The exterior door is the most important door of the house. It is the most commonly used door, and it has to be the most secure door in the house.
In addition, there will be a lot of traffic at the front door; thus, it needs to be big enough to account for these movements.
So just how large should the exterior door be for residential and commercial buildings? What determines the size of a door, and what types of doors are there to choose from? Let us look into the sizes and factors that determine the door sizes;
What are standard exterior door sizes?
The standard door size is 80 inches by 36 inches for a residential home, with a standard thickness of 1.75 inches. 8 feet doors are also very common in new houses with widths of 30 and 32 inches.
Some doors will also go to 8 feet high with widths ranging from 24 to 42 inches, depending on the manufacturer.
Details On Exterior Door Sizes
The door size is looked at in terms of shuttering size and Masonry opening size. The shuttering size is the size of the actual door without including the frame, while masonry opening size is the door’s dimensions together with the frame.
Exterior doors have a shuttering size of 43.3x 80.5 inches, with a masonry opening size of 47.2x 82.7 inches. This size differs depending on the taste of the user and the type of the frame.
The external door is meant to be the primary safekeeping part of the house, so you need to ensure it is strong, explaining the large sizes. The frame is often thick to support the door’s weight, even with constant opening and closing.
Sliding doors have weights and sizes that vary. They mostly have a height of 8 inches and a width of 6 feet to allow for the door to slide open and shut. The width, however, can go from 60 inches to 96 inches, depending on how big the owner wants it.
Commercial buildings have to be made to adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act. This means that it has to be big enough to allow people to comfortably exit the building in case of an emergency.
The door has a minimum width of 32 inches and a height of 80 inches. The door should open to clear to between 32 and 48 inches for use by those in wheelchairs or other special needs.
Common Types of Doors
When preparing to build a house or renovate your house, the door is an important part of the whole process.
You need to get a good door since it speaks volumes about your house, and it will determine what the house will be like in general.
There are a lot of doors to look into, but here are the six basic types that you should consider for your home;
1. Timber/ wooden doors
Timber woods are traditionally the most common type of door used all over the US. They are flexible enough to be used in all parts of the house, including bathrooms and kitchens.
They can even be used outdoors since they are treated to be waterproof. Their solid nature makes wooden doors the best option for exterior doors. In addition, they ensure security and privacy at all times.
2. Aluminum doors
Aluminum is a lightweight material, and it has been used in construction for a long time. It is strong enough to withstand harsh weather conditions, and its frames are not affected by termites. This is an excellent choice for an exterior door in any environment.
3. Flush doors
These are smooth doors that have medium-density fiberboard or plywood fixed over a light timber frame. This leaves a hollow core that can be filled with cardboard material or left open.
They are made for interior use, mostly for bedroom and bathroom doors, but some are made to be used on exterior doors.
If the door is to be used in toilets or bathrooms, the inner side should be covered with Aluminum sheets to keep the water away.
4. Glass doors
Glass is mostly used for paneling on doors and windows, but the door can be made of glass in special locations if you want to. The best place for such a door is in the backside to provide a clear view of the garden or backyard.
Glass can be used on front doors, but you have to be careful to ensure security, durability, and privacy.
Cut glass panels are set into wooden frames, and they are the most commonly used. The problem is that they need a lot of maintenance.
5. PVC doors
Poly Vinyl Chloride is plastic that is commonly used in making pipes, tanks, and other fittings for houses.
The use of PVC in manufacturing doors has become popular in recent days; thus, the products are available in many different colors and designs.
PVC doors have many advantages, including durable, termite, and corrosion-proof, lightweight, water-resistant, and easy to work with during manufacturing and installation. They are not good for exterior doors because of their lightweight.
6. Fiberglass doors
Fiberglass is a type of glass that runs into a fibrous design and is woven the same as cloth. It is stronger than regular glass, light, and non-flammable. It has a high tensile strength which makes it suitable for exterior use.
It is one of the hardened materials that are easy to maintain compared to wood and steel. The doors sometimes have wood frames and other designer additions for aesthetics. The glass is translucent or opaque, which makes it an option for bathrooms and windows.
7. Fiber Reinforced Plastics doors
Fiber-reinforced plastic is a term relating to plastic that is reinforced with fibrous glass. It has strong qualities which make it usable in many different places, including exteriors. They have a high tensile strength that is almost 10 times that of PVC.
FRP modeled doors are present in many designs and are guaranteed to serve you well. Their lightweight makes them perfect for sliding doors with their thickness of 30-35 mm.
How To Choose The Best Exterior Door
Exterior doors are as important to the house as walls or the roof. This means that you have to put in a lot of careful consideration before you pick a door. Here are some factors that should guide you on buying a door.
The size
The size of your door has to be relative to that of your whole house. The frame will limit the door, so you have to adhere to the correct size, or you would be forced to make some costly adjustments.
If the door is for a commercial building, you need to ensure you adhere to all regulations by the ADA and the IBC to keep everyone using the building safe and comfortable. Interior door sizes can be smaller than exterior and tailored to meet the specific needs of the room owners.
Visual appeal
The door says a lot about the owner, whether it is residential or commercial. Once you have figured out the size and material you want for your door, you need to look for the best design you can find.
Your front door or any other external door ought to stand out for its splendid design. The door’s design will be greatly influenced by the exterior architectural design of your house. Ensure it is a match so that the door doesn’t clash with the rest of the building.
Strength and durability of the material
Several materials are used in making doors, and some of them are well suited for exterior use. Aluminum or steel is a good option since it is high quality and tough enough to withstand the weather.
In addition to this, it is affordable and easily accessible for use. Fiberglass is another choice that is durable and inexpensive.
You can get various designs, with some having a mix of wood and fiberglass to give a full traditional look.
Local weather patterns and security
Different areas experience the weather to different magnitudes. If you live in an area with a lot of wind, tornadoes, or other destructive weather patterns, you should avoid glass and PVC doors.
Glass could shatter in a storm and cause serious injuries. PVC doors are light, and they could easily get torn off by strong winds. You could have another door outside the glass door to protect both you and your glass.
Conclusion
The average size for an outside door is 80 inches by 36 inches, but the sizes can vary depending on the design and personal preferences.
The exterior doors are an important part of any buildings since they lead into the house. There are many types of doors to choose from to get the best possible fit for you.
They are made from different materials thus are suited for different locations. If you use a glass or PVC door, it would be best to have another door or grid in front of it for extra security.
