Nice looking slider door, but I can't find any product-specific installation instructions for it anywhere. If it weren't for having to pass codes inspection I'd simply attach bucks around my concrete block door opening and screw it to the bucks by the door fins after getting it level and plumb, but I'm afraid of failing inspection if the door is not screwed from the top, side and bottom into the doorway with Tapcons (concrete screws). Also, there's no predrilled holes on the sides of the unit so I might damage the door if I make new holes in it. This sucks. Lowes doesn't know the right answer and the product approval instructions from Florida codes makes no sense to me. Reliabilt is also a Lowes brand, my door is actually made by Atrium but when I called them they said they don't sell to Lowes and gave me another number that didn't go anywhere either. Somebody needs to make a video for installing this specific door or a easy to read installation guide that doesn't apply to a dozen other doors and installation applications as well.

Practigal, Sorry I did not see your link at first. Probably trying to read too fast. I took a look at your link and Graywing's link, and the idea of enclosed blinds is quite intriguing. I would have to see how they look in person and how well they would coordinate with my other blinds, not to mention finding out the cost. However, it probably won't work in my case, as the site only lists their product availability for full length or 1/2 length windows. We have ordered 3/4 lite windows, so one would be too long and the other too short. Thanks to both of you, though, for providing the links. Annztoo, I'd never heard of Luminettes. Not sure I totally understand them. Are they panels? I wonder how completely you could open up a window wall if they are? They are attractive, but I suspect they also will be quite spendy. I'm looking for not too expensive alternatives, as we are building our future retirement home and watching our budget very carefully. This is a modest (but I think very nice) build, and we haven't hesitated to choose less expensive finishes to keep costs down. Erinsean, I like the grommet top drapes, too, and didn't realize they're not in style anymore. Not that it would matter to me if I like them, which I do. We have some good sized windows facing the front, and I thought the blinds would provide a more cohesive and cleaner line from the outside than drapes. Also, I would like the drapes to be lined so that on the outside they would all be the same. That will add to the cost, as well. I have considered adding some grommet top drapes later to the blinds, but I need to be careful adding much fabric, as I have severe allergies/asthma. 2pups4me, What kind of blinds would you switch out your wood and faux wood blinds for? Wouldn't they present the same challenge to clean?

I dislike curtains on sliders so I did a cornice with a roller solar shade. You could do the same on the window also .

A b, I would recommend following the lines of the windows so 3 shades in the one room, 4 in the other. You could group but following the lines of the windows gives a little bit more functionality and flows naturally with the space. A bigger pleat size would be great. Standard is usually 3/4'' so I would suggest an 1 1/4'' or 1 /2'' pleat for a modern look. The bigger the pleat, the smaller stack towards the top as well so that will help keep the view. Not all cellular honeycomb shades are the same. Some brands do have a paper material to them but most Hunter Douglas honeycombs are silks and linens which are much higher quality and offer a completely different feel, look, and durability.