Ever tried lugging a new couch through a doorway only to discover it’s a no-go? Knowing standard door sizes is key to preventing headaches like that. Standard measurements help keep construction projects running smoothly and save everyone time and money.
So, what’s the average width of a door, really? This article offers a complete overview of standard door widths for all kinds of uses.
We’ll cover the average widths for interior doors, exterior doors, and even some specialized doors you might encounter.
Why do standard door sizes matter?
Standard door sizes aren’t just for convenience; they play a crucial role in several areas:
- Easy replacement and installation: Standard sizes mean you can easily replace a door without major modifications to the frame.
- Cost-effectiveness: Because they’re mass-produced, standard-sized doors are more affordable than custom-made ones.
- Accessibility: Standard door widths, especially those meeting accessibility guidelines, ensure that people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices can move through them easily.
Standard Interior Door Sizes
When it comes to interior doors, there are some common sizes you’ll see again and again.
Bedroom Doors: Peaceful Retreats
Bedroom doors are usually around 30 inches wide, giving you enough space to pass through comfortably without taking up too much room. The standard height for a bedroom door is 80 inches.
Bathroom Doors: Privacy Preserved
Bathroom doors tend to be a bit narrower, usually ranging from 24 to 28 inches wide. This helps make the most of the space in smaller bathrooms. Like bedroom doors, they’re typically 80 inches tall.
Closet Doors: Stowing Away
Closet doors come in a range of widths, from 24 to 36 inches, depending on the style of the door. Sliding doors and bifold doors are popular choices for closets. The height is usually 80 inches, but in newer homes, you might see closet doors that are 96 inches tall.
Standard Exterior Door Sizes
When it comes to exterior doors, size does matter. Here are some typical measurements for the doors that let you into your house.
Front Entry Doors: The First Impression
Your front door is one of the first things visitors notice about your home, so it’s important to get it right. In most homes, the front door is 36 inches (3 feet) wide. In larger homes, you might see wider doors.
The standard height of a front door is 80 inches (6 feet, 8 inches). But in newer homes, you might find doors that are closer to 96 inches tall.
Patio and Balcony Doors: Blurring Boundaries
Patio and balcony doors tend to be wider than front doors, with widths typically ranging from 60 to 72 inches. Sliding glass doors are a popular choice for these openings.
Like front doors, patio and balcony doors are usually around 80 inches tall, although there can be some variation.
Side and Back Doors
Side and back doors are usually a bit smaller than front doors, typically measuring 32 inches wide and 80 inches tall.
Specialized Door Sizes: Functionality and Style
While the 32-inch door is a good standard size to keep in mind, you may want to consider other sizes for areas of your home or business.
French and Double Doors: Investing in Elegance
When you want to make a statement, wider French doors or double doors, which often come in widths of 60 inches, can add elegance to a space.
These doors usually have a standard height of 80 inches.
Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding glass doors usually have widths between 5 and 8 feet, and heights around 6’8″ or 8 feet. Some of the most common sizes are:
- 6’8″ high x 6′ wide
- 5’0″ X 8’0″
- 6’0″ X 8’0″
- 8’0″ X 8’0″
Be sure to account for the frame dimensions when you’re measuring for a sliding glass door.
Door thickness and materials
While width and height are important, don’t forget about thickness! Interior doors are usually about 1 3/8 inches thick. If you want to soundproof a room, you might want to buy a thicker door.
Exterior doors are generally thicker, around 1 3/4 inches. The extra thickness insulates your home and makes it more secure.
The material a door is made from can also affect its dimensions.
Measuring for a Replacement Door
If you’re replacing a door, accuracy is important. Here’s how to get it right:
- Width: Measure the width of the door opening at its widest point. Measure at the top, middle, and bottom to check for any differences.
- Height: Measure the height of the opening from the top to the bottom.
- Rough Opening: For a replacement, add 2 inches to both the width and height measurements. This gives you the “rough opening,” which accounts for space needed for shimming and adjustments.
Conclusion
Knowing the average width of a door for different uses is important when you’re building or remodeling. You’ll want to think about how you’ll use the space and how people will move through it. When choosing a door, you’ll want to strike a balance between what’s practical, what looks good, and what makes your home accessible to everyone.
If you’re looking for a custom solution or have a unique situation, it’s always a good idea to talk to a professional builder, architect, or design expert. They can help you make the right choices for your specific needs.