How Much Does Accordion-Style Folding Patio Door Cost?

Last Updated on October 2, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Accordion-style folding patio doors continue to grow in popularity thanks to their ability to fully retract and essentially disappear, creating a seamless connection between interior living areas and outdoor patios, decks, or gardens.

The accordion multi-panel design provides a modern, contemporary aesthetic when closed while the folding operation allows the doors to stack neatly to the side without any obstructing posts or tracks when fully opened. But what exactly does installing these specialty folding patio doors cost?

This guide will cover everything you need to understand about accordion patio door costs. You’ll learn pricing ranges for both entry-level and high-end doors, what considerations affect the budget, cost saving tips, ROI advantages, comparisons to alternative patio doors, features to focus on within your budget, and quality considerations when selecting materials and suppliers.

How Much Does Accordion-Style Folding Patio Door Cost?

On average, the total cost for installed accordion-style folding patio door ranges from $3,000 on the low end up to $15,000 or more for expansive custom luxury accordion doors. Typical costs for most homeowners fall somewhere between $5,000 and $8,000 depending on the door size and specifics. 

Factors that impact the total investment include the desired width and height, number of door panels required, choice of materials ranging from aluminum to premium woods, glass options, hardware selections, and professional installation labor.

Here is an overview of average accordion patio door costs:

• Basic aluminum 8′ x 7′ door with 4-5 panels – $3000 to $5000 installed
• Mid-range wood door, 6 panels, insulated glass – $6000 to $8000 installed
• Custom exotic hardwood, etched glass, 8 panels – $10,000 to $15,000 installed
• Extra features like integrated shades or screens – $1000 to $3000 per door

Always obtain estimates tailored to your exact project requirements. But expect most mid-range installations to run $5000 to $9000 depending on specifics. Luxury options can readily exceed $10,000.

According to McCarren Supply, the pricing for their folding patio slider doors is as follows: an 8-foot door costs approximately $2,415, a 10-foot door is priced at $2,990, and a 12-foot door costs around $3,565. Additionally, optional accordion screens are available, with prices ranging from $535 for the 8-foot screen to $800 for the 12-foot screen.    

Another source, Panoramic Doors, notes that the average price range for folding glass doors can vary widely from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands, depending on materials and customization. They emphasize that installation costs can add an additional $500 to $1,500, depending on the complexity of the project.

According to an article on Cover Glass USA, folding glass doors typically cost between a few hundred to several thousand dollars, influenced by factors like size and materials. The article mentions that installation costs may also vary significantly based on whether electrical work is needed.

The Home Depot lists various folding patio door options with prices ranging from around $2,000 to over $5,000, depending on size and features. For example, standard models can start at about $2,000, while larger or more customized options can exceed $5,000 based on specifications and materials used.

What are Accordion-Style Folding Patio Doors?

Accordion-style folding doors consist of several individual panels jointed together with hinges that allow the panels to fold in an alternating direction when opened. The panels neatly stack when fully retracted to provide minimal visual interruption between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Homeowners often choose accordion-style doors to:

• Their contemporary, modern aesthetic when closed as glass walls
• Ability to fully retract panels out of the way for wide-open access between indoor and outdoor areas
• Allowing flexible open-concept interior/exterior living configurations
• Maximizing views, natural light, and ventilation between spaces
• Providing smooth operation that disappears when open, maintaining clean sightlines

Their versatility makes accordion doors popular choices for patios, gardens, and entertainment spaces.

Factors Impacting the Cost

Several variables influence the overall installation price:

Size of the Door Opening and Number of Panels

The width and height of your accordion door along with the number of panels needed directly drive costs up. More and larger panels require more materials and labor. Typical installations use 5 to 8 panels. Measure carefully.

Materials Used for Frames and Panels

Material choices make up a substantial portion of expense. Popular options include:

• Aluminum – Most affordable at $1000 to $2000 per panel. Provides durability with minimal maintenance.
• Wood – Higher end at $2000 to $4000 per panel. Requires regular sealing and upkeep but offers elegance.
• Vinyl – Budget-friendly at $1200 to $2500 per panel. Provides good insulation, durability and weather-resistance.
• Glass – Insulated units with Low-E coatings or laminated glass cost more but enhance efficiency. Ranges from $500 to $1500 per panel.

Hardware Selections

• Hinges, tracks, locks – Stainless steel offers durability from $500 to $2000 for a complete door.

Additional Features and Customizations

• Screens or blinds integrated between glass panels – $1000 to $3000 per door
• Specialty glass like frosted or tinted – $100 to $300 per panel upcharge
• Decorative etching, carving, or design work – $2000+ per door

Installation Considerations

• DIY installation saves on labor but poses risks if improperly done.
• Professional installation often ranges $2000 to $5000+ depending on project scale and complexity. Well worth the investment.

Cost Breakdown of Door Components

For a standard 6′ x 7′ aluminum accordion door, common pricing elements include:

• Materials – $2000 to $4000 for panels, frame, hardware
• Glass – $1000 to $3000 depending on insulating and thickness
• Labor – $2000 to $5000 for installation, finish work
• Misc supplies – $500 to $1000 for flashing, adhesives, trim
• Total installed – $5000 to $10,000 on average

Higher-end materials like mahogany wood and custom etched glass raise costs substantially for luxury installations. Always request an itemized quote.

Return on Investment

While not inexpensive, consider the value provided:

• Expands useable living space and increases home functionality
• Flexible open concept enhances entertaining and enjoyment
• Lets abundant natural light reach interiors to cut lighting costs
• Improved views and curb appeal add resale value
• Future energy savings for properly insulated doors

For many homeowners, accordion doors deliver lasting ROI well worth the investment over both short and long term.

You might also like our articles about the cost to install storm doors, EzeBreeze windows, or Bilco doors.

How Do Costs Compare to Other Doors?

• Sliding patio doors are generally more affordable at $2000 to $4000 installed. Simple operation but limits views.
• French doors also cost around $3000 to $5000 installed. Traditional styling with large glass panes to maximize light.
• Bifold patio doors fold in smaller sections. More moving parts and specialty hardware increase costs to $4000 to $7000 installed.
• Retractable screens disappear into wall pockets. Complex installation results in high pricing from $5000 to $10,000 installed. Must plan construction to accommodate tracks.

Accordion doors provide the widest unobstructed views for a smooth indoor/outdoor transition. The pros often outweigh the higher costs over simple sliders.

Reducing Accordion Patio Door Costs

Smart shopping helps minimize expenses:

• Select standard sizes to avoid custom manufacturing fees.
• Opt for vinyl over wood if looking for affordability and low maintenance.
• Energy-efficient glass costs more upfront but delivers long-term savings on energy bills.
• Research special seasonal promotions that offer discounts on installations during slower seasons.
• Budget DIY installation is complex but saves substantially on labor.
• Choose a style with minimal panels suited to your space to reduce glass and hardware costs.

Choosing the Right Accordion Door

Your needs and preferences should guide the purchase:

• Set your maximum budget and then prioritize must-have features to work within that price range.
• Determine how many panels are essential to meet width requirements while minimizing unnecessary excess panels.
• Select durable high-performance glass tailored to your climate and energy efficiency needs. This is an important investment.
• Weigh the long-term tradeoffs of higher upfront material costs balanced with future energy savings and longevity.

With some strategic decision-making, accordion doors can fit most project budgets without compromising quality or aesthetics.

Ongoing Costs for Maintenance

While accordion doors are built to last, proper care preserves their functionality and appearance:

• Annual lubrication of hinges and rollers – $50 to $100 in supplies
• Reinforcing weatherstripping and door seals every 5-8 years – $200 to $500 in parts and labor
• Touch-up finishes and paint – $100 to $300 over time
• Glass repair from cracks or breaks – $200 to $800 with a specialist

Damage repairs and hardware replacements can cost $500 to $3000+ if issues arise. But durability minimizes long-term maintenance costs when properly installed and cared for.

Final Words

The cost of accordion-style folding patio doors spans anywhere from $3000 into the tens of thousands depending on desired quality and customization. Carefully weighing aesthetic priorities, performance needs, and budget allows homeowners to create stunning indoor-outdoor living spaces with a panoramic view. With some prudent planning and smart shopping, accordion doors make for a worthy investment.

Answers to Common Questions

Can you connect accordion doors together?

Yes, it is possible to connect multiple accordion door units together if a wider opening is desired. The doors can either interconnect in the middle or a fixed panel installed between provides separation while spanning a large space seamlessly when opened.

Can you have a folding door on a kitchen?

Accordion doors work well for kitchens leading onto dining patios or outdoor kitchens. Their ability to fully open without obstructing traffic makes them ideal for blended indoor-outdoor cooking and dining spaces. Just take care to clean glass panels frequently.

Are folding doors durable?

When built with quality materials like aluminum or composite woods along with weather-resistant finishes, accordion doors are highly durable, often outlasting traditional sliding doors or screens and providing decades of reliable service. Their longevity justifies the higher initial investment.