Since the receptacle and vent need to be re routed anyhow, opening size isn't a concern. A 5' patio door or slider would still give you 2' of wall space , which is probably useless space, but cosmetically would look better than squeezing in a 6' door or slider.You can special order 4' patio doors or sliders, but would only gain a foot. You probably would not miss that 1' by going with a 5 ' and will give you a wider opening to get things in and out if neccessary including yourselves in the event of an emergency.Patio doors inswing have a 180 degree swing, but because of your limited wall space, would not open flat against the outside wall.An outswing requires a landing as you mentioned, but in my opinion, whether you go in or outswing, a landing should be there anyhow as it's safer and makes entry/exit more comfortable.Dont know about you, but i sure aint getting any younger, so look ahead.A slider solves the in/out swing problem, but in my opinion, a nice set of patio doors would look sharp in that room. If there is easy access to the vent, it can be cut back and rerouted later, as the main concern would be to demo, reframe, and get the new doors/slider in asap. Not necessarily trimmed out and all, but in the hole.This would be a one day ordeal if you have an experienced and competent help.I carry cans of foam on projects like this and foam around the exterior perimeter between the jamb and framing. This should be done anyhow and seals it up until the trim is placed.If you haven't got a contractor lined up, ask people you know who have had similar projects done and get a referall.Insist that they put up plastic sheeting in the dining room and cover your flooring to keep the mess down to a dull roar.Maybe have your dad trade the sledge hammer in for a paint brush and let him give you a hand with the finish work. If he is handy, maybe let him in on other aspects as well, as he would enjoy being involved and will save you some dinero!Good luck on your project!

Designwise, I think I like a single door with alot of glass. I think I'd have to see and get the feel of the rest of the house before making a firm decision. While making the hole in the wall bigger is technically pretty easy, I would make sure a knowledgeable person did the work. That wall carries the weight of the roof and the second floor if you have one. To cut a 6' hole in that wall you'll need temporary support and put a new header back in tight. I'd be selective in who I trusted to do that.

If there's a second story, i would agree to a temporary support. If it's a single story, temps aren't necessary. Depending on your wall thickness, its easier to go with a header size equivalent to a x12, If you have 2x4 exterior walls, then a doubled up 2x12,(doug fir) with 1/2" plywood inbetween, or a 4x12 doug fir.2x6 wall would entail (3)2x12's with plywood or a 6x12.This x12 header runs tight to your wall plates and eliminates the worry of wondering if you are using the right sized header as well as eliminates those pesky cripple studs that are difficult nailing. If you have a reputable contractor thats experienced, they will know what's needed structurally.

In our area, going to a wider opening involves pulling a permit as it's considered a structural change, (another reason to go overkill on header size).It wouldn't need a structural engineesr stamp on a project like this, just verbal explanation along with the required fees,plotplan,red tape, that the building dept. requires. They generally have forms and an open page that gives you space to draw and explain what your project entails. You might want to see if this is the same m.o. in your area.On a project this sized and simple, it's kind of a pain, but best to play it safe and helps save hassles down the road if you ever go to sell

We recently did the same thing you are considering, changing out a window into a door leading out from our dining room to the backyard.

Our window before was 8' though and we just had an 8' white french sliding door put in instead.

This was something I always thought would look great. A while back we had some water damage in the area, the windows were old and we decided to just go ahead and put in new doors. They look wonderful.

There are so many options for a in-swing Fr. door, could be all glass or divided lites.......would really look lovely. I don't think moving the outlet would be that diff. or having the vent moved down or to the floor (mine is there). I think slider would be 'over-kill' in that room because you can only use one side anyhow...you would have to have Fr. doors if you want that wide look.

I think there are lots of options. Also depends on where you live how much glass you really want due to cooling/heating costs. I would do outswing to not loose the space and who knows you might want to build a deck there later and they you would have your platform. Until then just build a small wooden step and platform to save money. As somebody else mentioned you may need a platform there no matter what. I think code around here requires it.

I think a 2 door frenchdoor would look good, but if you have a really nice view you could do sliders along the whole wall like this one

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I did some virtuals for you with a couple of different options. Please excuse the see through part and trim as some are from the outside looking in etc., but it should at least give you an idea how it looks.

Sliding doors (click pics to see larger)

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French doors
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Single door

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We're doing something similar - we're replacing this back window with Anderson French Door sliders. The door will lead to a deck.

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We replaced our kitchen window with an out-swing Anderson French door, and I really love it. The screen is retractible (rolls right up into the frame, so a sliding screen door isn't necessary, which takes up lots of outside wall space. Because our opening wasn't very large, we ordered the smallest Anderson French door, which worked perfectly!

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Karenforroses.......your door would be perfect, really does look nice.