Tools and Materials
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.
Measure for Your Patio Door
If you are installing a patio door in an existing opening, determine your door's rough opening dimensions before purchasing your new door. In some cases, it may be necessary to order a unit based upon the size of the rough opening.
To access the studs and measure for the rough opening, carefully remove the casing from the inside of the existing door opening. Take the measurement from the inside surface of the studs.
Measure horizontally across both the top and bottom of the rough opening, as well as vertically on each side. You may find that the rough opening is not square. When determining what size door you will need, use the smaller of each of your vertical and horizontal measurements. For example, if the left vertical measurement is 83 inches and the right vertical measurement is 82 3/4-in, use 82 3/4-in for the vertical measurement when determining your rough opening size.
Save the door casing to be reinstalled after the new door is installed.
Installing a patio door in a wall where no opening exists requires modifying a load-bearing wall as well as plumbing and electrical wiring rerouting. You should hire a professional.
Choosing Your Door
Several patio door options are available. Choose the door that appeals to you, depending on your situation and preference.
Hinged patio doors open like conventional doors, but feature large glass panes for a view of the outside. They may be installed as single or double doors, depending on the size of your door opening, but double door units are most prevalent.
Sliding patio doors are space-saving alternatives to swinging doors. Unlike swinging doors, which require that objects be set well away from the doorway, sliding doors require no room to swing. Sliding patio doors usually have one door that is fixed and another that slides. They often have aluminum frames, although they may be vinyl, steel or wood.
Folding patio doors are great if a wide, open space is what you’re after. These doors are designed to fold away neatly and help to fill your space with natural light. They may be installed as double or multi doors, the more panels you have, the more natural light. These panels can even fold around 90 degree corners to maximize the width of the patio opening.
Any type of door may be characterized as having "right-hand" or "left-hand" operation, as viewed from outside, so you must know which side you would like to operate. Purchase your patio doors with the door panels already installed in preassembled frames. This will greatly simplify your project.
Use our Patio Doors Checklist to learn about more options and help you select the right door.
Install a Prehung Patio Door
There are some basic principles involved in the installation of preassembled patio doors. Detailed installation instructions will be included with the particular door you choose.
Need help? Professional installation available through Lowe’s.
These are general instructions, but always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions and safety precautions.
How to Install a Prehung Patio Door
Watch DIY Guy tackle How to Replace a Door.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Patio Doors
What are standard patio door sizes?
Standard door sizes run from 80 inches to 96 inches in height. Two-panel door widths range from 60 inches to 96 inches, and three-panel door widths are typically 108 inches and 144 inches.
How much does it cost to install a prehung patio door?
The cost varies by region and depends on factors including the door material, size and style. They’re typically easier to install than slab doors and take less time, making installation costs lower. Contact a Lowe’s licensed pro for a personalized quote.
What is a prehung door?
Prehung doors are a great choice for many people because they come ready to install. They come with a slab door, hinges and a frame complete in one unit. A prehung exterior door also comes weathertight from the manufacturer.
Whether you’re considering modern patio doors, contemporary or traditional, pick the style that best suits your tastes, your needs and complements your home.
What type of patio door is best?
Every door type has its advantages. Double sliding patio doors let in lots of natural light, offer sleek functionality and the large panes provide a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors. French doors are visually appealing and they provide a greater sense of space. Bi-fold doors are flexible and provide the maximum amount of natural light.