Your front door is the first thing people will notice when they enter your home. As such, it must be attractive. However, style is not the only important factor when considering an entry door.
Choosing the right size is also crucial because a door that doesn’t fit well will not close and open properly. So, what are the standard front door dimensions in the United States?
The Standard Size of Exterior Doors
In general, the standard size of a front door is 80 inches by 36 inches with a thickness of 1 ¾ inches. Keep in mind that entry doors are thicker than interior doors so that they can provide extra insulation. As such, most hardware and home improvement stores offer the standard size mentioned above.
If you live in an older home, your front door dimensions may be different from the standard size. For this reason, it is best to measure your door frame before purchasing a new door.
Types of Entrance Doors and Their Sizes
Single Entrance Door
A single entrance door is the smallest type of front door, and it comes in three sizes, including the following
- 80 inches x 30 inches
- 80 inches x 32 inches
- 80 inches x 36 inches
Aside from these three sizes, there’s a new door height that is gaining popularity in the United States, and that is 96 inches. Still, most hardware and home improvement stores offer the standard door height of 80 inches.
Keep in mind that a lot of American homes also have a back entrance door. This type of door also has a standard size, which is 80 inches by 36 inches.
Double Entrance Door
A double entrance door is the perfect front door for grand houses because it can add a touch of elegance and luxury to your home. Plus, it comes in various colors, styles, and materials. As such, you’ll be able to choose a design that will match your preferences.
Typically, a double entrance door has a height of 80 inches, and its width can vary. However, modern American houses have several standard sizes. The three most popular sizes are:
- 60 inches (height) with two wings of 30 inches (width)
- 64 inches (height) with two wings of 32 inches (width)
- 72 inches (height) with two wings of 36 inches (width)
Transom Entrance Door
Compared to its counterparts, a transom entrance is unique because it doesn’t have a standard size. Additionally, most transom doors also have a small opening above the door; however, some models have extra parts on both sides of the door.
Because transom doors don’t have a standard size, you should research the basic shapes and sizes available on the market. From there, you can decide which style and size are best suited for your home.
The three common transom doors are:
Straight Top
As its name implies, a straight top transom door has a flat top portion. Typically, this type of transom door is available in a double door style with windows on both sides. The dimensions available are:
- 118 inches x 104 inches
- 130 inches x 128 inches
If you prefer a door without windows on the side, the usual dimension is 110 inches x 76 inches.
For a straight top single door with windows, there are two available dimensions, which are:
- 113 inches x 64 inches
- 119 inches x 76 inches
If you want a door without windows on the sides, the usual dimension is 106 inches x 40 inches.
Elbow Top
Elbow top transom doors look chic and classy, and you can choose a single or double model. The usual dimensions of an elbow top double door with windows on both sides are:
- 125 inches x 104 inches
- 132 inches x 128 inches
For an elbow top double door without windows, the dimension is 118 inches x 76 inches.
If you don’t have that much space, you can also opt for an elbow-top single door without windows. The dimensions for this type of front door are:
- 103 inches x 40 inches
- 108 inches x 64 inches
Arched Top
An arched-top transom door has a sophisticated design that will add a touch of elegance and luxury to your home. For this type of transom door, you can choose between a single and double door.
The dimension of an arched top double door with windows on both sides is 142 inches x 104 inches. A model without windows on its side, on the other hand, has a dimension of 128 inches x 76 inches.
You can also opt for an arched-top single door if you don’t have a lot of space. For a single door without side windows, its dimension is 110 inches x 40 inches. The dimension of a single door with side windows is 122 inches x 64 inches.
How Big Should Your Front Door Be?
As mentioned, the standard front door dimension in most American homes is 80 inches x 36 inches. These dimensions apply to french doors and storm doors. However, you can opt for a double door if you want to make your entrance look more sophisticated.
Plus, a larger door can make your home feel more open and spacious. Lastly, a large door can also provide more space if you’re carrying a lot of groceries or a piece of huge furniture.
Keep in mind that these are some factors you need to consider when it comes to the size of your front door. A double door may seem like a good idea, but it is not suitable for a house that has a small foyer. The reason is that it will make your foyer look too cramped or crowded.
Additionally, you should also consider the depth of the wall parallel to your front door. If the wall is deep enough for you to increase your door size, then you can opt for a larger door. Also, some houses have a staircase in front of their entry door. If the case, you should also consider if there is enough space to install a large door.
How to Measure Your Front Door?
Instead of estimating the size, it is best to measure your door to ensure that the new door you’re going to install will fit properly.
The most common way to get the size of your door is to measure its height and width using a tape measure. Aside from that, you should also measure the jamb or the depth or width of the door frame. The standard width of a door frame is 4 9/16 inches and 6 9/16 inches.
Other Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Door
As presented, the dimensions or size of your front door is important when choosing the perfect door. Aside from that, you should also consider other factors, including the following:
Materials
Doors come in several colors and styles, and they are made with various materials. The most common materials are:
Solid Wood – Wooden doors are expensive because of their natural beauty. However, this material is prone to warping, which is caused by cold temperature and humidity. Aside from that, wooden doors can last long if it is properly maintained.
Fiberglass – Fiberglass front doors are now gaining popularity not only because they are affordable. Doors made with this material are also durable and versatile. Plus, fiberglass doors have a layer of insulation foam that helps keep warm and cool air in your home.
Steel – Like fiberglass, steel doors come in various designs. The difference is that doors made with this material are more durable. Plus, they can provide maximum security. Unfortunately, this material is prone to rust.
Always keep in mind that there are some regions in the U.S. where solid wood doors are not recommended. To be specific, the Southeast and Midwest regions are very humid. As such, if you install a solid wood door, it will eventually warp after some time.
If you consider your budget, steel and fiberglass doors are the most affordable type of doors. However, fiberglass doors have an edge. The reason is not only due to their versatility and durability. This type of door is also not prone to rusting.
Style
Once you’ve determined the size and material of the door you like, you can now consider the style. As much as possible, you should opt for a style that will match your home’s exterior design.
As you know, there are a ton of styles you can choose from, such as traditional, rustic, and modern. However, you need to pick a door that will complement or accentuate the architectural design of your house. Additionally, the color and style should not clash with your home’s overall design.
If you want a clean and simple front door, you can opt for a modern style. Another simple yet elegant style you can choose is the traditional style.
Compared to a modern style, a traditional front door has some raised patterns and panels that make the door look more appealing. Lastly, a rustic style is great for lake houses, cabins, and cottages. The reason is that it has a cozy and charming design that will complement these types of houses.
