Storm Door

[dpg]

I'm thinking about buying one of these doors at Lowes (or one very similar) Anyone have a Larson Door or have any experience with them?

Is there a better made door to considor?




http://www.lowes.com/pd_140622-53-34614032_4294807199_4294937087_?productId=3076853&Ns=p_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_quantity _sold|1&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl_Storm%2BDoors_4294807199_42949370 87_%3FNs%3Dp_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr%7C0%7C%7Cp_pr oduct_quantity_sold%7C1%26page%3D3

[MarkinNH]

I don't have a Larson, but have installed one Larson for a client and have installed 2 of the Pella "Select" (Lowes) on my own house.
I will take the Pella over the Larson any day. The Larson is still a darn nice door but the Pella was way more thought out in the ease of installation.
The biggest thing I did not like about this particular Larson door was the need to drill the holes in the door for the handle and latch assembly. Granted they give you a template but you only have 1 chance to get it right and when your drilling Big holes in a brand new storm door that cost almost $300, you don't want to screw it up. There is No moving a hole and Lowes isn't going to take the door back.
The Pella door on the other hand has ALL the necessary holes already there.
All said and done I felt the Pella door was a little less expensive then this particular Larson door and was a better factory design. The fit and finish of both brand doors was excellant
In case your not familiar with it, with the Pella "select" series you choose your door size (32" or 36") and color (several to choose from), you then pick your glass (several to choose from) and finally your handle hardware, again with several finish's to choose from. Right hand or Left hand swing is universal, it just depends which way you flip the door. (the Larson was the same way)
Very nice quality aluminum doors.
Either way, whether you choose a Larson or a Pella, you will be getting a nice storm door. The new ones are nothing like the old aluminum storm doors of days past.

[SIKSUKR]

I put 2 similar Larsons on my house 16 years ago and they still look new except for the hardware. The clear coat that is put over the brass plating has failed and the brass finish looks weathered. But that's after many a moon. I installed one similar to what you have on my Gf house. Absolutely love the retractable screen. Very cool and usable feature.

[ghfromaltonbay]

My parents and I both had new Larson storm doors (purchased at Lowe's) installed last year and we are very pleased with them. Had the same guy install them for each of us and he had no problems with the installation and said he liked the door himself. The self-storing screen is terrific. Plus, I got a $93 tax credit from the IRS for the $310 door. A nice bonus!

[dpg]

Thanks all for your comments. I also loved the retractable screen and etched glass. I will also look at Pella and Anderson also as their definite industry leaders or at least major players. I do feel safe now with the Larson as long as my person (not doing it myself) drills the holes right on the first time. :eek:

[ishoot308]

I just put a new Larson in at my camp last year and love it! It's a very well made door that installs easily. The hardware is very good and functions well. The retractable screen is great. I would highly recommend.

Dan

[dpg]

Thanks Dan that's good to know. I'm generally not a "big box store" person but noticed a nice door there with etched glass and the retractable screen. Sounds like I just may get that one.

[jeffatsquam]

I have purchased many Larson doors at A&B lumber right in Moultonborough

[Argie's Wife]

We have two Larsen doors - my only gripe is that the pneumatic arms give out after two years and have to be replaced. The rest of the door is fine...

[lawn psycho]

We have an Anderson storm door on our house and it's built like a tank. I don't recall the model but we picked it out at the lumber yard when building the house and was in the $350+ range.

The hardware, gas arm, glass, and hinges are all high quality. Was put in by the builder so don't know about the ease of difficulty to install it.

[MarkinNH]

We have two Larsen doors - my only gripe is that the pneumatic arms give out after two years and have to be replaced. The rest of the door is fine...

The Pella's can suffer from the same issue. I am in need of a tan colored pneumatic closer and they are not readily available in that color. :(

[fpartri497]

The Pella's can suffer from the same issue. I am in need of a tan colored pneumatic closer and they are not readily available in that color. :(


crylon spray paint :D

[MarkinNH]

crylon spray paint :D

:idea: I hadn't thought of doing that, that idea would work just dandy. Thank You. :)