French doors are a popular choice for both exterior and interior applications, offering a beautiful and functional way to bring natural light into a space while creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor areas. This article will explore the common sizes of exterior and interior French doors and provide a step-by-step guide on how to measure French doors for a proper fit.
Standard French Door Size
The standard French door size is 80 inches tall and comes in three widths: 36, 48, and 60 inches. This dimension is designed to fit different door openings so that homeowners find a suitable French door without needing extensive customization. However, if you have specific needs, other French door sizes are available for various applications, such as main entrances, patios, decks, and even interior spaces.
Exterior French Door Sizes
Exterior French doors are designed to enhance entryways and provide access to outdoor spaces. Here are the common sizes that you can use to connect indoor spaces to gardens or balconies:
- 80” x 48”
- 80” x 60”
- 80” x 72”
- 80” x 96″
Interior French Door Sizes
Interior French doors serve as stylish room dividers, allowing light to flow between spaces
- For guest rooms, master bedrooms, home office, living, and dining areas, the common sizes include”
- 80” x 30”
- 80” x 36”
- 80” x 48”
- 80” x 60”
- For homes with high ceilings:
- 84” x 30”
- 84” 36”
- 96” x 30”
Standard vs. Custom French Door Sizes
While standard French door sizes are designed to fit most openings, custom sizes are available for unique spaces or specific design requirements. Standard sizes are more cost-effective and readily available, while custom sizes offer more flexibility in terms of width and height.
How to Measure French Doors
Measuring for French doors is a crucial step in ensuring a proper fit. Here’s how to do it:
1. Gather the tools you need.
Tools that you need for measuring:
- Tape Measure: A flexible tape measure is essential for taking accurate measurements.
- Pen and Paper: Use these to jot down your measurements and any notes.
- Sketch: Create a simple sketch of the door opening to record where each measurement is taken.
You can ask someone to assist you in holding the tape measure for better accuracy.
2. Prepare the area.
Clear the area around the door frame of any obstructions, such as furniture or decorations, to ensure easy access. Ensure that the existing door frame is free of any damage, as this can affect your measurements.
3. Measure the width of the door.
Begin measuring the width of the door opening by placing the tape measure at the top of the frame and measuring from one side to the other. Next, move down to the middle and bottom of the opening and repeat this measurement. Record the shortest and longest measurements of the opening. If they vary, use the largest measurement as your final width; this accounts for any irregularities in the frame that could affect installation.
4. Measure the height of the door.
For height measurements, start on the left side of the door opening by measuring from the floor (or sill) to the underside of the door trim. Repeat this process in the center of the opening and then on the right side. As with width measurements, note all three height measurements and use the largest one as your final height to ensure a proper fit.
5. Measure the depth of the door.
If your installation requires it, measure the depth of your door frame by using your tape measure to determine how deep it is from inside to outside. This measurement is important for ensuring that your French doors will fit properly within the frame.
6. Double-check all measurements and keep them.
Before ordering your new doors, double-check all measurements to ensure accuracy. If you are unsure about any aspect of your measurements or if your opening has unique features, it may be wise to consult with a professional or refer to manufacturer guidelines. Lastly, keep all your records so that you have measurement references when you want to screen your French door with a retractable screen door.
What Is the Ideal French Door Size?
The ideal French door size depends on the specific needs and dimensions of your space. As a general rule, exterior French doors should be at least 60 inches wide to provide a sufficient opening for furniture and foot traffic. That is why the most common French door size is 80” x 60”. Interior French doors can be as narrow as 30 inches per door, but 36 inches per door is a more common and practical size.
When choosing a French door size, consider the room size, the amount of natural light you want to let in, and the overall aesthetic you’re trying to achieve. Larger doors can make a space feel more open and airy, while smaller doors may be more appropriate for tighter spaces or specific design styles.
FAQ
What is the standard size for French doors?
The standard size for French doors is typically 80 inches in height and 36, 48, and 60 inches in width. Wider options can range up to 72 inches total when both doors are opened, accommodating various architectural styles and preferences.
What is the rough opening for a French door?
The rough opening for a French door should be approximately 2 inches wider and 2.5 inches taller than the door size. For example, if each door is 30 inches wide and 80 inches tall, the rough opening should be about 62 inches wide and 82.5 inches tall.
How wide should French doors open?
The size of a French door depends on the manufacturer. French doors should ideally open to create a passageway of 60 to 72 inches when fully opened. This width allows for easy access and movement between spaces, accommodating foot traffic and larger items comfortably.
