Standard French Door Sizes: Interior and Exterior
French doors are hinged units with glass panes, typically sold in pairs that meet in the middle. Unlike sliding patio doors, they swing open fully, which affects both the rough opening and the clearance needed inside or outside the room.
Standard sizes exist because door manufacturers, rough opening framing, and building material suppliers operate on common increments. If your project uses a standard opening, you can order pre-hung units without custom framing. If not, you will need custom sizes.
Common Standard Widths
Most manufacturers produce French doors in widths that work with 2-foot and 4-foot module framing. The most common nominal widths for a pair of doors are:
| Nominal Pair Width | Common Use |
|---|---|
| 60 inches (5’0″) | Smaller bedrooms, offices, closet openings |
| 64 inches (5’4″) | Interior passages, some exterior entries |
| 68 inches (5’8″) | Interior passages where wider clearance is needed |
| 72 inches (6’0″) | Standard exterior patio and garden doors |
For single French doors (one active door with a fixed panel beside it), common widths are 30, 32, and 36 inches. A 36-inch single door is the minimum clear width for wheelchair access in most accessibility guidelines, though local codes may vary.
Standard Heights
Interior and exterior French doors generally share the same height conventions as other hinged doors:
- 80 inches (6’8″) — the most common residential height for both interior and exterior applications.
- 84 inches (7’0″) — often used for taller interior passages or exterior doors with larger glass lites, especially in homes with 9-foot ceilings.
- 96 inches (8’0″) — available from some manufacturers as a standard height for double-height entryways or custom residential work.
If you are replacing doors in an existing building, measure the actual height of the current door slab first. Many pre-1980 homes have openings that are not perfectly 80 inches, and the difference matters when ordering a pre-hung unit.
Standard Configurations
French doors are sold either as slabs (door only) or pre-hung units (door attached to a frame with hinges). Pre-hung units are the common choice for new construction and most replacements because the frame is squared and shimmed during installation.
A standard pre-hung pair sized for a 72-inch opening typically has two 36-inch door slabs. But the actual width of each slab is slightly less than the nominal size to allow for the frame, hinge clearance, and the gap between the doors. A 36-inch slab measures about 35-7/8 inches wide in practice.
The rough opening — the framed hole in the wall — must be larger than the door unit. A typical pre-hung unit for a 60-inch pair requires a rough opening of about 62 inches wide. For a 72-inch pair, plan on a rough opening of about 74 inches. The extra width accounts for the jamb thickness and shimming space. Height follows the same logic: an 80-inch door unit needs a rough opening of about 82 inches.
These are typical ranges, not absolute standards. Different manufacturers use different jamb widths and frame materials, so the required rough opening can vary by an inch or more. Always confirm the rough opening specification from the exact product you intend to order.
Custom French Door Sizes: What You Need to Know
Custom sizing becomes necessary when the opening is non-standard, the design calls for oversized doors, or the building has unusual structural constraints. Custom does not mean unlimited — every door is bound by material, hardware, and structural limits.
Common Reasons for Custom Sizes
- Existing openings that are not standard. Older buildings, renovations, and additions often have openings that are 1 to 3 inches off from standard sizes. Filling the gap with framing is possible, but it narrows the passage and can look awkward. A custom door fits the opening directly.
- Taller openings. Entryways with transoms or full-height glass require doors taller than 80 inches. Standard products rarely exceed 96 inches.
- Non-standard widths. Openings for accessibility, equipment movement, or architectural proportion may need a pair that is 66 or 70 inches wide — sizes not commonly stocked.
- Structural openings. Wide openings in load-bearing walls may require steel reinforcement or special framing that changes the available door width. Custom sizing lets you match the door to the structural reality.
Limitations of Custom Sizes
Custom doors cost more and take longer, but they also have physical limits. A door that is too wide or too heavy for its hinges will sag over time. A door that is too tall may exceed the capacity of standard hinge spacing or require multiple hinges per side.
For exterior doors, structural performance matters more than for interior doors. A very large custom exterior door must still meet wind load and air infiltration requirements for your region. If the door is exposed to severe weather, the glass-to-frame ratio and the number of locking points become critical — not just the dimensions.
How to Measure for a French Door
Accurate measurement is the difference between a door that fits and one that requires expensive rework. For an existing opening, follow this process:
- Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the opening. Use the narrowest measurement as your reference.
- Measure the height on both the left and right sides, from the finished floor to the top of the opening. Use the shorter measurement.
- Check for square. Measure both diagonals of the opening. If they differ by more than 1/4 inch, the opening is out of square and will need correction before installation.
- Check the floor. Use a level across the threshold. If the floor slopes, the door must be sized or the frame shimmed to compensate.
- Measure the wall thickness. This determines the jamb depth needed for the door unit.
For new construction, decide on the door size first, then frame the rough opening according to the manufacturer’s spec. It is easier to frame an opening to fit a chosen door than to find a door to fit a framed opening.
When measuring, always distinguish between the door slab size and the rough opening size. Buyers frequently confuse the two. The slab is the moving part you see. The rough opening is the framed hole. The difference between them is the frame, the clearance gaps, and the shim space — typically 2 inches in width and 1 to 2 inches in height for pre-hung units.
Standard vs. Custom French Doors: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Standard Sizes | Custom Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Stocked or made to common specs | Made to order |
| Lead time | Shorter, often from stock | Longer, typically several weeks |
| Cost | Lower per unit | Higher per unit |
| Fit | Requires standard rough opening | Matches existing or planned opening |
| Design flexibility | Limited to standard widths and heights | Any size within structural limits |
| Glass and configuration | Standard lite patterns | Unlimited lite patterns, divided lites, transoms |
| Structural certification | Pre-tested for common sizes | May require project-specific engineering |
| Best for | New construction, standard replacements | Renovations, unique architecture, tall openings |
The cost gap between standard and custom is not just about the door itself. Custom doors often require additional engineering review, different glass sizes, and more complex packaging for shipment. For a single residential pair, the premium can be modest — often 20 to 40 percent over a comparable standard unit. For commercial projects with many doors, the premium may be smaller per unit because the manufacturing run is larger.
How to Choose the Right French Door Size for Your Project
Size selection is not just about fitting the opening. The door must suit the room’s function, traffic flow, and furniture placement.
Match the Width to the Use
- 60-inch pairs work for bedrooms, studies, and closets where traffic is light and the opening is primarily visual.
- 64 to 68-inch pairs suit main interior passages, dining rooms, and family rooms where people move through regularly.
- 72-inch pairs are the standard for exterior patios and decks. They allow two people to pass side by side and accommodate outdoor furniture movement.
- Single 36-inch doors meet minimum accessibility clearance in most contexts and are appropriate for side entries or where a full pair is not possible.
For exterior applications, consider what will move through the door: patio furniture, grills, large planters. A 60-inch exterior pair is functional but tight for moving furniture. If you regularly move large items in and out, 72 inches is more practical.
Account for Swing Direction
French doors can swing inward or outward. The swing direction affects clearance and rough opening requirements.
- In-swing doors open into the room. They need interior floor space clear of furniture. They are common in colder climates because the door seals against the exterior frame better.
- Out-swing doors open to the outside. They do not consume interior floor space but require clearance on the patio or deck. They are common in warm climates and for screen porch transitions.
For interior French doors, in-swing is the norm. For exterior doors, check the building code in your area — some jurisdictions require out-swing for certain egress paths, while others require in-swing for wind resistance.
Check Building Codes and Egress Requirements
Doors that serve as a means of egress must meet local building code requirements for clear width and operation. A typical egress door must provide a clear opening of at least 32 inches wide when the door is open 90 degrees. This is measured between the face of the door and the stop — not the nominal door width. A 36-inch door slab provides this clearance; a 34-inch slab may not.
Accessibility standards, such as the ADA in the United States, may require wider clear openings in commercial or public buildings. Always verify the specific requirements for your project jurisdiction. Door manufacturers do not certify code compliance — that is the responsibility of the architect, contractor, or building owner.
Consider Glass-to-Frame Ratio
The size of the door affects the glass-to-frame ratio, which in turn affects thermal performance, security, and structural rigidity. A very large door with expansive glass will have a lower insulation value than a smaller door with more frame. For exterior applications in extreme climates, balance the desire for large glass with the need for thermal efficiency.
Materials and Configurations for Custom Doors
Custom sizing opens up material and configuration options that are not available in standard products:
- Thermally broken aluminum frames with insulated glass units for exterior high-performance applications.
- Aluminum-clad wood for a natural interior look with low-maintenance exterior.
- Solid wood for interior doors where acoustic performance and aesthetics are priorities.
- Multi-panel configurations where the “French door” is actually a pair of doors with fixed sidelites or a transom above.
When ordering custom, specify the material, glass type (clear, low-E, tempered, laminated), hardware finish, and swing direction. These choices affect cost and lead time as much as the dimensions do.
Frequently Asked Questions About French Door Sizes
What is the rough opening for a 60-inch French door?
A typical pre-hung unit for a 60-inch pair requires a rough opening of about 62 inches wide and about 82 inches high for an 80-inch door. Confirm the exact spec with the manufacturer, as jamb widths vary.
What is the rough opening for a 72-inch French door?
Plan on a rough opening of about 74 inches wide and 82 inches high for a standard 80-inch door unit. Some manufacturers require slightly more or less, so check the product data sheet.
What is the standard height for French doors?
80 inches is the most common standard height for both interior and exterior French doors. Taller options at 84 and 96 inches are available from many manufacturers, especially for custom orders.
How much smaller should the rough opening be than the door?
The rough opening should be about 2 inches wider and 1 to 2 inches taller than the door unit’s outside dimensions. This space allows for shimming and leveling during installation.
Are French doors available in custom sizes?
Yes. Most manufacturers, including those that primarily sell standard sizes, offer custom sizing for non-standard widths, heights, and configurations. Custom sizes require longer lead times and cost more than standard units.
What is the difference between interior and exterior French door sizes?
Interior French doors are typically 60 to 68 inches wide and use thinner glass or no glass at all. Exterior French doors are commonly 72 inches wide, use insulated glass, and have reinforced frames and multi-point locking systems. Exterior units must meet building code requirements for wind load and air infiltration, which affects their construction.
How much do custom French doors cost compared to standard sizes?
Custom doors typically cost 20 to 40 percent more than comparable standard units for single residential orders. The premium covers engineering, non-standard glass sizes, and shorter production runs. For bulk commercial orders, the per-unit premium is often smaller.
What are typical lead times for custom French doors?
Custom manufacturing typically takes several weeks, depending on the factory schedule, material availability, and the complexity of the order. Standard sizes are usually available faster. For construction projects, order custom doors early in the schedule to avoid delays.
Can I get custom French doors in bulk for a construction project?
Yes. Factories that produce custom sizes can handle bulk orders for construction projects. Bulk orders often receive more favorable pricing and can be scheduled to match your construction timeline. Provide the factory with a complete schedule of openings, sizes, and specifications to ensure accurate production.
How Jusen Door and Windows Meets Custom Size Requirements
As a manufacturer, our approach to French doors is built around the reality that construction projects rarely fit perfectly into standard size categories. We produce custom French doors for both interior and exterior applications, with full control over dimensions, materials, and configurations.
Our factory in China manufactures solid wood doors, thermally broken aluminum doors and windows, and system windows for international buyers. For French door projects, we offer complete customization on width, height, glass specification, and hardware. This means you are not limited to 60, 64, or 72-inch increments — we build to your exact opening dimensions.
For buyers sourcing for construction projects, our value is in the factory-direct model. You work directly with the production team, not through a distributor, which simplifies communication on technical specifications. We provide full export documentation, including packing lists, proforma invoices, and customs paperwork. Both FCL and LCL shipping options are available, so you can order a single custom pair or a full container of doors for a development project.
Quality control is handled through pre-shipment inspections that include air-tightness, water-tightness, and wind resistance testing. These tests matter most for exterior French doors, where performance depends on the frame structure and sealing system, not just the dimensions. We can also adjust the profile structure and fittings to match the building codes of your target market, which is essential for exterior doors in regions with specific wind load or energy efficiency requirements.
If your project requires custom French door sizes, send us your opening dimensions and specifications for a quote.
