How wide is an external standard door?

Written by Thom Emerson

It is likely that the majority of doors that you see in your residential area look very similar, so it’s easy to assume that all doors are roughly the same size. There are, of course, building regulation requirements, but as long as the main entry door to your property either meets or exceeds these requirements, then your doors can actually be any size.
Whether you’re replacing your front or rear entrance, or both, it’s important to understand the minimum width requirements.

Benefits of replacing your doors

Increase curb appeal: Fitting new doors is a great way to update your home’s look without a major remodel. Not only is it cost-effective, but it can also increase the value of your home and add a wow factor that attracts potential buyers long before they set foot in your home.

Improved energy-efficiency: Do you feel a draft around your doors? Whether it’s from regular wear and tear or weather damage, older doors and frames wear out over time and can lead to a significant increase in energy bills. New doors are a great way to decrease your energy bill by helping keep outside air from coming in and warm air from escaping.

Security: All of our door styles have been thoroughly tested to comply with the latest building regulations to maximise security. Along with their robust frames, they’re fitted with a range of innovative locking features. This will heighten your home’s protection and give better peace of mind.

Front doors

UK building regulations set a requirement for the minimum width and height of the doors that lead into your home. These regulations state that the main entranceway to a home should have a clear width (the distance between the doorstop and the face of the open door) of at least 30.5-inches (2 ft 6.5 in). They don’t specify a size for the door panel itself, so as long as your front door meets or exceeds the restriction, it can be any size.

Ideal’s front doors are available in composite, uPVC, timber, and timber effect finishes so you can guarantee we have a front door to suit you. Let us guide you through all of the options, and, should you need to, don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your new front door further with a seasoned expert.

Enlightening French doors

French doors feature a pair of doors that utilise a side hung hinge that opens outwards, in comparison to a patio door which tends to slide open along a track. Building Regulations advise the height of external French doors should be 80-inches (6.5 ft) with a width of at least 36-inches (3 ft). Therefore, the glazing will need to be less than 15.7-inches wide between the frames.

Our French doors come in high-performance uPVC, aluminium, and timber frames and come equipped with multi-point locking as standard.

Beautiful bifold doors

Bifold doors are made up of 2-8 panels of glass, or leaves, that fold back against one another to open in a concertina style. They are usually designed for openings that have a width of 80-inches (6 ft) or wider. All of our bifold doors can be tailored to your exact specifications and property style.

Smooth sliding doors

Sliding patio doors feature larger expanses of glass that slide to the side along a track. A standard sliding glass door is 80-inches (6 ft) tall with a width varying from 60 inches to 72 inches (5 – 6 ft), depending on the space. Every sliding patio door we install is custom-made to accommodate your home and its specific needs.

Customisable quality doors for Hampshire homes

Our professional and friendly team are ready and waiting to help you with your new door project. Whatever style of door your home requires, you can trust in Ideal Window Solutions. Receive a free, no-obligation, quote, or contact us directly today.