The Dimensions for Properly Fitting French Doors

Installing French doors can dramatically transform the look and feel of a home. With their iconic divided window panes and elegant profiles, these doors make a stylish statement in both interior and exterior settings. However, to fully realize their aesthetic potential and functionality, proper measuring and fitting during installation are paramount.

Standard Dimensions for French Doors

French door sizes can vary greatly depending on where they will be installed and their intended use. Here are some of the most common standard interior and exterior French door dimensions:

• Typical Interior Door Sizes: 30-36 inches wide x 80 inches tall
• Average Exterior Door Sizes: 36-72 inches wide x 80 inches tall

These sizes allow most French door sets to fit within typical residential door openings. However, wider and taller custom options extending up to 10 feet across are also available from many manufacturers. The most popular materials for both interior and exterior French doors are wood, fiberglass, and steel.

Considering Door Openings

When determining the appropriate French door size, an important first step is accurately measuring the existing door opening or planned rough opening size. This ensures that the width and height of the doors you select or order will correctly fit the allotted space. For new construction, factoring in proper rough opening dimensions from the beginning will streamline installation.

If replacing existing doors, confirm whether enlarging the rough opening is possible if needed to accommodate wider French door pairs. For example, a 36-inch wide French door set requires a rough opening of at least 39 1/2 inches wide to inset both doors and provide proper clearance.

Measuring for Proper French Door Fit

Precisely measuring for both replacement and new French door installation is critical. Even being off by half an inch can result in gaps, misalignment, and other functionality issues. Follow these best practices for accurate French door opening measurements:

Tools You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Carpenter's level
• Pencil and paper
• Screwdrivers
• Utility knife

These basic tools will allow you to correctly gauge door opening dimensions and document them for ordering purposes.

Measuring Door Opening Width

Start by measuring width at the top, middle, and bottom of the opening. Account for any unevenness on the sides by taking width measurements on both the interior and exterior wall faces. Record all numbers for comparison.

Use the smallest width measurement when determining the maximum French door size to allow necessary room for shims during installation. Alternatively, you can reframe the rough opening to match the largest width measurement taken.

Measuring Door Opening Height

Use a level to identify the door opening's highest point on both the interior and exterior wall faces. Measure from where the wall meets the floor up to this high point on each side. As with width, use the smallest measurement to determine maximum French door height.

Common Measuring Mistakes

Avoid these frequent measuring errors that can sabotage getting a proper French door fit:

• Only measuring one side of the opening
• Failing to account for uneven walls or floors
• Not using a level to find the highest point
• Rounding measurements up instead of down

Correctly measuring for French doors takes precision. Following the techniques outlined will help prevent surprises after installation.

French Door Sizing Considerations

Beyond having accurate opening measurements, several other factors impact French door sizes and proper fit:

Adjusting Existing Openings

While enlarging door openings is possible, it often requires reframing and moving utilities. Consult an architect or contractor first about adjustments needed to accommodate wider or taller French doors.

Custom French Door Sizes

Many manufacturers offer made-to-order French doors outside standard sizing. This allows a perfect custom fit but often has a longer lead time and higher cost. Measure meticulously so custom doors match unique opening dimensions.

Ordering Pre-Hung Doors

Pre-hung French door units with frames allow easy installation into existing openings. When ordering, provide interior or exterior rough opening measurements so the pre-hung unit will deliver an exact fit.

Installing French Doors Properly

While accurate sizing and measurements are critical before purchase, properly installing French doors is also key to a quality outcome. Follow these best practices for fitting and hanging your doors:

Preparing the Rough Opening

Make sure the rough opening dimensions match those provided to door manufacturers. Confirm the opening is plumb and square using levels and tape measures. Address any discrepancies before installation.

Fitting the Doors

Initially place doors centered in the opening without securing them to check the fit. There should be uniform clearance on all sides to allow room for shimming and squaring during hanging. If gaps are uneven, double check measurements and opening dimensions.

Hanging and Securing the Doors

Use shims to ensure doors are perfectly plumb and level at the proper height within the opening. Avoid over-shimming as this can warp the door frames over time. Secure hinges into wall studs for maximum stability using the provided long screws.

Avoiding Improper Fit Issues

Catching size discrepancies early is key for proper French door functionality long-term. Rehanging doors that already suffer from gaps or misalignment rarely improves issues with reveal dimensions or weatherproofing.

French Door FAQs

Properly measuring and installing French doors involves answering many common questions that arise. Here are some of the most frequent inquiries:

Can French Door Sizes Be Adjusted?

Making minor width adjustments is possible by moving one door's hinges across its frame. However, doors ordered and manufactured to specific dimensions can rarely be significantly altered. Major size changes require ordering different doors.

What Is the Largest Size for French Doors?

While residential French doors typically max out at 9 feet wide by 12 feet tall, commercial manufacturers offer oversized units up to 16 feet wide by 20 feet tall for large retail and stadium entranceways.

Standard French door pairs can reliably operate up to 300 pounds total weight. However, very heavy custom doors may require commercial grade pivot hinges and multiple locks along the closing stile side to counteract sagging issues over time.