What is the Standard French Door Width and Height in the UK?
French doors are known for their elegant design and seamless indoor-outdoor connection. But how do you pick the perfect French door for your home?
In this guide, we'll explore standard and custom door sizes, styles, and materials, as well as accurate measurements and proper installation.
Read on to uncover the world of French doors and find your ideal fit for your home.
Sizes of French Doors Summary
- Understanding French Door Sizes and selecting the right one for your home involves assessing space, balancing style and functionality, taking accurate measurements, and understanding building regulations & installation considerations.
- Standard French door dimensions typically range from 36 inches to 60 inches in width & 79.5 inches to 81.6 inches high, while custom options can reach up to 9.84 feet with additional features such as bi-folding doors available for larger openings or unique architectural features.
- Various materials are available with numerous French patio door styles and opening options that provide enhanced aesthetic value along with security benefits such as energy efficiency when professionally installed
Understanding French Door Sizes
French doors are a popular choice for patio doors, combining beauty and functionality by allowing natural light to flood into your home and creating a seamless connection to your garden or patio area.
You can compare patio doors and French doors to see which one is more suited to you and your home.
To find the perfect French door for your home, it’s essential first to understand the dimensions of your door opening and the range of sizes available in the market.
Standard French Door Sizes
Standard French door sizes generally vary from 30 to 72 inches in width and 79.5 to 81.6 inches in height, with standard sizes being 36, 48, and 60 inches wide.
However, custom French door options are also available, allowing you to tailor the doors to fit specific spaces and maximise the amount of light entering your home.
When considering external French door sizes, it’s essential to consider the standard-size French doors and the possibility of custom options to ensure the perfect fit for your space.
Let’s explore these French door sizes and options in more detail:
Standard French Door Dimensions
French door sizes in Cm
Width 180 cm
Height 210 cm
French door sizes in Inches
Width 36 Inches
Height 80 Inches
Standard French door dimensions are designed to fit most door openings, making them a convenient choice for many homeowners.
Typical sizes for a standard French door width are 36 inches, 48 inches, and 60 inches wide, offering a range of options for various spaces.
However, it’s important to note that the maximum width for exterior French doors is limited to around 1900mm, as larger widths can affect the load on the hinges and create too large of an opening circle.
When it comes to height, standard French door height will range from 79.5 inches to 81.6 inches tall.
This range of sizes ensures that most homeowners can find a suitable French door for their home without needing extensive customisation.
Custom French Door Size Options
If the standard width and height don't suit your needs, or for those with unique door openings or a desire for a more personalised touch, custom French door options are available.
These doors can be tailored to fit specific spaces, with widths reaching up to 9.84ft when including sidelights.
Custom options can be designed to maximise natural light, making them an excellent choice for homeowners looking to create a bright and airy environment.
Some custom options include aluminium bi-folding doors, which offer a sleek and modern look while providing the flexibility of folding or sliding mechanisms.
These doors can accommodate a wide range of widths, making them a versatile choice for homeowners with larger openings or unique architectural features.
Measuring Your French Door Opening
Accurate measurement of your standard door opening is arguably one of the most important parts of door buying for ensuring security and a proper fit for your French doors.
To guarantee an appropriate fit, you’ll need to measure both the width and height of your door opening at multiple points.
Taking accurate measurements involves using the right tools and techniques, which we’ll explore in the following subsections.
More often than not you will find that French patio doors with standard sizes will not fit in your aperture, which makes knowing the standard sizes of doors important.
Tools Needed for Measuring
To measure your door opening accurately, you’ll need a few essential tools, including a tape measure, pen, pencil, and a sketch of the door opening to record the measurements.
Additionally, it’s recommended to enlist the help of another person when measuring the door opening to ensure accuracy and avoid any potential errors.
Creating a sketch of the door opening can be beneficial to make sure all measurements are taken from the same point of reference, reducing the likelihood of mistakes and making the process smoother overall.
Width Measurements
To measure the width of your door opening, take measurements at the top, middle, and bottom of the opening, using a tape measure.
It’s essential to measure the opening itself rather than the existing exterior doors or frames, as this will give you the most accurate reading.
Once you’ve taken the three measurements, use the largest measurement as the final width for your French door.
This method ensures that your French door will fit comfortably within the opening, allowing for minor irregularities or variations in the width of the opening.
Standard Door Height Measurements
When measuring the height of your door opening, take measurements down the left and right sides of the opening, again using a tape measure.
Just like with the width measurements, you should measure the opening itself rather than the existing doors or frames to ensure an accurate reading.
Once you’ve taken the door height measurements, use the largest measurement as the final height for your French door.
This process allows for any minor discrepancies or variations in the height of the opening, ensuring a proper fit.
Types of French Doors
French doors come in a variety of styles and materials, offering a range of choices to suit different home designs and preferences.
From classic wood and elegant glass to modern aluminium and uPVC, external French doors can be tailored to complement your home’s aesthetic while providing practical benefits such as energy efficiency and security.
To choose the perfect French patio door for your home, it’s essential to consider the different options available and how they align with your design preferences and functional requirements.
Material Choices
French doors can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
Common material choices for both the doors and the door frame include wood, aluminium, steel, fibreglass, and vinyl. Some of these materials can also be used to construct fire doors.
Wooden French doors, made from oak, cedar, mahogany, or pine, offer a classic and timeless look that can suit a wide range of home designs.
Timber doors, such as aluminium French doors, are lightweight, durable, and resistant to the elements, making them suitable for areas with extreme climate conditions or high precipitation levels.
Vinyl French doors, on the other hand, are highly durable and require minimal maintenance, making them an attractive option for busy homeowners.
Style Variations
French doors come in various styles, such as traditional, folding, and sliding, allowing you to customise the appearance of your home.
In addition to the different materials mentioned earlier, French doors can also be made from uPVC, composite, and aluminium, offering even more design flexibility.
The design and finish of your French door will play a significant role in achieving the desired look for your home.
From classic grille patterns and hardware finishes to more contemporary options, the style variations available for French doors are vast and diverse.
Opening Options
French doors offer various opening options, from inwards or outwards opening to sliding doors or folding mechanisms, providing added versatility for your home’s layout and design.
Entrance doors, such as sliding and folding French doors, are especially useful for larger openings, as they can maximise the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces without taking up too much space.
Additionally, internal doors can enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality of your home’s interior.
When choosing an opening option for your French door, consider factors such as the layout of your home, the available space, and the desired level of security.
Each opening option has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential to weigh these factors carefully before making your decision.
Installation Considerations
Once you’ve selected the perfect French door for your home, it’s time to consider the installation process.
Installation considerations include adhering to building regulations and deciding whether to opt for professional installation or attempt a DIY project.
In the following subsections, we’ll discuss the importance of following building regulations and the benefits of professional installation versus DIY.
Building Regulations
Building regulations are laws and rules that must be followed when constructing or renovating a building to ensure its safety and energy efficiency.
These regulations may vary depending on your location, so it’s crucial to research the specific regulations for your area before embarking on any French door installation project.
You can find information on your local building regulations by contacting your local building department or searching online for the regulations in your area.
Adhering to these regulations not only ensures legal compliance but also helps to make your home more energy-efficient and secure.
Professional Installation
While some homeowners may feel confident in their DIY abilities, professional installation is recommended for a secure and accurate fit.
Professional installers have the experience and expertise to ensure your French doors are installed correctly, providing you with peace of mind and a high-quality result.
The cost of professional installation will vary depending on the complexity of the project, with an average cost of around £400-£500, in addition to the cost of the doors themselves.
While this may seem like an added expense, the benefits of a professional installation in terms of security, energy efficiency, and overall quality make it a worthwhile investment.
Selecting the Perfect French Door for Your Home
Now that you have a better understanding of French door sizes, materials, styles, and installation considerations, it’s time to select the perfect French door for your home.
This involves assessing your space, balancing style and functionality, and considering the various options available.
In the following subsections, we’ll explore how to assess your space and find the right balance between style and functionality when choosing a French door.
Assessing Your Space
Start by accurately measuring your door opening, as discussed earlier in this guide. This will help you determine which standard or custom French door sizes will best suit your home.
In addition to the door opening measurements, consider any additional features you may want to include, such as sidelights or transoms, which can enhance the overall appearance and function of your French door.
By carefully assessing your space and taking accurate measurements, you can ensure that your chosen French door will fit seamlessly into your home and provide the desired level of functionality and style.
Balancing Style and Functionality
To achieve the perfect balance between style and functionality, consider the material, style, and opening option of the French door that best suits your home’s design and practical needs.
For example, if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you may want to opt for a durable material like aluminium or steel.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to create a classic and timeless look, wooden French doors may be more appropriate.
By carefully considering your home’s design, as well as the energy efficiency and security needs, you can find the perfect French door that complements your home while providing practical benefits.
Summary
In conclusion, picking the right French door for your home means understanding standard and custom sizes, measuring accurately, choosing the right material and style, and considering installation factors.
By carefully balancing style and functionality and considering these factors, you'll find a French door that enhances your home's look and offers practical benefits like energy efficiency and security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are French doors in the UK?
The standard size of French doors in the UK is 79.5 inches (6.625ft) in height and usually 72 inches (6ft) wide.
Furthermore, sizes may vary from 48 inches (4ft) to 120 inches (10ft). Therefore, the exact size of your French door will depend on your needs.
What is the standard UPVC French door size?
The standard UPVC French door size is 120cm, 150cm and 180cm.
How wide is a standard French door?
A standard French door typically has a width of between 30 and 72 inches. These sizes are set by the manufacturer but can usually be found in 2-inch increments.
Generally, you will need to purchase these doors in pairs.
How do I measure my door opening for a French door?
In order to accurately measure your door opening for a French door, be sure to:
Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the opening as well as the height down the left and right sides, using the largest measurements as the final dimensions.
How much do French doors cost?
On average, French doors cost between £1,500 and £2,000 including full installation by a registered fitter.
If you want to know more, why not find out the cost of a French door fitted here with a breakdown of what's included in the price.
What materials are commonly used for French doors?
French doors are typically constructed of durable and stylish materials, including wood, aluminium, steel, fibreglass, and vinyl.
Each material offers its own advantages and disadvantages, making it easy to choose the best option for your needs.
