The Ultimate Guide for Standard Door Width

When planning any construction or renovation project, whether it’s a new home build or a simple room remodel, understanding the standard door width is essential.The width of a door plays a key role not only in the overall aesthetic of a space but also in its functionality.

This article will help you understand standard door widths and how to properly measure, allowing you to hang your new doors with confidence.

What’s Standard Door Width on Average?

The average exterior standard door width is 36 inches, whereas the average interior standard door width is 28 to 32 inches. The standard front door size is 80 inches tall and 36 inches wide. While primary exterior doors are usually 36 inches wide, interior doors like bedrooms and bathrooms are around 30 inches wide. A door that serves as a broad doorway between rooms needs to be at least 32 inches wide whereas smaller doors for closets and small utility rooms in your house can be 24 to 30 inches wide.

Door Width by Door Type

Exterior/Front Door (30-36 inches wide)

Exterior doors or front doors are often available in standard widths of 30, 32, or 36 inches and a standard height of 80 inches. Most rooms can fit a standard width of 36 inches, however smaller areas or closets require narrower doors. These are typical widths for single and double doors. However, particular dimensions are likely to differ according to the door type, style, and manufacturer standards. 

Interior Door (28-36 inches wide)

The standard width for an interior door is 32 inches but this could differ based on the type of door and the requirements of the space. Most interior doors used in offices and public buildings are 36 inches wide. Residential interior door widths range from 18, 24, 30, 32, and 36 inches based on location and use. The normal width of room doors in Interiors ranges from 36 to 42 inches, depending on the available space and the door height.

Bedroom Door (30-32 inches wide)

Bedroom doors are typically 30 to 32 inches wide. This width provides enough space for easy access while maintaining privacy. These doors are narrower than those leading to more public areas of the house such as the living room or kitchen. However, some homeowners prefer wider bedroom doors, particularly in homes with a more open and spacious layout. Just like other interior doors, bedroom doors are 80 inches tall.

Garage Door (96 inches wide for single, 192 inches wide for double)

Garage doors have larger dimensions than traditional entry doors. The width of a garage door varies according to the type of garage. A single-car garage door is usually 96 inches (8 feet) wide, whereas double-car garage doors are usually 192 inches (16 feet) wide. These doors also come in a variety of heights. Most garage doors have a standard height of 7 feet but larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks can have taller garage doors of 8 feet or more installed.

Pivot Door (36-72 inches wide)

Pivot doors are much wider than standard doors often ranging from 36 to 72 inches. Pivot doors are typically larger and heavier than standard doors which require specialized hardware to ensure smooth operation. Furthermore, the width and height of pivot doors can be tailored to the homeowner’s preferences and the overall design aesthetic of the space.

Invisible Door  (30-36 inches wide)

These doors are custom-made and are typically used in spaces where privacy or concealed access is desired such as high-security areas or secret rooms. Because invisible doors are designed to blend in with their surroundings, their width can vary greatly. These doors are discrete and unobtrusive, giving the impression that they are not there at all. They frequently stick to the same width standards as standard interior doors such as 30 to 36 inches.

Sliding Door (60-72 inches wide)

Standard sliding doors are usually 60 to 72 inches wide, but custom options can be wider or narrower. The standard width for patio sliding doors is 72 inches but larger doors are available for wider spaces. The typical width of a sliding glass door ranges from 48 to 96 inches, depending on the overall design and number of panels. These doors are ideal for providing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Barn Door (36-42 inches wide)

Standard barn doors range in width from 36 to 42 inches, with the majority of options falling around 36 inches. Barn doors  can be customized in terms of style and finish but their width is usually determined by the size of the opening and the door’s intended use. Because they slide along the wall, they don’t require as much swing space as traditional hinged doors, making them ideal for smaller spaces.

Patio Door (60-96 inches wide)

Patio doors are available in widths of 60 to 72 inches and heights of 80 inches. The most common standard width for a patio door is 72 inches but 96-inch patio doors are also available for larger spaces. Sliding patio doors are the most common but hinged doors are also available, especially in more traditional or farmhouse-style homes.

How Wide Is A Doorway?

The width of a doorway can vary depending on its purpose, building codes, and design preferences. However, there are general guidelines:

• Standard Interior Doorways: Typically 32 inches (81 cm) wide. This is a common size for bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways in residential homes.
• Standard Exterior Doorways: These are usually wider, with a typical width of 36 inches (91 cm). This allows for easy access and the movement of larger items in and out of the home.
• Accessibility Standards: For doors to be ADA-compliant (Americans with Disabilities Act), the clear width should be at least 32 inches (81 cm), though 36 inches (91 cm) is often recommended for wheelchair accessibility.

Doorways can be wider or narrower depending on specific needs, but these are the general ranges you’ll encounter.

How to Measure Door Properly?

Accurate measurements are essential for replacing or installing a door. Follow these steps to ensure the right fit:

Measure the Door Slab (Existing Door)

• Use a tape measure to record the width of the door slab at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest measurement to account for any variations.

• Measure the height of the door slab from top to bottom, excluding any thresholds or changes in the floor level.

• Measure the thickness of the door slab. Standard doors are typically 1-3/8 inches (3.5 cm) for interiors and 1-3/4 inches (4.4 cm) for exteriors.

Measure the Rough Opening (If No Door Is Installed)

• Measure the width of the doorframe at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest measurement.

• Measure the height of the opening from the floor to the top of the frame on both sides. Again, use the shorter measurement.

Check for Clearance

• Make sure there is enough space around the door for smooth opening and closing, especially if the floor or door frame is uneven.

Understand Rough Openings

• If you’re installing a pre-hung door, make sure the rough opening is 2 inches wider and taller than the door slab size. For example, a 36 × 80-inch door needs a rough opening of 38 × 82 inches.

By taking precise measurements   and considering the installation process, you can make sure the door fits properly into the space, preventing any issues during installation.

FAQ’S

What are standard door widths?

The Standard door widths usually range from 28 to 36 inches. The most common interior door width is 30 inches, whereas exterior doors are typically 36 inches wide to meet accessibility standards. However, variations exist depending on the type of door as well as its location.

What is the size of a standard door?

Both residential and commercial structures typically have doors that are 80 inches high. The Interior doors usually measure between 24 and 36 inches wide and 80 inches high. The typical widths for outside doors are thirty, thirty-two, or thirty-six inches. The different functional requirements, accessibility requirements, and aesthetic preferences are all taken into account while designing these measurements.

What is the size of an interior door?

The most common internal door measurements are 80 inches high and 24 to 36 inches wide. However, depending on the door’s location, function, and design within a house or business, different sizes may apply. For improved access, doors in public or high-traffic areas may be wider than those leading to bedrooms or restrooms, which tend to be narrower.

What is the standard opening space for a door?

Generally, a door’s rough opening is two inches wider and two inches taller than the door itself. A typical 36-inch wide by 80-inch tall door, for instance, would have a rough opening of 38 inches wide by 82 inches tall. The extra room is required to fit the door frame and provide flexibility for installation. Making sure the rough opening size is accurate is essential to a smooth fit and best possible operation of the door.

Conclusion

When choosing a door, it’s important to know common door sizes, widths, and heights because these dimensions can greatly affect accessibility and flow in any setting. The correct door can improve a building’s exterior and interior appeal, whether it is designed in a traditional or modern style.

If you need help choosing between various sizes and styles of doors to improve your space, or if you have any questions about choosing between interior and exterior doors, contact Mannlee, our expert team is available to help you select the best door for the needs you have.

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