There are different reasons why you might opt to purchase a new door. You might do it as part of a home remodeling project, or you might do it to replace one of your broken doors at home.
Regardless of the reason, it’s very important to note that there are different door sizes, dimensions, building codes, among other factors that dictate your choice.
The standard Door Size
When it’s time to replace your door, you can either choose a pre-hung door or a door slab. A pre-hung door basically involves the door, door frame, and hinges. On the other hand, a door slab is simply the door panel with no hinges, frame, or any other hardware.
This is the preferred choice for most people looking to upgrade their door panels alone without disrupting the other components. If you’d like to purchase a door, it’s very important to bear in mind that for a standard door size, the only measurement taken is for the door panel.
You’ll not need to measure the door frame, opening, or door jab at any point. Even though there are many door sizes available in the market today, there is still a renowned standard measurement.
Here is a breakdown of the standard size for both interior and exterior doors:
Standard interior door
Interior door sizes for most buildings are determined by the International Residential Code (IRC). As per the specifications of these codes, interior doors are not needed to be the same height or width as the exterior doors or the main entry door.
However, the preferred standard size for interior doors should be at least 80 inches. Also, it’s important to note that some interior doors that are not frequently used as passageways in the house, such as the utility and closet doors, can be shorter depending on the homeowner’s preferences.
You’ll find that in most cases, utility and closet doors have a height of about 78 inches. The widths for interior doors do vary from one building to another. The widths can be somewhere between 24 to 36 inches.
Most interior doors like barn doors, pocket doors, bathroom doors, and bedroom doors can be anywhere between 28 and 32 inches. However, these widths can go higher or lower depending on the homeowner’s preference. There are many factors to consider in barn door buying and it’s important to avoid some of the common mistakes.
The most common width for interior doors is 32 inches. This means that the standard size for most interior doors is 32 inches by 80 inches.
Standard exterior door
Exterior doors for most buildings out there are also dependent on the IRC. Based on these codes, exterior doors are recommended to be at least 80 inches, although they can be taller or shorter.
The standard size for an exterior door of most residential buildings is usually 36 inches wide and 80 inches tall. As per the new architectural designs, some homes nowadays are fitted with even taller exterior doors with a height ranging around 96 inches. You can also find stock doors about 30 to 32 inches wide.
When it comes to sliding doors, you’ll find that both width and height vary from one building to another. However, the common standard size for most sliding doors is 80 inches high and 72 inches wide. But also, you can always find other sliding door sizes that fit your home ranging from 60 to 96 inches.
How to measure a door
Before you proceed with getting a replacement for your door, you have to measure the current door from the height, width, and thickness. These measurements are the only thing you’ll need, especially if you’re replacing your current door with a door slab.
The measurement of the door panels is the only one that matters and not the frames or even the openings. For this reason, measure your door from top to bottom and note down the height, measure from right to left and you’ll have the width, and then measure the depth and get the thickness of the door you need.
Conclusion
Even though the size is one of the most important factors when shopping for a door, it’s also important to consider other factors. Things like cost, design, and privacy should also come into play when choosing the ideal door for your home or office.
Related Posts:
- 9 Best Mid Century Interior Doors
- Internal Doors – The Design Possibilities You Haven’t Thought Of
- Why Choose Aluminum Doors?
- What to Look for When Buying a Residential Garage Door
- 5 things to keep in mind while selecting a door for your living room
