Costco's Much More Affordable Solution For A Custom Storm Door

Storm doors are handy, but they also cost a pretty penny. If you want to keep your threshold safe from driving rain or snow flurries, you will likely have to cough up over $400 to do so. That's right — the average storm door retails for $416, but those costs can rocket up to $1,600 if you make a custom design or need double doors for a front entrance, much less a pair of French doors. 

If you're in the market to cut costs, though, it looks like you can head to your local Costco for a more budget-friendly solution. The warehouse retailer has a retractable screen door that costs half the price. Called the Cool Retractable Screen Door, it comes in sizes that fit both single and double doors. 

The item is less of a door and more like a retractable screen. You install it on the side of the door frame and pull it in place when you want to circulate some air or protect your door from an oncoming storm, but then retract it when it's not in use. That's cool enough, but the best part is its price: It's just $189.99 online at Costco, and $159.99 at the physical store. 

There are all sorts of different types of screen doors, but since this is a retractable one, you won't have to hear the loud bang of a hinged screen door ever again. It also looks sleeker than the hinged version, helping to elevate your backyard design. 

Costco's retractable screen door is made from a painted aluminum frame and comes in four color options: black, brown, light brown, and white. It also comes in three size options, spanning from a standard 80-inch door to a short 78-inch option to a tall 96-inch option. You can also mount it for either left- or right-hand operation, making the function more convenient based on your dominant hand. Shoppers also find it a great steal, if the reviews are any indication. "After comparing with other big-box stores, Costco's price is slightly lower and so we ordered one online," one reviewer shared. "Once you set up the frame, hooking it onto the existing door trim is like a breeze. I think the design is set up to do that. So far, we have no complaints and the door looks great and also does its job." 

Every product has its downsides, however. One major complaint is the installation. Evidently, setting up the frame takes a little longer than the brand's estimated 30 minutes and might take some tinkering. "It is impossible to put together without help. You cannot slide tracks into place and have them stay. I spent 4 hours trying to just assemble the casing," another reviewer posted. So, the installation might be the trade-off for the budget-friendly price, but all in all, it seems like a great deal.