Standard Entry Door Sizes: Your Complete Guide

Shopping for a new entry door but unsure about measurements? You're not alone. Understanding average door size and standard doorway dimensions is often the most confusing part of door shopping. Let's break down everything you need to know about door measurements to help you find the perfect fit.

While homes come in all shapes and styles, most entry doors follow some common measurements. The most typical standard door width is 36 inches, paired with a height of 80 inches. However, don't worry if your measurements differ — standard door sizes can range from:

• Width: 30 to 45 inches
• Height: 71 to 96 inches
• Thickness: About 2 inches

Selecting the right type of door involves balancing personal style with functional needs, ensuring your choice complements your home aesthetically while providing the necessary durability and efficiency.

Fiberglass Door with Glass

Fiberglass front doors with glass are durable, low maintenance and welcome additional light into your entryway. These doors are ideal for homeowners looking to enhance visibility and energy efficiency.

• Width Range: 30" - 45"
• Height Range: 71" and above
• Light Options: 1/4 Light, 1/2 Light, 3/4 Light, Full Light, Flush Glazed

Front doors with glass make a welcoming first impression by adding design interest and natural light to your home. When you choose a front door with glass, you have various glass options to meet your design and privacy needs. Options include energy-efficient Low-E glass, durable impact-resistant glass and textured obscure and decorative glass for privacy. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, fiberglass front doors are strong, secure and offer many safety features.

Solid Fiberglass Door

Solid fiberglass doors are known for their durability and energy efficiency. They offer a sleek and robust entrance, making them an excellent choice for both security and aesthetic appeal.

• Width Range: 31" - 45"
• Height Range: 71" and above

Solid fiberglass front doors bring privacy and durability to your entryway. Pella’s fiberglass entry doors are available in realistic wood-grain and smooth finishes, allowing you to find a look that complements your home.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, fiberglass doors offer excellent security features. The doors' construction ensures strength and longevity, providing reliable performance against warping, dents, rot and extreme weather. Their minimal maintenance requirements make them a practical and budget-friendly option.

For added peace of mind, Pella partners with Baldwin®, the #1 premium hardware brand, to provide professional-grade security. The interior components of the lock are made of stainless steel for increased strength and durability, with bump-proof and pick-resistant features.

Wood Door with Glass

Wood doors with glass integrate the timeless warmth and aesthetic of wood with the added benefit of natural light. These doors offer excellent energy efficiency and unique finishes that can be customized to your taste. The natural beauty and strength of wood create a warm and inviting entryway. With various options for personalization, there's a wood or aluminum-clad wood front door to complement any style.

• Width Range: Customizable
• Height Range: Customizable

Wood front doors with glass offer a wealth of benefits, combining the intrinsic warmth and beauty of wood with the visual appeal of glass. One of the standout features is the ability to customize your door with options such as obscure glass, grilles and hardware, ensuring it perfectly complements your home's style.  

With Pella, you can choose from a variety of stunning factory-prefinished stains and paints to create a unique design that reflects your personal taste. This level of customization not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your entryway but also provides an inviting and luxurious look that is unparalleled. 

Beyond their visual appeal, wood front doors are built to last. With low-maintenance aluminum cladding on the exterior, these doors are protected from the elements, ensuring long-lasting durability. Pella wood entry doors are treated with EnduraGuard® advanced wood protection, safeguarding them from moisture, decay and stains from mold and mildew. 

Wood front doors are designed to offer excellent energy efficiency, combining beautiful craftsmanship with practical functionality. Select a wood front door with glass to experience the perfect blend of natural beauty, durability and energy efficiency for a truly remarkable entryway. 

Solid Steel Door

Solid steel doors provide superior security and durability, making them a robust option for any entryway. These doors ensure maximum protection while maintaining a classic and clean appearance. Steel, being naturally strong and extra durable, is also easy to care for. As one of the most weather-resistant materials available, steel offers a sleek look that is low maintenance and enhances curb appeal season after season. Featuring a rot-resistant frame, steel entry doors deliver years of exceptional energy efficiency and performance, providing peace of mind with maximum privacy and increased safety.

• Width Range: 30” - 36”
• Height Range: 80” - 96”

Solid steel doors maximize privacy and provide increased security, as they typically come without glass. The naturally strong and durable nature of steel means that these doors will not absorb moisture and are resistant to rot, ensuring low-maintenance care. Moreover, steel front doors are engineered for reliable performance, offering exceptional energy efficiency and long-lasting durability. Their airtight design enhances their thermal efficiency, making them a practical choice for any home.

When measuring for your new door, remember that standard doorway dimensions include more than just the door panel. You'll need to account for:

• The door frame
• Rough opening (typically ¾ inch wider and 1 inch taller than the frame)
• Installation fin space

Not sure how to measure? Our guide on how to measure a front door walks you through the process step by step.

When selecting an entry door, it's crucial to consider accessibility standards to ensure that your home is welcoming and functional for all individuals, including those with disabilities. Adhering to accessibility guidelines, such as those outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), not only enhances the inclusivity of your home but can also increase its market value by appealing to a broader audience.

ADA Compliance and Door Sizes

The ADA recommends that entry doors have a clear width of at least 32 inches when the door is open at a 90-degree angle. This clear opening ensures that people using wheelchairs or other mobility aids can comfortably pass through. Additionally, having an entry door with a smooth threshold that is no more than ½ inch high helps prevent tripping hazards and enables easier access for everyone.

By considering these accessibility features when choosing your door size, you can create a more inclusive and adaptable living space. Whether you're upgrading your current door or building a new home, making accessibility a priority ensures that your entryway is inviting and accessible to all visitors.

Looking to change your entry door dimensions? You might consider upgrading from a single door to elegant double doors or increasing the width from 32 to 36 inches for a more welcoming entrance. Before making changes, evaluate your home's layout, including:

• Available entryway space
• Foyer size
• Location of stairs or walls
• Traffic flow patterns

Choosing the right door size for your entryway is essential for both functionality and aesthetic appeal. However, homeowners often make several mistakes in this process that can lead to complications down the line. Here are some common errors to avoid:

One of the most frequent mistakes is not measuring the doorway accurately. It's crucial to measure the height, width, and thickness of the existing door and the rough opening to ensure a proper fit. Remember to account for the door frame, rough opening, and installation fin space to avoid purchasing a door that doesn't align correctly.

Neglecting to consider the door swing direction can lead to functionality issues. Decide whether you'll need a left-hand or right-hand swing door and ensure that the swing doesn't obstruct traffic flow or bump into walls, furniture, or other obstructions.

Failing to adhere to local building codes and regulations, including those for accessibility, can result in non-compliance issues. Ensure that your door meets all necessary standards, especially if you're aiming for ADA compliance or other accessibility guidelines.

Another common mistake is ignoring the door's insulation properties. An entry door should provide good insulation to enhance energy efficiency and reduce utility bills. Look for doors with high-quality materials and energy-efficient glass options if applicable.

Choosing a door that doesn't match the architectural style or color scheme of your home can detract from its curb appeal. Make sure the door's design, material and finish complement the overall aesthetic of your home.

By keeping these common mistakes in mind and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure that you select the perfect door size and style for your entryway, enhancing both the visual appeal and functionality of your home.

The measurements of standard doors are just the starting point of your decision-making process. Your entryway space will help determine whether a single or double door would work best for your home. You might also want to consider adding sidelights or transoms to create a more dramatic entrance. The material you choose matters too — take some time to learn more about choosing the best front door material as it can affect both the appearance and function of your entrance.

Not sure if your measurements match standard doorway dimensions? Don't worry — you don't have to figure this out alone. Schedule a free consultation with a Pella expert who will verify your measurements and recommend the right size options for your home. Our specialists can walk you through different materials, features and options while ensuring a perfect fit for your entryway. Together, we'll find the ideal door that matches both your vision and your home's requirements.