My 10c worth: If I was to make a door like the one in the pic, I would use a piece of 38mm thick Triboard. Having a good-looking exposed track system is expensive for a larger or heavier door. Also make sure there is sufficient strength above the door in the right place to hang the door. We sell these sliding track systems in NZ, Id recommend the Henderson Rustic 80 system. Looking online overseas, theres some pretty good deals, but there's always the quality risk. Nor sure how much you are able to do yourself, there would be lots of savings to be made there, as usual!

think about fencing some hard floored area with a simple baby gate (available on kmart, target, bigW and on line) ...if he has his favourite bed and toys in the temporary goal, combined with strict regular training and walks he will eventually get the message but you must always respond positively when he does and make a restricted space so accidents only happen in a restricted area...i know our dogs are special but they're quite happy in a small space all day as long as they know they can expect your attention and a walk when you arrive home or, weather permitting, a morning walk is even better and they can sleep all day...I was never happy to allow my dog to be left outside alone as they can have injuries (especially if you have tempting rodents to chase) and a special dog like Mace might be tempting to a thief..keep him inside unless you're outside with him

I think that part of your problem is that each opening is a different size so whatever you do will look irregular. Have you seen an elevation of how your proposed solution looks yet? Another solution would be to slightly reduce the end openings to a 1200mm module. For instance in the first opening (nearest the kitchen) reduce it to become a 1200mm wide window. The second opening (between the two steel columns) remains as a 2400mm opening (2x1200mm modules), but I would flip the slider so that it is a couple of steps closer to the kitchen. For the last opening I would reduce it to 3600mm (3x1200mm modules), and centre the slider. This rhythm of 1200 modules will read better and instead of one large opening broken by a column you have two distinct smaller opening that address the function of each space, and will give you more flexibility for ventilation and flow. The rhythm and regularity of the window modules add to the design. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls/Dr Retro Virtual Visits

I'll throw in a left-field idea . The problem IMO is the house has no highlight , and is a bit dark . Not that it needs rendering and modernising . The front gate in Rust Treatment Red is wrong . The concrete drive is unloved . The existing garage door I gather is black . The terrace railing looks a grey , the barge board around the roof is black , gutters are black . There is no garden that can be seen , and the only colour is the bricks . Admittedly , a pretty meh shade , but its workable . Of course , you can cover and hide it , and spend $$$$$ , and change other colours , but you may end up shifting the problem , not solving it . I'm flying blind a bit because there isn't a full street view , but heres some suggestions -- paint the front gate and presumably front fence in a metallic charcoal . Build a garden along just in side the fence line , with a range of heights and colours of plants -- even if you build it up 60-70cm from the concrete , and fill with soil . Waterblast or chemically clean the concrete . Paint the gutter and barge board in white or grey or cream or similar to lighten the look 'upstairs' -- maybe even do the board and leave the gutter black . Minimise the heaviness of the roof . Paint the upstairs balustrade/railing in charcoal . Put a couple of big ( 80cm tall x 60cm wide or bigger ) shiny bright Eygptian or Mediterranian pots on the upstairs terrace ( bright red or orange would be my choice , but blues or greens if you are shy haha ) , with leafy plants -- the pots can match , but use different heights and colours of plants . Then , and only then , could you do a nice timber garage door , option a which is the 2nd picture looks nice and light , and a good match IMO . There you go -- probably saved you the cost of rendering !