Q&A Fireplace Glass Doors..why so expensive?

Question:

We recently built a new home and want to install glass doors on our fireplace to allow burning fires without the heat loss afterward. We have shopped around- and realize that there is a huge price difference. My question regards the quality to price relationship. Is it safe to assume that we will get what we pay for- or might we find that some of the higher prices at the fancier retailers are just paying for more expensive showrooms rather than a necessarily better product? We would appreciate any input you might have. Thanks.



Answer:

Yes- generally you get what you pay for. The doors sold at retailers are made with thicker glass- solid brass (usually)- etc. Most importantly- they have decent warranties.
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When I owned a retail fireplace shop, we regularly had customers some in who had bought doors at a mass merchant- but could not get glass or parts for them..they had to throw them away. That said- you might find retailers who are willing to discount a quality door- usually if they have it in their stock. The cheap door may be OK if you are not going to use the fireplace much (just for decor).