Doors and Windows - Installing a sliding door Laft & plaster wall

Hi I am new to this board.We have just bought our first house very excited to.I am very handy on repairs and building projects.I do however need some direction on installing a sliding 5 foot patio door.The int wall is lafth& plaster the ext wall has vinyl siding.How do i get started on cutting the opening on the inside then the outside . I have never done this befor.What should I look for in problims that could come up.There is a window where i plan on installing the door if this helps.I know i can do this just need some help on getting started.Many thanks Don in Canada.

What width is the window you're taking out ?

Thanks bro, the window I am not to sure yet we are moving in about 3 weaks did not measure it because as you know it is going my guess is it is about 26 inches wide and 50 inches high an old one at that .And is about 3 feet above the floor witch is hard wood.Thanks.Don.

Then you have a REAL job ahead of you. You're gonna have to open up the wall enough to get a header in to support whatever is above it, plus studs on either side to support the header and provide an opening for the door.

The vinyl siding is most likely covering some older siding since you have lath and plaster wall inside ( ie, an older house ). I would probably remove the vinyl, then the old siding and sheathing to expose the wall from the outside, working in a new header and studs from that side, then carefully cut the lath/plaster on the inside of the new rough opening. Hard to work with lath/plaster without damaging it.....you will probably end up re-sheetrocking that wall......

It will be a REAL project :)

Yes this does seam to be a bit of a job but i am up to it:D After the door is in i plan on a deck.This has always been a dream of mine.Installing a sliding door than a deck.Hey any tips on slecting the door,it does get cold up here in Canada and if it helps the door will face to the north so no sun will shine in:eek: .Thanks again.

I'd probably get tripple glazed IF you can get them in sliding door....and LowE glass......Thats a REAL big thermal hole in the wall in your laditude.......also I'd get a wood door with vinyl or aluminum clading......you might as well get the best you can if you're doing this......I've put in several of Andersen's Frenchwood doors in and like them, but I don't know if tripple glazing is an option with them .......it's not something we look at here in Tennessee :)