Internal Door Sizing: The Best Guide on the Internet
When renovating your home, remember that internal doors come in various sizes. While there are standard door sizes, purchasing a door is not as simple as walking into a shop and picking one up. You need to know the exact size of the door you require.
Understanding the different door sizes available and how to measure for them can save you time and money in the long run. In this article, we will explore the most common internal door sizes and what to do if your door opening is not a standard size.
Key Takeaways
- Internal doors come in various sizes, and knowing the correct size is crucial when purchasing a new door.
- Standard door sizes exist, but it’s important to measure your door opening to ensure the best fit.
- Understanding the different door sizes available and how to measure for them can save you time and money in the long run.
What Are The Most Common Internal Door Sizes?
Internal doors come in a variety of sizes, but some sizes are more common than others. If you’re looking to replace an internal door, it’s important to know the most common sizes so you can find a suitable replacement.
The most common internal door sizes in English (UK) units are:
- 457mm x 1981mm
- 533mm x 1981mm
- 610mm x 1981mm
- 686mm x 1981mm
- 762mm x 1981mm
- 864mm x 1981mm
- 838mm x 1981mm
- 813mm x 2032mm
- 525mm x 2040mm
- 626mm x 2040mm
- 726mm x 2080mm
- 826mm x 2040mm
- 926mm x 2040mm
The most standard internal door size is 762mm x 1981mm, which is equivalent to a standard internal door width of 2ft 6in and a standard height of 6ft 6in. Builders have used this size for the majority of internal doors over the last few decades. Other door sizes are typically used for things like toilets or walk-in cupboards.
If you have a period property or a new property with non-standard door sizes, you may need to get internal doors made to measure. Additionally, there are narrow door widths that are only 457mm wide, but these are very rare.
When shopping for internal doors, remember to keep in mind the size of the door frame and the space available for the door to swing open. With a wide range of finishes and styles available, you can find a suitable internal door for your home.
What If The Door Opening is Not A Standard Size?
If you are buying an internal door for an opening that does not match the standard door sizes, you should consider the style of door you buy carefully.
While most doors can be trimmed down to size, some door styles, such as flush or pressed hardboard doors, can be difficult to trim. These types of doors have a hollow core and are filled with a lightweight honeycomb which makes it hard to trim them down to size. The outer covering of these doors is just 25mm thick which makes it difficult to trim them down to size.
Hardwood doors and solid internal doors are easier to work with and give you more flexibility when it comes to planning and trimming the door down. They also give you more freedom when it comes to deciding where to fit the hardware.
With hollow doors, there is a ‘lock block’, a 300mm long block of timber that is fitted on one side of the door. When you are fitting a hollow door, it is important to pay attention to where this block is so that the door is fitted with the hinges on the correct side, and the handle and lock are positioned correctly.
If you are considering UPVC doors, you do not really have the option of changing the size.
If you want a non-standard width or height door, then you will have to order the door made to measure. Before you place your order, ensure that the frame is completely plumb and smooth, you have left an allowance for the carpet, and that the measurements are accurate, since there is very little margin for error.
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard dimensions for UK internal doors are 1981mm x 762mm x 35mm (6ft 6in x 2ft 6in x 1 3/8in) for a single door and 1981mm x 1220mm x 35mm (6ft 6in x 4ft x 1 3/8in) for a double door. However, there are variations in sizes available in the market.
To measure an internal door frame for replacement, measure the height and width of the door frame from the inside edges.
Measure the height from the top of the frame to the floor and the width from one side to the other. Ensure that you measure the frame accurately to avoid any issues with fitting a new door.
The standard door width in centimetres for UK internal doors is 76cm (30 inches) for a single door and 122cm (48 inches) for a double door. However, there are other sizes available in the market, and it is essential to measure the door frame accurately before purchasing a new door.
Yes, there are differences between sizing for internal and external doors.
External doors are generally thicker and have a more robust construction to provide better insulation and security. The standard dimensions for UK external doors are 1981mm x 838mm x 44mm (6ft 6in x 2ft 9in x 1 3/4in) for a single door and 1981mm x 1524mm x 44mm (6ft 6in x 5ft x 1 3/4in) for a double door.
To convert door sizes from millimetres to inches, divide the measurement in millimetres by 25.4.
For example, if the door size is 762mm, divide 762 by 25.4 to get 30 inches.
When fitting a new internal door, ensure that the door is of the correct size and that the frame is level and square.
Remove the old door and frame, and then install the new door and frame, making sure that it is plumb and level.
Use the correct tools and fixings to secure the door and frame, and ensure that the door opens and closes smoothly.
Hello, I’m Keith Jones. I’m the author and head of content here of door and window guide. I’ve been in the window and door industry for over 10 years in the UK and North America. I’ve had quite a few roles during my career mainly in Worldwide sales. I’m now semi retired so I thought I’d put my knowledge to good use educating people about all they might need to know about door and window related topics.
