Starting a home improvement project in Ontario? Whether it's a new build, renovation, or worn-out door replacement, understanding standard door sizes Canada law requires is crucial. Proper dimensions ensure a snug fit that eliminates gaps, enhancing both security and energy efficiency. This keeps your home safe and comfortable all year round.
Knowing typical door sizes also helps you meet building codes and create an aesthetically pleasing home. In this guide, we'll explore the common interior and exterior door dimensions Canada homes have, the factors influencing your choices, and how to accurately measure door openings. Let’s dive right in.
Factors Affecting Standard Door Sizes Canada
While the standard door size Canada provides a helpful guideline, several factors can influence your specific choices for both interior and exterior doors.
- Room Function: A room’s purpose significantly impacts the ideal door size. For instance, bedrooms and bathrooms typically require smaller doors for privacy, while main entrances and living areas benefit from wider doors to create a sense of openness and facilitate movement.
- Accessibility: If you or someone in your household has mobility challenges, wider doors can accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, or other assistive devices.
- Building Codes: Specific areas in your home must follow standard door sizes Canada law requires under local building codes and regulations.
- Aesthetics: Consider the architectural style and proportions of your home when selecting door sizes to achieve a harmonious look. Large front doors create a grander and more luxurious feel, while smaller doors might be more suitable for cozy and intimate spaces.
Image Source: Canva
Average Door Size Canada for Exterior and Interior Doors
In Ontario, the standard exterior door size for stock exterior doors and screen doors is 32”x78”. However, this varies depending on the door type.
- Standard front doors: 32”x78”; strikes a balance between accessibility and security
- Wide entry doors: 36”x80”; provides a wider opening for easier mobility
- Sliding patio doors: 5-8’x80”; ideal for entryways leading to a yard or pool
- Double entry doors: 60” to 72”; perfect for a grand and welcoming entrance
While the Ontario Building Code puts 78” as the minimum door height, the standard door height Canada homes have is 80” tall. Homes with higher ceilings often have taller 84-inch” doors for aesthetic purposes. Standard exterior door sizes are generally thicker than interior doors, typically measuring 1 3/4 inches, to provide superior insulation and security.
Pro Tip: Local building codes and specific accessibility requirements could influence the minimum or maximum door size permitted for your entry door. Consult with a professional or refer to local regulations before finalizing your decisions.
Common Interior Door Size Canada
The most common width for interior doors in Ontario depends on function and style.
- Bedroom door, closet doors, and bathroom doors: 24”x80; offers ample space for comfortable movement while maintaining privacy
- Large rooms with high ceilings: 30”x84” for a more spacious look
- Older homes: 32”x80”; ideal for spaces requiring specific accessibility
- Rooms with higher traffic: a slightly wider 28”x80” to accommodate higher foot traffic
- Double doors: 36”x80”; primarily reserved for exceptionally large openings
The 80” standard door height Canada homes have inside provides comfortable clearance for people of various heights. Homes with higher ceilings or those seeking a more elegant look might opt for 84-inch doors.
How to Measure an Exterior Door
Even a slight discrepancy can lead to installation issues and compromise the functionality of your existing door. Here are some tips for measuring door openings correctly.
- Accurate Measurements: To get accurate door measurements, ensure you have the right tools, including a measuring tape, pencil, and paper. Take your time and double-check your measurements to avoid errors.
- Measuring the Width: Measure the standard door width Canada at three points: the top, middle, and bottom. Record the narrowest measurement as the final width.
- Measuring the Height: Measure the height of the door opening at both the left and right sides. Record the shortest measurement as the final height.
- Measuring the Thickness: Measure the thickness of the wall and door jam at several points around the door opening. Record the thickest measurement as the final thickness.
Remember to account for any trim or moulding that might affect the door's fit. If you're unsure about any aspect of the measuring process or the standard exterior door size, consult with a professional for assistance.
Image Source: Canva
When to Consider Custom Door Sizes
The standard exterior door size works well for most homes, but sometimes you need a solution when you have a custom-built door frame or rough opening.
- Unique Architectural Structures: If your home has unusual architectural features, like in older or custom-built houses, standard doors might not fit. Custom doors can be made to match these unique openings, keeping your home's character intact.
- Specific Designs: If you have specific design ideas that standard door sizes Canada doesn't fulfill, custom doors are the answer. Maybe you want extra-large doors for a grand entrance or non-standard sizes for a unique touch—custom exterior doors offer the freedom to achieve your vision.
- Custom Accessibility: If accessibility is a concern, custom doors can be made to meet specific needs beyond what standard door width Canada offers. This ensures a comfortable and safe environment for everyone in your home.
Open Your Doors to Clera Windows + Doors
Now that you understand the importance of choosing the right standard exterior door size, it's time to find the perfect doors for your Ontario home. Clera Windows + Doors, a trusted Canadian family business with over 45 years of experience, offers a wide selection of high-quality, energy-efficient doors tailored to your needs.
Enjoy premium products at factory-direct prices as we manage every step, from design to installation. Contact Clera Windows + Doors today and learn how we can transform your home.
