[GulfCoastRick]

I have a 12'6" Pella triple sliding glass patio door with a 4' center slider.
Is it possible or feasible to replace the center section with a hinged door and leave the two remaining fixed windows?

 

[Ron6519]

I would doubt Pella makes a conversion kit for this purpose, but you would contact them for an answer.
Ron

 

[GulfCoastRick]

I have good carpentry skills and thought if I could purchase a 4' finish dimension french set, I could install within the current framework of the old unit and retain the two outside fixed windows.
Just wondered if anyone has ever seen or heard of anyone attempting such a thing.

 

[Ron6519]

I have good carpentry skills and thought if I could purchase a 4' finish dimension french set, I could install within the current framework of the old unit and retain the two outside fixed windows.
Just wondered if anyone has ever seen or heard of anyone attempting such a thing.

It's not the "attemping" part you're interested in, it's the successful completion.
Is the middle door section is independent of the side panels?
Can you order a prehung uniit to fit the opening left when you remove the sliding unit?
If not, you need to deal with certain issues
1. The door sizes. Are the sliders 6'8" doors?
2. The slider sill.
3. Weatherstripping the doors.
4. Is the frame strong enough to hold hinged doors they were't designed for?
A prehung exterior unit will address all these issues.
Ron

 

[GulfCoastRick]

Thanks for your comments and input Ron.
I guess I didn't fully explain my train of thought.
I was certainly thinking pre-hung in order to secure good structural integrity that would be required.
Yes, it does have a standard 6'8" ht.
Precise dimensions would be critical for an adequate seal.
My thoughts were to maintain the original framing above and cut out the aluminum threshold and shim the base accordingly.
What do you think?
The finish trim work does not concern me and is the least of my worries.

I am going to attempt to brainstorm this with someone at Pella, before I even think of moving this out of the planning stage.

 

[Jkslate]

I have a 12'6" Pella triple sliding glass patio door with a 4' center slider.
Is it possible or feasible to replace the center section with a hinged door and leave the two remaining fixed windows?

I'd be more inclined to pull out the SGD, remove the IG units and frame out the opening to fit, so you could then glaze the two IG's on the sides and install a prehung door in the middle. Cost shouldn't be too much more at all, since it's just some lumber.

 

[GulfCoastRick]

I'd be more inclined to pull out the SGD, remove the IG units and frame out the opening to fit, so you could then glaze the two IG's on the sides and install a prehung door in the middle. Cost shouldn't be too much more at all, since it's just some lumber.

Great, great suggestion and it certainly makes a lot of sense.
Since this is going to involve a bit of engineering and improvisation, framing it out like new construction would eliminate surprises or unwanted results.