I would do the large sliding door (That's what we're having built into our house and it's beautiful).

I'd take negative reviews with a grain of salt. The loudest voices are usually the angriest and I notice people don't tend to leave reviews when they're just ok with the product. Only when they're mad about something (could be anything) or it's been the best experience ever. Your best bet would be to talk to neighbors in your area who built with them (if there are any yet) and ask them how the build process went for them as well as how they feel about the quality of their new home.

Good luck!

ETA: Since this is just the window installation portion and your builder handles it, I would still ask neighbors who have the same window types if possible.

" I am praying not all Jeld-Wen products are created equal."

Oh they are all created equal.........................equally as poor.

Colleen...I have no idea about Jeld-Wen quality but we used the same configuration of slider that you posted above to enter our screen porch. We just slide the right center one open which gives us more furniture flexibility on the porch...since our porch is not huge. We can open both center doors and leave them open but don’t tend to do that much.

we are glad we did the sliders Vs hinged.

@millworkman
The reality may that my builder will use Jeld Wen regardless of whether I pick the French doors or the sliding doors. Not sure I have a choice! Do you know of home builders who refuse to use the products that the builder offer?

"Do you know of home builders who refuse to use the products that the builder offer?"

Is this a developer/builder? If so the only way is to walk or pay dearly for a change order.

Do you know of home builders who refuse to use the products that the builder offer?

I dont understand the question? Isn't the home builder and builder the same person.

We have a 4-panel Jeld-wenn metal door, installed 2 years ago. It seemed difficult to install (as I watched our contractor struggle with it for 2 days) but it turns out our guys refused to read the instructions and had put the top rail on the bottom. When my husband read the instructions and pointed out the mistake, it went swimmingly. Love it. The best part is with the slider we don't have to worry about furniture placement and space to open the doors.

Are you hiring someone to build your home on your property? Is this a custom home? Or in a development where you pick from a builders models and purchase the land and the house at completion? The latter was what I was assuming and what I described as builder/developer and [paying dearly if he allows a change in window manufacturer.

@ millworkman
it is a small development with semi-customizable floor plans. Even though the builder is very flexible and creative with customizing the home to our preferences, I have to assume that he earns a volume discount. (he builds in multiple developments in the area.)

I would use 4 panel sliders. Your builder would need to see if a bigger header is needed because of the bigger span. You should also ask for a longer transom (in your picture it’s as long as the doors) or remove it.

Yep, he buys at huge discounts. And honestly if you change ANYTHING remember you will be paying 2.5 - 3 times what it would usually be worth and getting pennies on the dollar back if you expect a credit an anything. Anything Jeldwen is builders grade bottom of the barrel. There are people out there who have them (many many people) who have no idea, and just assume they are a quality product because of a lack of knowledge. Do what you need to do but I would never recommend them, have never sold them (or any of the brands they purchased and re-branded many moons ago), although being open about it I have been on the commercial industry and high end residential for the last 15 years, so it has been a while since doing retail residential. That being said I do know they have not improved.

We thought it would be great to change it to a 4-panel sliding patio door to increase air flow and floor space

Except that a 4 panel slider won't give you any more air flow than a true French door will. A French door flanked by two double hung windows actually yields more 'open' space (although the open doors will block some of the air flow thru the windows. Windows + French door looks like you will net more glazing area (light) than with a 4 panel slider.

If you plan on having hardwood floors, which require pretty stringent climate control (humidity), you may find that you won't be having open doors as much as you think you may.

Other considerations are the structural changes needed for a 4 panel door. (Wider unsupported opening so the engineering requirements change.)

Looking at the photo of the built floor plan, it doesn't appear that open doors would have much, if any, effect on furniture arrangement.

4 panel sliders IMO a much more upscale look

Has there been a discussion about what moving to the 4 panel slider will do to the wall structure and the cost of the new, larger beam that I expect would be necessary since you are creating a larger fenestration in the wall?

N Dobos-Great suggestion about the larger transom. I will ask!

Doc5md-Luckily, I am not concerning myself with wall structure and larger beams because that’s my builders expertise. We just know that it’s an option we can have and any costs for structural changes is already included.

I would go for the four panel slider. We have one and it is dreamy. I love not having to worry about door swing and how open it can be when we want it to be. It’s still early morning here so dark but this is ours.

AS-love the clean lines!

When we built we put in a 12' slider.

I'm excited as we are doing a 4 panel slider. It will go to our back porch. Ours will only be 10' wide though....they are not cheap. We are doing Marvin.

We are considering these:

http://www.panoramicdoors.com/features/?_ga=2.229117524.938225501.1578605105-1677258086.1578605105

They are folding doors so you open up the whole length, not just the middle portion. i think they look amazing!

We are also considering Panoramic Doors. Got to see/use one at a local showroom and really liked them.

I would definitely go with a 4-panel patio door be it a French slider or even one you can open completely. It will give you more of an indoor/outdoor living feeling and also looks much more sophisticated and clean. As for Jeldwen, I would ask your builder if you can select a different brand patio door and pay the difference. Good luck with your project.

Panoramic Doors are cool. I think it depends on the area....if I lived in South for sure. But Midwest, not as important. And more expensive. They are definitely the hot trend.

Panoramic doors? There is a company named Panoramic Windows and Doors. If you did not mean them what is a Panoramic Door?

That is what I was referring to.

I’m sure there is more than one manufacturer of a folding door system. Even if Michael didn’t mean Panoramic Doors everyone knew exactly the type of door he was discussing. Like when I ask for a Kleenex I’m not holding out for that brand only

Slider for sure!

Trish Walter..ours are the 12’ Marvin Sliders. . We have been pleased. Outside shot of the sliders. Midwest also.

ILoveRed- they look awesome!!!

@Trish Walter I know this is older post but I was wondering if you wouldn't mind sharing what the quote you got was for the 10' slider?

I'm not sure what you are referring to but the double slider we ended up getting was $3336. Found this picture. We love it.

@Trish Walter that is exactly what I was asking about. It looks amazing!! and 3300 is less than I thought it might be. This is Marvin, right?

You aren't getting a 4 panel Marvin slider for 3300 these days!

@chispa I figured that too! lol

We have a 16’ slider and love it! Worth it big time

this was last years so prices are probably higher and not sure how windows are affected by the crazy covid pricing...

here's from the order form

Sliding French Door

CN 10068 RO 118" X 82 1/2"

Entered as CN 10068

I know it was less expensive than the first option we were quoted which I couldn't find.

Thanks.

@Michael I wondered if you pursued the Panoramic Doors purchase in your home? We’re considering it and so I hoped you might share some feedback and/ or pictures? Thanks in advance!

Panoramic products are average at best. Company has a bit of a track record of mediocre customer service as well.

We built in 2021 and ended up with 5 multi-sliding doors from Euro-wall. We needed impact/hurricane rated doors. All of ours are 10 ft high to fit our 12 ft ceilings. Our largest is 6-panels and 18 ft wide. We also have 4-panels that are 12 ft wide and 2-panel that are 6 ft wide.

Very happy with them, except one is missing weather stripping and we have been waiting forever for the window/door dealer to send their warranty crew out to make the repair.