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There are various standard door sizes in the UK, knowing them is useful for anyone looking for new or replacement doors.
It’s worth bearing in mind that made-to-measure doors, which are manufactured to a specific size, are available too.
For the purposes of this guide, the focus will be on the style of the door rather than the material they are built from.
Standard uPVC door size
The standard size for uPVC doors depends on the style of door. For example, uPVC sliding doors are wider than uPVC front doors by default because of their designs.
This is also true for aluminium and timber doors, which also come in a range of styles.
Standard front door height
The Internal Residential Code specifies that the primary door to the house must be at least 80 inches (6.6667ft) tall. As the primary door is usually the front door, the most common height for front doors is 80 inches.
However, there are several popular standard heights for them:
- 78 inches (6.5ft)
- 80 inches (6.6667ft)
- 82 inches (6.8ft)
- 84 inches (7ft)
It’s also important to bear in mind that these are the standard heights for back entrance doors and stable doors too.
Standard front door width
According to the Internal Residential Code, the primary door to the house must be at least 36 inches (3ft) wide. The primary door is usually the front door, which means the most common width for them is 36 inches.
However, front doors are available in several standard sizes:
- 28 inches (2.3ft)
- 30 inches (2.5ft)
- 32 inches (2.6667ft)
- 36 inches (3ft)
The standard widths mentioned above are for back doors too.
Standard size for double front doors
If the entranceway to your home is quite large, double front doors can create the grandiose feel that your home deserves. Like single front doors, they need to be at least 80 inches (6.6ft) tall, but there are several common widths for them:
- 60 inches (5ft)
- 64 inches (5.3ft)
- 72 inches (6ft)
- 82 inches (6.83ft)
If would like double front doors fitted with sidelights, this will increase their overall width again.
Patio doors, for instance, not only provide easy access to outdoor spaces but also make your outdoor space look great, making it more far enjoyable for you, your friends and family.
Understanding Patio Doors
Patio doors are a popular type of external door that can make a home feel bigger and brighter. They come in various styles, including sliding, French, and bifold doors.
Each style offers unique benefits, such as maximising natural light, providing easy access to outdoor spaces, and enhancing the overall look of your home.
- Sliding patio doors, for instance, are perfect for saving space,
- French patio doors add a touch of elegance.
- Bifold doors, on the other hand, offer a modern solution with their sleek, concertina-style folding mechanism.
When choosing patio doors, it’s essential to consider factors such as size, material, and configuration to ensure a proper fit and optimal performance.
Whether you’re looking to replace an existing door or install a new one, patio doors can significantly enhance your living space.
Standard height of French doors
Renowned for their timeless 2-door design, French doors open inwards or outwards to let natural light and air flow into the home.
Their standard height in the UK is 79.5 inches (6.625ft) and doors of this height are usually 72 inches (6ft) wide.
However, their standard heights start at 48 inches (4ft) and go up as high as 120 inches (10ft).
Standard width of French doors
Generally, French doors are between 30 inches (2.5ft) and 72 inches (6ft) wide per individual door and they go up in increments of 2 inches.
However, the standard sizes do vary in accordance with the manufacturer.
If opting for a French door with sidelights, which are fixed windows that sit next to the doors, they can be as wide as 118 inches (9.84ft).
There are several popular standard sizes for French doors:
- 1200mm (3.94ft)
- 1500mm (4.92ft)
- 1800mm (5.9ft)
Standard height for bifold doors
A contemporary patio door solution that folds in a sleek concertina style, bifold doors come in a standard height of either 82.28 inches (6.856ft) or 82.67 inches (6.889ft). This is only slightly taller than an internal door.
However, if you require taller bifold doors, they can be manufactured bespoke to fit larger apertures.
Standard width for bifold doors
The standard width of an individual bifold door panel is around 35.4 inches (2.95ft).
However, the overall standard size for external bifold doors varies depending on the size of the aperture and the door panel configuration:
- 2-panel bifold doors are about 70.8 inches (5.9ft) wide
- 3-panel bifold doors are about 106.3 inches (8.858ft) wide
- 6-panel bifold doors about 189 inches (15.75ft) wide
Due to a mechanical joint, aluminium bi-folding doors can be built up to 246 inches (20.5ft) wide and individual door panels up to 47.24 inches (3.937ft) wide. These doors are usually reserved for commercial purposes, but if you require bifold doors of this size, we can help.
Standard height for sliding patio doors
Smoothly sliding to one side to open the home, the standard height for sliding patio doors and other external sliding door types is around 81.6 inches (6.8ft). Though, they can also be built to shorter and taller proportions to suit individual project requirements.
Standard width for sliding patio doors
The standard width for sliding patio doors is around 39.37 inches (3.28ft) for each panel.
However, their overall standard width varies in accordance with the number of panels they are fitted with:
- 2-panel sliding doors are around 78.74 inches (6.56ft) wide
- 3-panel sliding doors are around 118.11 inches (9.84ft) in width
- 4-panel sliding doors are around 157.48 inches (13.12ft) wide
Sliding doors are also exceptionally versatile, meaning they’re ideal if you require something a bit larger or smaller; 2-panel doors can be built as small as 46.44 inches (3.87ft) and as big as 118 inches (9.83ft) wide; 4-panel doors can be built up to 189 inches (15.75ft) in width too.
Now that you’ve learnt about standard UK door sizes, why not learn about standard UK window sizes too?
How to Measure Patio Doors
Measuring for patio doors requires precision to ensure a proper fit. Start by measuring the rough opening of the doorway before installing a new patio door.
Use a tape measure to take three measurements at the top, bottom, and middle of the opening.
If there is any variation in the numbers, choose a door that fits in the smallest part.
It’s also essential to measure the height of the opening from the top track to the centre of the bottom door sill. Accurate measurements are crucial for ensuring that the door sits perfectly within the frame, preventing drafts and ensuring smooth operation.
If you’re unsure about the measurements or the installation process, consider consulting a professional installer for guidance.
Proper measurement and installation are key to enjoying the full benefits of your new patio door.
Thermal Performance and Security
Patio doors can significantly impact a home’s thermal performance and security.
Look for doors made from high-quality materials, such as aluminium or wood, and consider features like double glazing or triple glazing for improved insulation.
A lower U-Value figure indicates better insulation, with double glazing offering a U-Value of 1.6 and triple glazing as low as 1.3. This means that your home will retain more heat in the winter and stay cooler in the summer, leading to potential energy savings.
Additionally, consider doors with multi-point locking mechanisms and security features like PAS 24-2012 testing for enhanced security.
These features ensure that your patio doors not only provide more natural light and a beautiful view but also keep your home safe and secure.
Cost and Installation
The cost of patio doors varies depending on the material, size, and configuration.
When evaluating the overall cost and value of patio doors, consider factors like the door’s energy efficiency, security features, and durability.
Investing in high-quality patio doors can enhance your home’s comfort, security, and looks, making it a worthwhile investment.
Whether you opt for sliding doors, French doors, or bifold doors, professional installation ensures that your doors sit perfectly within the frame, providing long-lasting performance and peace of mind.
Looking for new or replacement doors for your home? Sheerwater Glass can help.
We install uPVC, aluminium and timber doors in a range of styles, and thanks to more than 50 years of installation experience, we guarantee a high-quality installation every time.
For more information or a free quote, give us a call on 01932 344 415 or contact us online.
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