Exterior doors are an important part of any home’s architecture. The style, material, and even size are all things to consider when purchasing a new entry door.
You may have a style in mind, and even know which material you’d like, but what about the size? Did you know you have options when it comes to the size of your entry door? You do!
At Window World of Muscle Shoals, we do more than windows. We’re also entry door experts. We’ve got the answers to your questions about entry door sizes, including patio doors and French rail doors. Keep reading to learn more about standard door sizes.
The Standard Front Door Size
Most front doors are 80 inches x 36 inches (approximately 6 feet 8 inches x 3 feet) with a thickness of 1 ¾ inches.
Newer homes, including new construction, may have entry doors as narrow as 30 inches (2 ½ feet) or as tall as 96 inches (8 feet).
These measurements are just for the door itself, not including the frame. The door frame typically adds ¾ inch to the opening you’ll need for your door.
Can You Make Your Front Door Bigger?
Yes!
You can expand your door as long as the wall it is on allows for the extra space. Before making your door bigger, consider how it will look from the inside as well as the outside. If your front door opens into a small foyer, a wider door may not look as good as a narrower one.
If you want to make your door taller, consider how far the new door frame will be from the ceiling, including your crown molding, if applicable. You should also consider how having a taller door will look alongside your windows at their existing height. Most windows are placed so that the top of the window frame is the same height as the top of the door frame, so making your door taller may throw off the visual balance of your home’s exterior.
Standard Patio Door Sizes
Like entry doors, patio door sizes can vary from home to home. Sliding glass doors can also come with two or three panels, which will also impact the size.
Two-panel sliding doors are typically 5, 6, or 8 feet wide and 80 inches (6 feet 8 inches) tall.
Three-panel sliding doors are larger, usually coming in at 9 feet or 12 feet wide and 80 inches (6 feet 8 inches) tall.
If your sliding glass door is larger or smaller than the standard, no sweat! Replacement patio doors can be manufactured to fit the space occupied by your existing door.
Depending on your home and the placement of your patio door, you may also be able to have a larger patio door installed. Larger patio doors are especially nice with Muscle Shoals’ mild spring and winter! Your Window World consultant will be able to provide guidance during your free consultation.
Measuring Your Home for New Exterior Doors
Knowing how large your door opening currently is gives you, and your Window World of Muscle Shoals consultant, a better understanding of your options. To measure your door, you’ll just need a tape measure and a pen and paper to write the measurements down.
Here’s how to measure your door:
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- Open the door and stand in front of it so the door is opening away from you.
- Measure the width by taking three measurements inside the door frame: the top, the middle, and the bottom. The widest measurement is the width of your door.
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- Measure the height of your door by measuring from the top corner to the bottom corner on the inside of the frame on each side. The longest measurement is the height of your door. If you have a rug in your doorway, move it before measuring.
- If you have thick carpet, be sure to account for that in your measurements.
- Measure your door’s thickness by placing your tape measure along the inside edge of the door itself. Standard doors are around 1 ¾ inches thick.
Measuring for New Patio Doors
- Stand outside of your doors and measure the width, going all the way from your home’s stucco, brick, or siding on one side to the same point on the other side. Measure three points: the top, middle, and bottom. The widest measurement is your door’s width.
- Measure the height from the header to the bottom of the door sill on both sides and in the middle. The tallest measurement is your door’s height.
Find Your Perfect Door at Window World of Muscle Shoals
Whether you want to replace your current door with one of the same size, or you’d like to make your entryway bigger, we’re here to help. All of our entry doors are customized to fit your unique space and style. Learn more when you schedule your free consultation!