are less expensive than Pella, and with a better warranty.

 

[Zeroit]

Definitely considering both the French doors and adding in the sun room/screened in porch. I’m a DIY kinda guy, so I’m gonna do all the research I can beforehand.

I sold windows, doors and building materials and installed for 40 years,
I know a little bit, If you need some help with your research thought. pm me with a phone # too much for me to type, about a 15ish minutes and I can give you my 2 centavos.

If you have any buddies in your area
That do that for a living, that would be ideal.
Generally it's not too complicated, as long as you do the homework.
Ordering the wrong door might make it that way.
But every situation is not exactly the same.

 

[Ken Burton]

Definitely considering both the French doors and adding in the sun room/screened in porch. I’m a DIY kinda guy, so I’m gonna do all the research I can beforehand.

If you do the screened in porch then the outside trim could be whatever you decided on as it could match the rest of the room. Just my .02

 

[oneshot86]

Yes Ive benn in rental vacation places with sliders and unless they are on a second deck I get kind of queasy something unwanted will come through them.

i have a full slider on ours, but im second story. it leads to a private deck w no stairs down .
i like it, we can look out at the nursery from the door
ground level, no way, not for me

 

[BytorJr]

I’d do a French door too. HOWEVER. You have got to reinforce the center part. I’d make darn sure both sides on top and bottom have bolts going into the frame and into a stud if possible.

Secondly there cannot be a gap on the doors outside. I locked myself out in a rental house (clothes caught door lock and turned button thing) and my neighbor came and showed me how to break in. All you have to do is get a little knife and you can even move security tab depending on lock. Also you can move the bolt lock back as well. Granted these were shitty contractor locks so it may not be possible with good locks.

 

[Ken Burton]

Just realize that the locks and whatever will only keep the good guys out, if they want in they'll find a way.
Just like weapons they get them no matter how many laws we pass.
On the slider, you can always lay a broomstick or dowl down to stop the door from sliding, makes it a little more secure.

 

[FWoo45]

The key to renovating your bathroom is planning and research. You need to be a specialist in the subject and a generalist and know how to deal with both.

Huh?

OP, a little different but I pulled an old, shitty, 8’ slider out of my kitchen and replaced it with a window and a full light metal door. Might be a better option depending upon what direction the door is facing and where your weather comes from. I wanted French doors but it faces the direction the rain comes from around here and the overhang was insufficient.

 

[hollowoutadime]

The key to renovating your bathroom is planning and research. You need to be a specialist in the subject and a generalist and know how to deal with both.

'Tard.

 

[SouthFLShootin]

Kind of an old thread, but heres my .02

If security is an issue, install an impact rated door that is High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) approved. With french doors, some brands have handles that when you lift them, it will push two pins into the frame at the top and bottom corners of the door. It would be easier to cut through the siding on the house than break through the door.

They are custom made to order and aren't cheap, but a good installer should be able to take measurements of your existing SGD and replace it with french doors, pending your SGD is 6ft or less wide. You would most likely only have to remove some trim and maybe some minor drywall work. Avoids messing with siding and framing. Only problem is that those doors usually have a really tall sill on the floor to prevent water intrusion from wind driven rain. You can cut them down with a table saw. That does usually void the warranty, but saves you from learning the hard way to step over it.

 

[Aftermath]

The key to renovating your bathroom is planning and research. You need to be a specialist in the subject and a generalist and know how to deal with both.

Troll alert. Joined today, first post is to a dead thread AND he was weirdly off topic.

 

[6.5SH]

'Tard.

The spammer will edit his post later with a link to whatever site he's shilling for.

 

[chevy_man]

Damn. I really wanted to point out to all the security experts that a window breaks easier than a door. No matter the room, unless you live in a hardened secured house something will give easily enough.

 

[346ci]

Just went through this. Removed rotten double door that we never used, closed in and added a small sliding window.

Had to wait 3 months on the window, once arrived it was damaged. Another 2 months and the replacement was made at 430 on a Friday.

Turned out great but should have paid a drywall guy to do the mud.