%402x.svg)
Checking out standard front door sizes? UK home designs range from standard to completely unique. In this article, we’ll look at common front door sizes and give you some advice on how to get a door that’s definitely not a standard size. Not yet sure what applies to you? Correct measurements are crucial, so we’ll give you a simple guide to measuring your doorway too.
What is a Standard Front Door Size in the UK?
Standards change over time, so the age of your home may have at least something to do with the size of its front door. Very old homes are almost sure to have door sizes that are nowhere near standard. More modern homes have fairly standard door heights, but door widths have increased with growing awareness of the need for wider doors for wheelchair accessibility.
Several exterior door sizes are considered as “standard,” and these are the sizes used in mass production. Listed in the order of height, width, and thickness they are:
1981 x 762 x 44mm
1981 x 838 x 44mm
2032 x 813 x 44mm
2082 x 864 x 44mm
2134 x 915 x 44mm
How to Measure a Door
Measure the width of the door in three places: At the top, middle, and bottom of the frame. The widest measurement represents the width of the door you’ll need.
Measure the height of the door frame by measuring both of the vertical sides of the frame from the inside of your house. The largest measurement represents the height you need.
Measure the thickness of your existing door as well as the thickness of the portion of the door frame where the door is meant to fit. These two measurements should be very similar to one another.
UK Building Regulations: External Door Sizes
If you’re replacing a door to an existing home you own, you can often do so without getting permission from local authorities. However, if the building is of historical significance, you will have to get a permit. Not sure where you stand? Contact your local authorities to find out.
Building regulations for doors cover thermal insulation, soundproofing, fire resistance and accessibility, so there are benefits to choosing a compliant door even if you don’t strictly speaking have to do so.
In terms of front door sizes, a width that allows for wheelchair access is the top concern. A minimum width of 815 mm will allow people in wheelchairs to pass through. Businesses must comply with this regulation, but owners of private homes should consider it. After all, you, your friends, or family members may need to pass through your door in a wheelchair at some point.
Should You Replace the Door Frame Too?
Ideally, you should replace both the door frame and the door. There are several reasons for this. To begin with, wear and tear will have taken their toll on the door frame. It may no longer be straight and that would mean leaving gaps in some places, while the door fits flush in others. This will affect how smoothly the door opens and closes, how soundproof it is, and how draught-proof it will be.
Besides this, an old door frame could be the weakest point in your front door’s security. For example, a strong locking system will not be much use if the door frame will give way easily. And, of course, there’s the simple matter of looks. A mismatch between door and door frame can be hard to cover up.
When the Standard Front Door Size Doesn’t Suit You
Apart from a need to maintain the character of historical buildings, there are many instances in which a standard door size might not suit you. For instance, if using a standard door size means rebuilding the entire doorway, your door-replacement cost will skyrocket.
Even if money is no object, you may have your own ideas about what you want from your front door. Front door sizes and styles have been an indication of status for hundreds of years. Grand entrance doors were as big and as impressive as their name sounds, and we still associate big doors with grace, elegance, and affluence. Want to throw those doors wide open to welcome your guests? A standard size might prove rather underwhelming.
Or, perhaps, it’s all about design, an area where scale is as important as style. Imagine a huge house with a tiny door. It’s going to look out of place. Or, consider a custom-made front door that’s meant to match your home’s architecture and make a statement. Make it too small, and it’s going to be an “embarrassed style whisper” rather than a bold declaration of design excellence. Sometimes, “standard” just isn’t good enough.
Bespoke Front Doors: Your Style, Your Finish, Your Size
If you wear spectacles, you’ll know that style, quality, and cost (within reason) aren’t worth compromising on when that look is going to face the world day in and day out for years. The same goes for your front door. It’s worth spending a little more to get a perfect match for your home's facade - one that makes you feel proud to come home.
Whether it’s the size that isn’t quite standard, or the look that reflects your tastes, Stronghold Security Doors puts you in charge of design. Plus, with our team to install your new front door, and a guarantee to back it up, you’ll be sure of soundproofing and thermal efficiency plus great looks that last.
And, if the Big Bad Wolf were to happen by, huffing, puffing, bashing and smashing won’t help him to get into your home. So, apart from sizing it just right and styling it to perfection, you get enhanced security with Stronghold. Find out more today. Your custom-made security door is within your reach.
