What's the Standard Exterior French Door Width?
French doors are a classic design choice that allow homeowners to invite more natural daylight into their home while also providing easy access to outdoor living areas. When considering these elegant doors for exterior installation, one of the most common questions is: what are the standard width options?
We'll also discuss proper measurement best practices to ensure you select the optimal door size for your home's openings.
Standard Widths for Exterior French Doors
The most commonly manufactured exterior French door widths are:
- 24 inches
- 30 inches
- 36 inches
- 48 inches
These standard width options are designed for convenient replacement of most existing exterior doors. They provide homeowners with beautiful new French doors without requiring major modifications to the entryway.
80 Inches: The Standard Door Height
While French door widths have some variation, the standard uniform height for all exterior doors is 80 inches, equivalent to 6 feet 8 inches. This ensures the doors will fit comfortably into most openings without requiring customization of the length.
When Custom Sizing is Recommended
Although standard exterior French door sizes work well for many homes, custom sizing allows for some specific benefits:
- Accommodate wider openings over 4 feet across
- Match unique architectural details seen with heritage homes
- Create an enhanced sense of spaciousness with oversized doors
- Allow large openings that complement modern minimalist styles
- Fit unusually tall elongated openings that exceed 6 feet 8 inches in height
Oversized French Doors Up to 10 Feet
For exceptionally wide openings, customized exterior French doors are available in larger sizes from most quality manufacturers. Special order oversized units can range upwards of 10 feet across to transform massive entryways into dramatic architectural focal points.
Measuring Doors Properly
When determining the optimal exterior French door size for your home, carefully measure the full width and height of the opening itself that the doors will fit into. Be sure to use a steel tape measure and account for the following:
- Include room for jambs and shims that allow proper installation and squareness
- Consider walls, floors or obstructions that may impact the opening size
- Measure width at both top and bottom to confirm uniformity
- Note ceiling and trim that may decrease exact height
Allow a 1/2 to 3/4 Inch Border
When sizing exterior French doors, it's smart to add roughly 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch onto your rough opening measurements to provide wiggle room. This extra space makes installation easier and ensures your beautiful new doors will effortlessly glide open and closed.
Energy Efficient Glass & Materials
Along with selecting the optimal size, homeowners must also decide on the best glass types and materials for exterior French doors to withstand the elements. Key considerations from an energy efficiency standpoint include:
- Glass U-values: Lower numbers indicate better insulation. Look for U-values of 0.3 or below.
- Glazing Options: Triple pane glass and thermally broken frames provide superior efficiency.
- Materials: Fiberglass and wood doors offer excellent thermal performance.
Review Energy Star ratings when available, and consult with door experts to balance aesthetics with efficiency.
Style Doesn't Compromise Performance
The good news is design-forward doors don't mean sacrificing energy savings or durability. With so many choices now available, you can select stylish, properly sized exterior French doors aligned with your homes architecture without compromise.
Finding the perfect exterior French door size involves taking careful measurements and ordering quality doors purpose-built to your needs. While standard widths like 36 inches accommodate most homes, oversized custom doors make dramatic statements. Just be sure to incorporate energy values like U-factors during the product selection process to ensure optimal efficiency and comfort for years to come.