Shopping for a new entryway? You’ve probably spent most of your research learning about different door styles and materials. After all, these are important, tangible features that influence your new door’s ability to protect and beautify your home. But don’t overlook another fundamental door characteristic: its size.
In this article, we will specify the standard front door size for average residential spaces, breaking down the standard front door measurements for various configurations and styles. Knowing how to measure your door — and understanding why these measurements are important — can save you from costly problems down the road.
Table of Contents
The Standard Front Door Size Used For Residential Homes
When planning a home renovation or building a new residence, understanding standard entry door size is essential for proper fitting during installation. While architectural entry door styles vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, front door sizes follow a consistent pattern to accommodate building codes and other practical considerations.
The standard front door size for most residential homes in the United States is 36 inches wide x 80 inches tall (3 feet x 6 feet 8 inches). This dimension has become the industry standard because it provides comfortable passage for most furnishings and appliances without compromising structural integrity and energy efficiency.
However, not all homes conform to this exact measurement. Standard residential front door width, height, and thickness commonly fall within these ranges:
- Width: 30 to 45 inches
- Height: 71 to 96 inches
- Thickness: 1¾ to 2¼ inches
These variations accommodate different architectural styles, regional building practices, and homeowner preferences while still being compatible with door hardware and framing techniques.
Let’s break it down a little further.
Other Common Front Door Sizes and Configurations
Single Entry Doors with Sidelights
Sidelights are narrow, vertical windows installed alongside one or both sides of a front door to let in natural light and improve the appearance of your home’s face.
- Average sidelights typically range from 12-18 inches in width.
- Your sidelight’s height will be the same as the door’s.
- Combined with a standard, 36-inch door, the total width of an entryway with a sidelight usually measures between 48 and 72 inches.
- These ranges can vary depending on whether sidelights are installed on one or both sides of your front door.
Double Doors & French Entry Doors
Create a grand entrance with Double and French Entry Doors, designed to open extra wide for homes with spacious foyers.
- Door panels (or slabs) are usually sold by the pair and measure between 30 and 32 inches.
- Combined, the opening width usually measures between 60 and 64 inches when fully extended.
- The height usually follows standard front door measurements, ranging from 80 to 96 inches depending on the desired visual impact.
Oversized or Custom Front Doors
Certain architectural styles may call for statement-making custom front doors that exceed the standard front door size.
- Some luxury homes may feature taller doors reaching up to 96 inches (8 ft) in height.
- Wider single doors can measure up to 42 inches across.
- Custom door configurations may include various decorative elements that affect their measurements — things like glass panels above the door, unique geometric shapes, or arched tops.
How to Measure Your Front Door Properly
You’ll need just three things to measure your front door: a tape measurer, a notepad, and a writing utensil. Follow these steps to make sure you capture the right dimensions for your new front door.
- Begin by removing any floor coverings or rugs in the doorway, as these can affect door clearance when installed.
- Next, position yourself in the doorway with the door open and swinging away from you.
- Measure the width at three different points (top, middle, and bottom) inside the door frame. The widest measurement of the three will be your front door width.
- Determine the height by measuring from top to bottom on both sides of the inside frame. Again, take the largest measurement of the two as your front door height,
- Last, measure your door’s thickness by placing your tape measurer along the edge of the door itself. Most standard front doors are around 1.75 inches thick.
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Factors That Affect Front Door Sizing
Regional Architectural Styles
Architectural design significantly influences front door sizes. Older, colonial homes, for example, may call for larger doors with decorative elements which can impact their overall size. Contemporary homes, on the other hand, require doorways that complement their minimalist approach.
Local Building Regulations or HOA Rules
Building codes establish minimum doorway measurements, primarily for property safety and accessibility. Most residential building codes require entryways to follow the standard front door size of 36 inches wide x 80 inches tall, while some municipalities have adopted accessibility standards that recommend 36-inch widths to accommodate wheelchair access.
Homeowner Association (HOA) regulations may impose additional restrictions on front door sizes and styles to maintain neighborhood aesthetic consistency. These rules may limit maximum door heights, prohibit certain configurations like double doors, or require specific materials and finishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Front Door Size
- Measuring Wrong: Follow our step-by-step instructions above to ensure your new front door will fit properly.
- Neglecting the Direction of the Door Swing: Make sure to account for traffic flow when determining whether your new door will need to swing from the left or right.
- Ignoring Your Building Regulations or HOA Rules: Always consult your local building department and HOA guidelines before purchasing a replacement door or modifying your entryway.
- Foregoing Quality: Your new front door should be designed with high-quality materials and energy-efficient glass for insulative protection.
- Mismatching Your Door Style and Home Aesthetic: Take extra time to do your research, and choose a front door that complements your home’s architectural design and color palette.
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Front Door Sizing FAQs
Can you change the size of a door opening?
Yes, door openings can be modified to accommodate different door sizes, though this will require carpentry work. For smaller adjustments, the framing can be built up or trimmed down to fit a new door. More substantial changes may require structural modifications to the wall.
What is the most common front door size?
The standard front door size for residential homes is 36 inches wide x 80 inches tall (3 feet x 6 feet 8 inches).
How Thick Should a Front Door Be?
The standard front door thickness is 1.75 inches. This measurement provides adequate security, insulation, and protection from weather. By comparison, interior doors are typically thinner at about 1.38″, as they don’t require the same level of security or weather resistance as exterior doors.
Find Your Perfect Entry Door at NEXT Door & Window
Ready for a new front door? See how NEXT Door & Window measures up with our award-winning combination of premium products, expert front door installation services, and dedicated customer care. With showrooms in Arlington Heights, Burr Ridge, Naperville, and Madison, WI, we design and install inviting entryways that hold up to Chicagoland’s unpredictable weather.
Choose NEXT Door & Window for front doors and windows that blend timeless style with modern performance. With products from Marvin, Infinity by Marvin, and Marvin Elevate, we’re known for delivering industry-leading door and window replacement services.
Whether you need a new front door installed or you need to replace old, drafty windows with new bay windows, we’ll help you reach your home improvement goals. Call today to schedule your consultation or stop by one of our showrooms.
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