When building, renovating, or redesigning your home, one of the most fundamental design decisions is selecting the right door height and size. The dimensions of your doors influence not just the aesthetic appeal of your rooms but also their functionality and accessibility. From exterior doors that welcome visitors to interior doors that create privacy and comfort, each door type comes with its own set of standard measurements. This comprehensive guide dives into standard door sizes, including heights, widths, and thicknesses, to ensure you choose the best doors for your home’s needs.
Standard Door Sizes: A Quick Overview
Before delving into specific door measurements, it’s important to understand that door sizes typically fall into two categories: interior and exterior doors. Each has its own set of dimensions, tailored for their specific purposes.
Standard door height often depends on the country, the door type, and the space it is designed to fit. Understanding these variations ensures your doors fit seamlessly into their intended openings.
Standard Door Height in Meters
The standard door height for most residential homes worldwide is about 2.0 meters, which is equivalent to 200 cm. This measurement is typical for exterior doors and interior doors in many countries, including parts of Europe and Asia.
For example:
- A common exterior door size is 2.0 meters (height) by 0.9 meters (width).
- Interior doors often follow the same height standard, though they can vary slightly depending on the region.
Standard Door Height in Centimeters (CM)
In countries using the metric system, 200 cm (2 meters) is the typical door height. This measurement is widely used in homes across Europe and other regions that prefer metric measurements. The width of the door may vary, but the 200 cm height remains consistent for standard door types like bedroom, bathroom, and closet doors.
Standard Door Size in Feet
In places like the United States, feet are the standard unit of measurement. The typical door height in feet is 6 feet 8 inches, which is equivalent to 80 inches (or 2.03 meters). This measurement is most commonly used for residential exterior doors and interior doors.
Standard Door Size in Inches
As mentioned, 80 inches is the standard door height in the United States. This measurement is commonly used for both interior doors and exterior doors, ensuring compatibility with door frames that adhere to this height.
Common dimensions for exterior doors in inches include:
- 36 inches x 80 inches
- 32 inches x 80 inches
- 30 inches x 80 inches
Similarly, interior doors typically measure 24″, 28″, 30″, 32″, or 36″ in width and 80 inches in height.
Standard Door Height in Millimeters (MM)
For precision, especially in construction, millimeters are also used to measure door dimensions. 2000 mm (or 2 meters) is the standard height used for doors worldwide, including for sliding doors, French doors, and patio doors.
Standard Bedroom Door Size
Bedroom doors are generally the same size as interior doors but may sometimes have different widths to accommodate various room layouts or styles.
Standard bedroom door sizes include:
- 30 inches x 80 inches (most common)
- 32 inches x 80 inches
The door width is often the determining factor when selecting the appropriate size for bedrooms.
Standard Door Widths
The width of a door is just as important as the height when it comes to functionality. Here are the standard door widths for various types of doors:
Standard Exterior Door Widths
Exterior doors are typically wider than interior doors to accommodate entry and exit ease. Some common widths for exterior doors are:
- 36 inches
- 32 inches
- 30 inches
- 24 inches
- 42 inches (for larger entryways)
These widths are designed to suit standard door frames, which usually have a rough-in measurement (extra space around the door opening) of about 2 inches on each side.
Standard Interior Door Widths
Interior doors come in a variety of sizes to fit different rooms and needs. Typical widths include:
- 24 inches (often used for small rooms or closets)
- 28 inches
- 30 inches
- 32 inches
- 36 inches (common for main rooms)
For closet doors, utility doors, or even bathroom doors, the width can sometimes be smaller or larger based on space and design.
Standard French Door Sizes
French doors, often used as double doors, are typically available in 80 inches tall and 36 inches wide per door. This makes the total width of French doors about 72 inches. This dimension allows for wide openings and is a popular choice for patios or living rooms.
Sliding Glass Door Sizes
Sliding glass doors come in several variations, including:
- 6’8″ high x 6′ wide (the most common size)
- 5’0″ x 8’0″
- 6’0″ x 8’0″
- 8’0″ x 8’0″
These doors are a great choice for patios or balconies, as they allow for easy access to the outdoors and are designed to be space-efficient.
Standard Door Thickness
The thickness of a door is just as important as its height and width. Different thicknesses cater to different door functions and durability. Here’s what you need to know:
- Interior doors typically have a thickness of 1 3/8 inches.
- Exterior doors are thicker, typically around 1 3/4 inches to accommodate greater security and insulation.
- Doors over 36 inches in width or over 90 inches in height may have a thicker slab, often around 2 inches for stability.
The door slab is the actual door itself (without hardware or the frame), and its thickness is a key consideration when selecting a door.
Other Important Door Measurements
Besides height, width, and thickness, there are other measurements to keep in mind when choosing doors for your home.
Door Frame Measurements
When purchasing a door, the door frame dimensions are just as important as the door’s size. This includes the door jamb (the frame surrounding the door) and the rough-in measurement (extra space needed around the door for fitting and proper installation).
- Rough-in measurements are typically 2 inches larger than the door’s size in both height and width.
- For example, a 36″ x 80″ door would require a 38″ x 82″ rough opening.
Door Trim
The door trim is the final aesthetic finish around the door, typically measuring 2-3 inches wide. Proper trim installation ensures the door looks finished and fits seamlessly into the surrounding wall.
Door Types and Their Specific Sizes
Pre-Hung Doors
A pre-hung door is a door that comes already assembled with a frame. It simplifies installation, as the door, frame, and hardware are already set up. Pre-hung doors typically adhere to standard sizes:
- 80 inches x 36 inches for exterior doors
- 80 inches x 32 inches for interior doors
Sliding Doors
Sliding doors are commonly used for patios, closets, or even room dividers. These doors save space and offer a modern aesthetic. They are often sold in sets of two or more, with a size range of 5’0″ x 8’0″ to 8’0″ x 8’0″.
Conclusion
Choosing the right door height and size is essential for both the functionality and aesthetics of your home. Whether you’re replacing an interior door, installing a French door, or selecting a sliding glass door for your patio, understanding the standard sizes will help ensure a perfect fit. Be sure to also consider factors like door thickness, frame measurements, and door types to find the best match for your needs.
When in doubt, always measure the rough opening carefully and consult with a professional for accurate installation. With the right knowledge of door measurements, you can ensure your doors enhance the look and usability of your space for years to come.
