Average Door Size: Standard Dimensions for Every Home
Posted on December 19 2024
Average Door Size: Standard Dimensions for Every Home
Choosing the correct average door size is crucial for functionality and aesthetics in any home. From entrances to bedroom doors, standard door sizes streamline installation and help create a cohesive look.
What are the standard door height in Australia?
The standard door height in Australia is 2040mm, but newer homes increasingly use 2340mm as a standard for taller doorways.
These dimensions ensure functionality while accommodating evolving architectural trends.
What are the standard door sizes in Australia?
In Australia, standard door sizes typically measure 2040mm in height and 35mm in thickness, with varying widths including 520mm, 620mm, 720mm, 770mm, 820mm (most common), 870mm, and 920mm.
What are the standard door sizes for wheelchair access in Australia?
Door sizes for wheelchair access include 2040x870x35mm for wide entryways and 2040x920x35mm for double doors or wide entrances.
This guide explores standard door sizes in Australia for both internal and external doors, including sliding and bi-fold styles, and options for customisation.
Why Door Size Matters in Home Design
A door is more than just an entry point; it shapes the look, feel, and accessibility of a room. Selecting the appropriate door dimensions ensures smooth operation, adequate space, and a balanced aesthetic.
Using standard door sizes helps homeowners avoid costly customisation, providing practical yet stylish solutions for diverse architectural styles and needs. However, variations may apply depending on a door's location and purpose.
Standard Internal Door Sizes in Australia
Standard internal door sizes in Australia, including popular options like internal door Bunnings, are designed to suit a variety of room layouts, offering flexibility in style and dimensions.
Common Internal Door Dimensions
For internal doors, standard door sizes typically include widths of 620mm, 720mm, 820mm, and 920mm. These sizes accommodate various room configurations and are easily found in hardware stores across Australia.
The internal average door height is around 2040mm, although some homes opt for a taller height of 2340mm to create an impression of openness. Internal doors are generally 35mm-40mm thick, as they do not require the insulation or security features essential for external doors.
Internal Door Variations by Style
The dimensions of internal doors may vary based on their style. Hinged doors, the most common type, adhere to standard measurements, whereas sliding doors and bi-fold doors often feature narrower widths, allowing them to fit smaller spaces where swing clearance is limited.
Additionally, homes with bespoke layouts or unique architectural designs may require non-standard door dimensions for specific rooms or hallways.
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Standard External Door Sizes in Australia
Explore standard door measurements for external doors in Australia, focusing on sizes, materials, and styles that offer security and insulation.
Typical Measurements for External Doors
External doors are usually larger than internal doors, providing improved security and insulation. The standard door size for exterior doors in Australia ranges from 820mm to 920mm in width, with some extending up to 1200mm for grand entrances.
The height for external doors is typically 2040mm, but custom options can reach up to 2340mm. These standard door sizes accommodate most building designs and are intended to provide easy access and a balanced aesthetic.
Thickness and Material Choices for External Doors
External doors are generally thicker than internal doors, measuring around 40mm or more, to ensure durability, insulation, and safety. Materials such as solid timber, metal, and fibreglass are common, as they provide resilience against environmental factors like heat, humidity, and rain.
This added thickness helps insulate homes from extreme weather, especially in Australia’s varied climate, and boosts security by making the door more difficult to breach.
Popular External Door Styles and Measurements
External doors are available in numerous styles, each with unique door dimensions. French doors provide wide access with elegant glass panels, often used to connect interior and exterior spaces. Sliding glass doors are popular for patios, offering broad openings and a seamless indoor-outdoor transition.
These doors usually exceed standard door sizes in width, making them ideal for modern homes seeking to maximise natural light. Double entry doors are another option, commonly measuring two panels of 820mm or 920mm, resulting in a combined width of up to 1840mm.
Specialised Average Door Sizes for Different Rooms and Purposes
Specialised door sizes accommodate specific room needs, providing functionality and style in spaces like bedrooms, bathrooms, garages, and utility rooms.
Bedroom Door Sizes
In Australian homes, bedroom doors typically follow standard dimensions, with widths ranging from 720mm to 820mm to allow for easy movement and accessibility. The height is usually 2040mm, although taller options are available for homes with high ceilings.
Some homeowners may opt for sliding or barn-style doors in bedrooms for added character or space-saving solutions, especially in minimalist or industrial-style interiors.
Bathroom and Closet Door Dimensions
Bathrooms and closets generally require narrower doors, often between 620mm and 720mm in width, to save space in smaller areas. This average door size is ideal for compact bathrooms or wardrobes where space is limited.
In some cases, sliding doors or bi-fold doors may be preferred in these areas to reduce congestion. Bathroom doors are commonly solid with locks for privacy, whereas closet doors may be lighter with hollow cores to ease opening and closing.
Garage Access Doors
Garage doors leading into the home typically feature a wider design, often around 920mm, with added thickness for safety and durability. As these doors serve as a buffer between the garage and living space, they are frequently fire-rated for added protection.
The standard door size for garage access doors provides both functionality and security, allowing for seamless transitions between home and garage spaces.
Laundry and Utility Room Doors
Laundry rooms and utility rooms commonly feature standard door sizes between 720mm and 820mm, which are ideal for accommodating larger appliances like washing machines and dryers.
These doors may be hinged, sliding, or bi-fold depending on the space and homeowner preferences. When space is limited, bi-fold or sliding doors are effective alternatives that maximise space without compromising accessibility.
Standard Sliding and Bi-fold Door Sizes
Sliding and bi-fold doors are versatile options, ideal for saving space and improving access in both internal and external settings, with a standard sliding door size providing guidance for most installations.
Sliding Door Measurements and Styles
Sliding doors are ideal for both internal and external spaces, especially where room for a swinging door is limited. A single sliding door panel typically measures around 820mm in width, but multiple panels can be combined for wider openings. Standard door sizes for sliding doors generally range in height from 2040mm to 2340mm.
For external use, sliding glass doors are favoured for their sleek, modern appeal and can reach widths of 1600mm or more, perfect for improving outdoor views.
Bi-fold Door Measurements and Popular Uses
Bi-fold doors offer flexibility in width as they consist of multiple narrow panels, usually 400mm-600mm each. These doors fold to open, providing adjustable access depending on room needs.
Bi-fold doors are ideal for areas where flexibility is needed, such as closets, pantries, or room dividers, allowing users to tailor the opening width to their preferences.
Important Considerations When Choosing Door Sizes
Selecting the right door size requires careful consideration of functionality, room space, frame dimensions, and compliance with Australian safety standards.
Functionality and Purpose
The primary function of the door heavily influences its dimensions. For example, bedroom doors should accommodate easy furniture movement, while closet doors often fit confined spaces.
In the case of external doors, considerations should also include security and insulation, especially for homes facing extreme temperatures or coastal conditions.
Room Size and Spatial Constraints
The room’s dimensions play a significant role in door selection. Smaller rooms may benefit from narrower doors, while larger spaces can accommodate wider or taller doors without overwhelming the design.
Accurate measurements of wall space and door frames are essential for a successful installation, particularly when choosing sliding doors that require additional width for tracking systems.
Frame and Jamb Requirements
When selecting door size, account for the door frame and jamb, which add to the overall dimensions. Frames provide structural support, while the jamb refers to the vertical sections on each side.
These components can add between 20mm and 40mm in both height and width, so accurate planning is necessary to avoid fitting issues.
Compliance with Australian Safety Codes
Australian building regulations set standards for door sizes to ensure safety, particularly for doors serving as emergency exits. These doors must meet accessibility criteria, including specific height and width measurements that vary by local regulations.
Ensuring compliance with these standards prevents legal issues and guarantees that doors are safe for use.
How to Measure for a New Door
Accurately measuring your doorway is essential for a proper fit. Follow these steps to measure the width, height, and depth of your doorway accurately:
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Measure the Width: Measure across the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the doorway. Use the smallest measurement to ensure the door fits the narrowest point.
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Measure the Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the frame on both sides of the doorway. Use the smaller measurement if there’s any difference.
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Check the Depth: Measure the thickness of the door frame from front to back. Standard internal doors are usually 35-40mm thick, with external doors being thicker for insulation and security.
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Allow for Clearance: Leave a gap of about 2-3mm around all sides to accommodate seasonal expansion and ensure smooth operation.
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Note Frame Condition: Ensure the frame is in good condition. A worn or damaged frame may need replacing to support the new door properly.
Accurate measurements will help ensure your door fits seamlessly, reducing the need for adjustments during installation.
Installation Tips for Standard and Custom Doors
Proper installation of doors, whether standard or custom, ensures smooth operation and durability. Here are some key tips to consider:
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Wall Compatibility: Before installing, check the wall type and thickness. For heavy doors, ensure the wall structure can support the door’s weight and choose suitable hinges or tracks.
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Space Requirements for Hinged Doors: Hinged doors need enough room to swing open fully. Measure swing space to avoid obstructions from nearby walls, furniture, or fixtures.
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Sliding Door Clearance: Sliding doors require wall clearance on one or both sides for smooth operation. Ensure there’s enough space along the wall and plan for any tracking systems that need to be installed.
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Bi-fold Door Fit: Bi-fold doors are great for saving space, but they need a precise fit within the frame to open and close easily. Measure accurately and check hinge placement to prevent sticking.
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Custom Door Alignment: Custom doors may require adjustments to align properly with non-standard frames. Use a level and adjust as needed for a perfect fit.
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Custom Door Sizes and Alternative Solutions
Custom door sizes and alternative styles offer flexible solutions for unique spaces, improving both functionality and aesthetic appeal in various home designs.
When Custom Doors Are Necessary
While standard door sizes cover most needs, custom doors may be essential for unique architectural features, narrow hallways, or small rooms. Customisation can also improve the visual appeal, allowing homeowners to create statement entrances or doors that seamlessly integrate with a specific interior design style.
Custom average door sizes may also be necessary in older buildings with non-standard frames or layouts.
Popular Custom Door Size Options
Custom door options include taller doors for high-ceilinged homes, wider doors for improved accessibility, or thicker doors for soundproofing.
Homeowners may also choose non-standard dimensions for unique purposes, such as creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors or integrating barn doors in modern interior designs.
Alternative Door Types for Maximising Space
In addition to custom dimensions, alternative door styles can improve space efficiency. Pocket doors, which slide into the wall cavity, provide an unobtrusive look ideal for compact areas.
Accordion-style doors are also great for flexible access in rooms like laundry areas or pantries, where easy access and space-saving functionality are priorities.
Selecting the Best Door Size for Your Home
Choosing the right average door size contributes significantly to a home’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.
By selecting standard door sizes for most areas and customising only where necessary, homeowners can achieve a consistent design flow while meeting each room’s functional requirements.
Careful planning and an understanding of door dimensions can ensure your doors improve your space and suit your lifestyle.
Find Your Perfect Door Solution Today
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