There are some types of DIY that seem straightforward, and others that are more than a little intimidating. The prospect of replacing a sliding glass door definitely falls into the second category, and yet it's an option that you might consider if you want to save on labour costs.

So should you even think about attempting this, and what are the considerations to keep in mind if you do go ahead?

It's all relative

Whether or not replacing a sliding glass door is a good idea will depend on your experience level. If you are a complete DIY novice, it's definitely better to outsource this, because there's a lot that could go wrong, you'll need a few specialist tools, and mistakes could cost you dearly.

If, on the other hand, you've hung doors or fitted windows on your property at some point in the past, then graduating to installing a sliding glass door won't be too much of a leap, so long as you have the right sliding door parts to hand.

So how much does it cost to replace sliding doors? Again, this depends on several factors, such as the size of the door, the materials used, the original manufacturer, the parts and tools you require, and the location on your property.

If you do get an expert to do this for you, expect to pay anywhere between $1,000 and $5,000. Also bear in mind that increases in material costs, as well as strong demand, might push the price up to and also result in you having to wait for a specialist to have availability in their schedule.

Components and accessories are many and varied

We talked about sliding door parts earlier, and it's worth discussing some of these in more detail, as you may need to buy them separately to either add to the replacement door unit you order or to install in place of the existing components that came with the original door.

From handles and corner guards to door seals, frames and rollers, there are all sorts of things you might need for your particular project.

If you are replacing the entire unit in one, then hopefully the required parts will be supplied along with the main body of the door. If you are just replacing one aspect of the assembly, then you'll probably have to check if other components need to be replaced, and refer to the manufacturer's spec sheet to ensure you get the right item for the job.

Existing warranties may apply

If your sliding glass door was installed relatively recently, and a problem has developed, it may still be under the warranty of the original manufacturer. It is unusual for warranties to extend to include installation, so you may be better off checking to see if a free replacement is available, before you start tinkering, because in this context your DIY efforts might end up costing you.

Likewise, you may have a guarantee provided by the business that installed the window, as this is usually different to the company which manufactured it. Checking to see if the problem you are faced with is covered by this will save you time, money, effort and stress.

The final word on replacing a sliding glass door

For all but the most seasoned DIY fans, it's generally advisable to work with an expert to install a sliding glass door.

On top of the trouble, you'll save yourself, you could also get an additional guarantee on the work done this time around, which will protect you for years to come.

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