Standard Door Sizes: Unlock the Mystery of Door Dimensions
Which Types of Doors are Easiest to Install and Easiest on the Wallet?
When it comes to DIY door projects, selecting the right door type can make all the difference.
Pre-hung doors are a popular choice as they come as a complete package and are relatively easier to install compared to slab doors or any other door type. The installation process is quicker, and DIYers don’t have to work their way around sealing the door.
In terms of cost, fiberglass doors are an affordable option for entryways. They are energy-efficient, durable, and come in a variety of designs and finishes.
However, when it comes to functionality, selecting the right door material is essential. The material of the door is a key component of choosing the right exterior door for security, durability, and insulation.
Standard Interior Door Dimensions
Door Measurement Lingo
Before diving into the standard dimensions of interior doors, it’s important to understand the door measurement lingo.
Doors are typically measured in three dimensions: width, height, and thickness.
The width refers to the measurement of the door from side to side, the height refers to the measurement of the door from top to bottom, and the thickness refers to the measurement of the door from front to back.
Width
The standard width for interior doors is usually between 24 inches and 36 inches.
The most common width for interior doors in residential homes is 32 inches. However, some closet doors may be as narrow as 24 inches, while some larger doors may be as wide as 36 inches.
Height
The standard height for interior doors is usually 80 inches. However, some doors may be as short as 78 inches or as tall as 96 inches.
Interior Thickness
The thickness of an interior door can vary depending on the material used to construct it.
The standard thickness for an interior door is 1 3/4 inch. However, some doors may be as thin as 1 3/8 inch, while others may be as thick as 2 inches.
Overall, standard door sizes are typically available in increments of 2 inches, giving you a range of typical door widths of 28 inches, 30 inches, 32 inches, 34 inches, and 36 inches. The height of standard interior doors must always be at least 80 inches, if not taller.
It’s important to note that door sizing can vary depending on the manufacturer and the type of door. When measuring for a new interior door, it’s essential to measure the rough opening to ensure the door fits properly.
Other Important Measurements
Interior Door Jamb Thickness
Aside from the standard door size, it is also important to consider the thickness of the interior door jamb.
The jamb is the vertical part of the frame onto which the door is hinged. The thickness of the jamb is crucial because it determines the depth of the door frame and the size of the door panel that can fit in it.
The typical thickness of an interior door jamb is 4 9/16 inches. However, some door frames may have a thickness of 6 9/16 inches.
Ceiling Height
Ceiling height is another important measurement to consider when installing a door.
The standard ceiling height for residential homes is 8 feet. However, some homes may have a higher ceiling height, such as 9 or 10 feet.
When installing a door in a room with a higher ceiling, it is important to ensure that the door panel is tall enough to fit the space.
It is also important to consider the height of the door jamb and casing to ensure that they fit well with the overall height of the room.
When It Makes Sense Not to Have a Standard-Size Door
Entry Doors
While standard door sizes are convenient for builders and homeowners alike, sometimes it makes sense to deviate from the norm.
For example, entry doors can be customized to fit the specific needs of a home. Some homeowners may prefer a larger or smaller door to make a statement or to accommodate their unique style.
Additionally, some homes have non-standard entryways that require a custom-sized door.
Doors in Older Homes
Homes built before standard door sizes were established may have non-standard doors. This is especially true for older homes that were built before the International Building Code was established.
These homes may have doors that are narrower, shorter, or wider than the standard sizes. In these cases, it may be necessary to have custom-sized doors made to fit the unique dimensions of the home.
Doors That Are Wider Than They Need to Be
While most doors are built to a standard size, some homeowners may prefer doors that are wider than they need to be.
For example, French doors and sliding glass doors are wider than standard exterior door sizes to allow for side-by-side use. Additionally, some homeowners may prefer wider doors for accessibility purposes, such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In these cases, custom-sized doors may be necessary to accommodate the wider dimensions.
When It Makes Sense to Order Custom Doors
You Can’t Get Furniture Into (or Out of) the House
Sometimes, homeowners may find themselves in a situation where they can’t get a piece of furniture into or out of their house because of the door size.
In such cases, ordering a custom door may be the best solution. With a custom door, homeowners can have a door that fits the exact dimensions needed to move their furniture in and out of the house with ease.
Your Prehung Door’s Measurements Aren’t Standard
Prehung doors come in standard sizes, but sometimes the measurements of the door frame may not be standard.
In such cases, ordering a custom door may be the best solution. With a custom door, homeowners can have a door that fits the exact measurements of their door frame, ensuring a perfect fit.
Custom doors can also be a great option for homeowners who want a unique look for their home. They can choose from a variety of materials, finishes, and designs to create a door that is perfect for their home.
While custom doors may be more expensive than standard doors, they can be worth the investment in the long run, especially if they solve a specific problem or add value to the home.
How to Measure for a New Door
When it comes to replacing a door, it’s important to measure the existing door and the doorway accurately to ensure a proper fit. This section will cover how to measure for a prehung door, how to measure for a slab door, and how to measure for a screen door.
How to Measure for a Prehung Door
A prehung door includes the door frame and is easier to install than a slab door. To measure for a prehung door, follow these steps:
- Measure the width of the door opening at the widest point. This is the rough opening width.
- Measure the height of the door opening from the floor to the top of the opening. This is the rough opening height.
- Measure the depth of the door jamb from the interior wall surface to the exterior wall surface. This is the jamb depth.
How to Measure for a Slab Door
A slab door is just the door itself and requires a bit more work to install than a prehung door. To measure for a slab door, follow these steps:
- Measure the width of the door opening at the widest point. This is the rough opening width.
- Measure the height of the door opening from the floor to the top of the opening. This is the rough opening height.
- Measure the thickness of the door. This is the door thickness.
How to Measure for a Screen Door
A screen door is typically used as a secondary door to allow air flow while keeping bugs out. To measure for a screen door, follow these steps:
- Measure the width of the door opening at the widest point. This is the rough opening width.
- Measure the height of the door opening from the floor to the top of the opening. This is the rough opening height.
- Measure the depth of the door jamb from the interior wall surface to the exterior wall surface. This is the jamb depth.
It’s important to note that standard door sizes exist, so it’s best to measure the existing door or doorway to find the right fit.
Standard door widths for interior doors are typically 32 inches, while exterior doors are typically 36 inches wide. The height of a door is typically 80 inches for both interior and exterior doors. However, it’s always best to measure the existing door or doorway to ensure the right fit.
What is a Standard Door Size?
Doors come in different sizes and styles, but there are standard sizes that are commonly used in construction. These sizes are based on the dimensions of the rough opening, which is the space where the door will be installed.
The standard door size for interior doors is typically 80 inches in height and 24-36 inches in width. Exterior doors are usually 80 inches in height and 36 inches in width.
There are also special doors such as French doors and sliding glass doors that have different sizes. French doors are often between 30 and 72 inches wide per each door and about 80 inches tall. Sliding glass doors are typically 80 inches in height and 60-72 inches in width.
It is important to note that these are just standard sizes and there are custom sizes available as well. When replacing a door, it is important to measure the rough opening to ensure the new door will fit properly.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right door size is important for both functionality and aesthetics. Standard door sizes are a good starting point, but it is always best to measure the rough opening to ensure a proper fit.
With the right door size, a room can be transformed and provide a seamless transition between spaces.
FAQs
Front doors are typically 36 inches wide, which is wide enough to accommodate furniture and appliances, and for allowing first responders to easily move a stretcher into and out of the home if needed.
While there is no standard height for front doors, most are around 80 inches tall. However, custom sizes are also available for those who need them.
Bathroom doors are usually 32 inches wide, but this is more of the minimum than the standard.
Depending on the size of the bathroom and the preferences of the homeowner, bathroom doors can be wider or even feature double doors, sliding barn doors, pocket doors, or other door types.
Door sizes themselves do not include the frame. However, manufacturers do provide information about the minimum rough opening dimensions that the door frame will fit in.
It is important to measure the rough opening, not the door, to ensure that the frame will fit properly.
A standard exterior door is typically 80 inches tall and 36 inches wide. However, some doors may be as narrow as 30 inches or as wide as 42 inches.
The typical rough opening size for installing a door is 2 inches wider and 2.5 inches taller than the actual door size. For example, a standard 80-inch by 36-inch exterior door would require a rough opening of 82 inches by 38.5 inches.
A standard 80-inch by 36-inch exterior door is commonly used for a main entrance. However, some homeowners may prefer a wider or taller door for aesthetic or accessibility reasons.
Yes, there are standard jamb sizes for residential doors. The most common jamb sizes are 4 9/16 inches and 6 9/16 inches. However, custom jamb sizes may be required for certain door designs or installation situations.
A standard 80-inch by 36-inch exterior door would fit a 36-inch wide opening. Alternatively, a 78-inch by 34-inch interior door would also fit.
However, it is important to consider the rough opening size. You also need to account for any necessary adjustments for the door frame and hardware.
