I put panels to either side of my bedroom sliding door. We very seldom open the door as well; however, we did extend the rod about 15" to either side so that the panels stacked back to either side of trim so on those rare occasions when we do want to access the sliding door, the panels were not in front. The suggestion of a tie back is a good one if you do require more frequent access since I noticed if there is any wind, then the drapes will blow out the open sliding door and I have to be mindful of that when I close it. All and all, though, I much prefer the more balanced, symmetrical look of two panels; whether formal or informal.

What are your needs for the WT? Looks, privacy, light filtering, block out? Since it's the dining room, a pic might help to visualize the space and your own style. I have 2 sliders backyard facing. The one in the kitchen/family has no treatment and I prefer it that way; in our master bedroom we did layered treatment with a double traverse rod with center opening pinch pleats on top and sheers below for light filtering/privacy--above that I plan to hang a valance when DH gets around to it. As I wanted the center opening, I took them about 15" beyond the door frame so when open they stack back behind the door. Before I had them all go to one side, but I like the symmetry of this arrangement better. If you do decide on a fabric treatment you can tie it in and dress up the wood blinds with a coordinating valance or roman shade. There are other options for vertical blinds (some with sheer material in between), bamboo, etc. Check out the JC Penny website for other options. Here is a link that might be useful: JC Penny draperies

Don't know much about them but the info n their site is somewhat mediocre at quick glance. If a builder is looking for windows I generally am skeptical as they usually look for price point not quailty point. Climate is not as improtant in the window business unfortunately as area of the country as some brands only have regional distribution. I assume vinyl is acceptable since your considering Coeur D'Alene?

In our new house we used Hunter Douglas Duettes (wired & automated) with top-down/bottom-up for all the windows. On 3 of our sliders we use the Hunter Douglas Vertiglide shades, basically duettes that are vertical. Depending on the room, we used opaque or room darkening fabric. Very happy with all of them.