Are you setting the door or having the big box store do it?

Haven’t decided yet! I met the installer from Lowes- he seemed super knowledgeable and is a master carpenter. He has a lot of experience here in Portland...

but I’ve also read so many horror stories on here about installs from Lowes.

Zabitat, oh how I wish I could keep and remodel the door and sidelights in place!

Here’s a picture of the existing door. Note the curved top and ornate carving just below the glass. Plus, it’s been painted like three times before we bought the house.

Instead, we want something clean lined and modern to match the massive remodel of the interior we’ve done. We were thinking something like this:

Those modern doors are all the rage these days. Have you talked to a door specialist or can your contractor source a door from a building supplier?

Several manufactures make that type of door outside of TT.

Yes, find a lumberyard or a true window and door store. I don't depise Therma Tru but I would not buy TT (or any other brand for that matter) from a box store, period.

Millworkman, What in particular is undesirable about TT or Codel (we may gonwith Codel, not sure). I’d sure appreciate the details aboutnwhybthose brands are less desireable! Is it the seal of the glass, the materials, construction, what?

we have appointments with a few installers now, one from Lowes, two independent Contractors, so we'll get some good, local info. I will check pricing from a local door specialist today and compare...

TT is an ok door, not the best but better than many. I just don't like or trust buying a front door system from a box store. They seem to not have the most knowledgable sales help. They buy from the distributor giving them the best deal for them, not necesarily the consumer. the distributor is the person doing the hanging of the door in the frame not TT so the distributor becomes a vital source for the quality of the unit, and at the price point the box stores will pay I am not certain you will get that quality. As far as Codel, have not heard heard of them but I personally would never buy millwork from a box store. Maybe its just me but just my .02.....................

Try Parr Design Center on 185th Avenue in Hillsboro. They sell Codel and Thermatru along with higher end doors. You'll get more knowledgeable help than Lowe's. They don't install but can recommend people who do. At least that was the case when we were there a few years ago.

We could not get anyone from independent stores to return calls or show up for appointments so we haven't moved forward with a replacement door.

Mayflowers, thanks. We have an appt Thursday with the Lowes installer, and have an independent contractor coming next Monday toneyeball. Once we have measurements from them, we’ll gonto both Lowes and Parr and see what we can do. I’m also sizing up the installers based on what I learn from them. It’s tough in Portland area to get contractors at all these days. Do you want the info. For the independent contractor I found?

Yes, thank you. I have messages enabled.

Elaine, door gets installed next week! I will donate to the Rebuild store in Beaverton. You have to send them a picture inadvance, then if they think its useable, they will come get it! $20!for pickup (or you can deliver it). Worth the tax deduction and doing good.

The therma tru classic is decent but im a provia guy all the way .

I’m a Portlander also going through this process. I am looking at the same two brands at Lowe’s/HD. I feel like they are kind of easy to coo chip based on the display. Who did you go with? Who do you recommend? I have someone to hang it, I just need a door! I also want super modern

Hi Eileen.. I'm having the same question (Therma Tru vs Codel). What did you go with, and were you happy with the choice?? Also absolutely dying trying to find trusted contractors in the Portland area to help us finish our remodel. If you have any recommendations, I'd be forever grateful!!

I am currently going through this process and I am looking at the same two brands. I have a good door contractor, but just need a door. I am following and looking at this thread for any advise. I would appreciate any tips. Thank you!

Same advice from 2 years ago holds true today.

Yep. Not much has changed, except pricing, availability of materials, labor market, and the government getting massively involved in the economy and crapping on the currency.

All true Windows as well but the products are still exactly the same quality wise. Quality control may be off on either due to the reasons you listed however.

+1. Just more a general commentary on the state of affairs in the new "economy".

Got some quotes for a patio door. 9' ceilings so the door is taller than most. Cordel is one option, glass pane, fiberglass, we have to provide the handles and locks which is, interesting. Unpainted, we have to paint it which is, interesting.

For the work we have to put in, prices are insane. About 2x what we thought the highest price would be. Should we wait?

"Should we wait?"

For what? Prices will not be coming back down. If you need the doors get them before you have other issues.

I fixed the immediate problem and so, wait it probably is. I think prices are nuts and I am not the only one who is postponing until sanity returns. If the prices had been high but more reasonable we would have just done the projects.

In any case, even getting a project done now is a wait of at least several months. They want 50% up front and what happens if they go out of business. That is unlikely but many things these days are unlikely.

In Portland, March of 2022 and facing the same dilemma! Looking at Corel and TT. Went to the Parr Design Center - door person was busy but she was given my contact info and I haven't heard from her. Might try again next week. Main question is where do you go besides places like HD and Lowe's? I thought Parr would be better but their lack of response is troubling. Also, where should I look for a good contractor to hang the door? There's always Nextdoor or Angi's List.....

Thanks.

Real lumberyard. Stay away from Codel. Ask for recommendations for installers at the lumberyard.

TY - any recommendations on lumber yards? Didn't have success at Parr.

Ultimately way back when we did go with Codel.

Overall, we were happy with thr quality of the door, purchased through Lowes. HOWEVER, the first door came with the wrong hole drilled for our chosen handle. blame it on mistake by Lowes employee. This was all before Covid… Codel delivered a replacement door in three weeks! install went well, Lowes contractor was great. One note: if you install a door this big and heavy, be sire to use hefty hardware. We experienced some sag about 6 months later due to insufficient bolts from Codel. our handyman easily fixed the problem.

"TY - any recommendations on lumber yards?"

Real lumberyards for the most part a local or regional thing. What area of the country are you in? Sorry, see Portland now but is that Maine or Oregon?

Portland