Exterior Door Sizes Explained Simply - The One Chart You Need
Selecting the perfect exterior door for your home can seem confusing at first glance. With so many sizes, styles, and options to consider, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But understanding standard exterior door dimensions doesn't have to be complicated. Our comprehensive guide breaks down the key measurements in simple terms, with pro tips for picking the ideal exterior door to meet your needs.
We'll walk through standard heights and widths, how to measure existing openings, allowances for clearances, special door types, and provide a helpful door size chart. Read on for a deep dive into exterior door sizes explained in plain English so you can make sense of it all!
Standard Exterior Door Heights
One of the first decisions when selecting an exterior door is the height. Here are the standard options to choose from:
- 80 inches - The most common height for single exterior doors. Fits standard entryways.
- 82 inches
- 84 inches
- 96 inches - Frequently used for double doors or French doors. Accommodates taller openings.
Keep in mind exterior door height dimensions refer to the actual height of the door itself, not the rough opening size. We'll get into measuring tips and allowances in a bit.
Standard Exterior Door Widths
In addition to door heights, these are the typical width options for exterior doors:
- 30 inches
- 32 inches - The most common width for single exterior doors. Fits most openings.
- 36 inches - Popular standard width for double or French doors. Allows side-by-side doors.
These widths represent the actual door size. You'll want to account for extra width in the rough opening during installation. More on that shortly!
Other Specialty Exterior Door Types and Sizes
In addition to traditional hinged doors, there are several specialty exterior door styles that come in their own unique sizes:
French Doors
These classic double doors typically come in pairs to create wide openings. The standard width for French doors is around 60 inches wide, allowing both doors to fit comfortably side-by-side. However, French door units can be customized to fit specific dimensions if needed.
Bi-fold Doors
Bi-fold doors contain several door panels that fold back against each other when open. This style is perfect when you want to fully open up an exterior space. The approximate standard size for bi-fold exterior doors is 96 inches wide. But these doors can also be made to fit customized opening measurements.
Barn Doors
Barn doors are a popular style made of wood that slide open on a track mounted above the doorway. The typical barn door size is around 36 inches wide by 72 inches tall. Wider and taller custom dimensions are also available to meet your exact needs.
Pocket Doors
Pocket doors slide open into a compartment in the wall, creating a clean, modern look. Standard pocket door sizes are generally around 32 inches wide by 80 inches tall. But pocket doors can be fabricated to fit any opening size as well.
Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding glass exterior doors feature large glass panels that slide open on a track system. A standard sliding glass door size is approximately 84 inches wide by 72 inches tall. Custom options are available, but sliding glass doors are often a standard manufactured size.
Measuring Tips for Replacement Doors
To determine the right door size, you first need to accurately measure your existing exterior door opening. Here are some tips:
- Carefully measure the opening's height on the left, center, and right sides. Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom.
- For the height, note the shortest measurement. For the width, note the narrowest point.
- This will give you the true opening size when selecting a new door.
Make sure to measure the actual frame opening size, not the existing door size. This will provide the exact dimensions needed for proper door selection and fit.
Selecting the Right Door Size
Once you have precise opening measurements, the general rule of thumb is to select an exterior door that is slightly smaller in both height and width. Recommendations are to choose a door size that is:
- 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch shorter than the height of the opening
- 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch narrower than the width of the opening
This provides the proper clearance for the door to operate smoothly. The gap allows room for shimming and squaring the door frame during installation.
Helpful Exterior Door Size Chart
This door size chart provides a helpful visual reference of standard exterior door sizes:
| Door Type | Standard Sizes (W x H) |
| Single Door | 32" x 80" |
| Double Door | 36" x 80" |
| French Door | 60" x 80" |
| Bifold Door | 96" x 80" |
Having these common exterior door dimensions in one simple chart makes size selection much easier. Just match your precise opening measurements to the right standard door size.
Fitting and Installing Exterior Doors
Once you have selected the properly sized door, follow these tips for a successful installation:
- Allow a gap of 1/2" to 3/4" around all sides between the door and rough opening.
- Use shims to plumb and square the door frame in the opening during installation.
- Make sure the door seals tightly in the frame while maintaining smooth operation.
- Avoid cutting doors down in size if possible, as this compromises their integrity.
With the right clearances, exterior doors should fit snugly while still swinging open freely. A sealed, properly hung door also improves weatherproofing and security.
Installing well-fitting exterior doors starts with understanding standard door sizes. Measure openings carefully, allow for clearances, and select the right height and width based on our handy reference chart. With these simple tips, picking exterior doors is smooth sailing. The right size choice ensures both proper home function and aesthetic appeal.
Follow our guide to take the guesswork out of exterior door sizes. Confidently measure, select, and install the perfect new doors for any entryway, patio, or exterior living space using this straightforward information. You'll be an exterior door pro in no time!