French Door Sizes Demystified - Interior vs Exterior

French doors are a classic and elegant architectural feature found in many homes. With their rows of long windows and narrow divided panels, they allow light to pour into a space while creating an inviting indoor/outdoor connection.

But all French doors are not created equal when it comes to sizing. There are notable differences between standard interior vs exterior French door dimensions that impact framing and installation.

Standard Exterior French Door Sizes

Exterior French doors are designed to connect outdoor living spaces like patios and decks to the interior areas of a home. They tend to be wider and beefier than interior French doors to accommodate wheelchair access and withstand the elements.

Typical Width and Height

A standard exterior double French door is usually 80 inches high by 120 to 144 inches wide. Each individual French door is typically 60 to 72 inches wide. This width allows both doors to operate independently while creating a grand entryway that makes a statement.

Having two active doors allows you to use one side for regular passage and keep the other closed. French door dimensions take into account comfortable passage through the doorway, including wheelchairs at 32 inches wide per ADA guidelines.

Discussion of Variability

While most standard exterior French doors come in 60-, 72-, 96-, and 120-inch width options, you may encounter some variability depending on the manufacturer. Some brands specify standard French door sizes as 60, 62, or 64 inches for each active door leaf.

For example, Jeld-Wen lists their standard-size exterior French doors at 72 x 80 inches, with two 36-inch doors creating that total 72-inch width. Pella offers several standard French patio door sizes, including 60, 72, 96, and 144-inch widths.

No matter the brand, the most common total French door widths for exterior use fall within that 120- to 144-inch double door range. The standard height of 80 inches typically does not vary.

Rough Opening Size

While the French doors themselves will be 60 to 72 inches wide per side, your rough opening size needs to be larger to provide adequate clearance for installation. Standard recommended rough opening formulas are:

• Width: Actual width of total unit + 1 inch
• Height: Actual height of unit + 1/2 inch

So for a typical 72 x 80-inch exterior French door unit, your rough opening should be 73 inches wide by 80 1/2 inches high. Allowing that extra fractional clearance enables you to properly position and secure the door unit within the framing.

Standard Interior French Door Sizes

Interior French doors typically connect rooms and living spaces inside the home, like dining rooms and living rooms. They are more narrow and petite compared to exterior doors, with more variable width options depending on traffic flow.

Typical Width and Height

A standard interior double French door is usually 80 inches high x 72 to 96 inches wide. Each individual interior French door is commonly 36 to 48 inches wide. The narrower dimensions allow them to separate rooms and zones while still promoting an open flow.

Wider interior French door sizes up to 48 inches per side are sometimes used in high traffic areas or to match wider interior door dimensions. But the most common standard width is 36 inches per door.

Narrower and More Variable

While exterior French doors need to accommodate outdoor furniture and wheelchair access, interior doors can be much narrower to optimize traffic flow. You'll see more options in the 32- to 36-inch range since they don't need to function as a home's main entrance.

Manufacturers like Masonite offer standard interior French door sizes of 80 x 60/80 x 72, 80 x 84/80 x 96, and 80 x 120. But they also make narrower 32-, 34-, and 36-inch doors for tighter spaces.

This increased variability makes it easier to find interior French doors to fit your particular rough opening dimensions. Just be aware the more narrow sizes may not strictly be considered "French" doors.

Rough Opening Considerations

You'll need to account for flooring thickness when sizing the rough opening for interior French doors. Total thickness of floor coverings like hardwood, tile, and carpeting can reduce clearance up to 1.5 inches from your rough framing.

Be sure to measure carefully and calculate this finished floor height. It's easiest to install interior French doors when rough framing the new home. But existing homes require careful measurement of the finished opening.

Custom French Door Sizing

While standard French door sizes work for many homes, you may need something more custom for unusual room layouts or matching existing features. Fortunately, custom options are available.

When to Customize

Some situations that lend themselves to custom French door dimensions include:

• Connecting two rooms with a non-standard opening
• Matching the width of existing arched doorways
• Desiring an exact door size for a unique floorplan
• Needing wider doors for oversized furniture access
• Restoring original French doors in historic homes

With manufactured and even semi-custom options, you can get French doors adapted for all kinds of unique spaces and decor.

Going Beyond Standard Dimensions

Many French door manufacturers can accommodate custom widths beyond their standard size offerings. For example, Pella's Architect Series French doors can be ordered in 1/4-inch width increments from 14 to 48 inches wide per door.

Companies like Smooth-On and Thomann offer made-to-order services where you provide the exact measurements needed. This usually costs more than standard sizes but allows complete customization.

Just keep in mind that as door dimensions get wider, the structural integrity and performance can decline outside tested standards. But slight variations are certainly possible.

Tips for Accurate Custom Sizing

When ordering custom French doors, precision is a must. Here are some tips:

• Carefully measure width and height using a steel tape measure.
• Check measurements in multiple spots to ensure the opening is perfectly square.
• For rough openings, add at least 1 inch clearance to the width and 1/2 inch to height.
• Allow room for adjustments during installation with shims and wedges.

Custom French doors add cost upfront but deliver a perfect fit and custom aesthetic. Just be sure to measure meticulously for best results.

Matching French Door Styles to Your Home

Beyond just size, you'll want to pick exterior or interior French door styles that complement your home's architecture. Here are some tips:

• Traditional: Opt for ornate wooden doors with wrought iron handles and glass grilles for Colonial, Tudor, or Craftsman homes.
• Contemporary: Choose sleek metal or fiberglass doors with clean lines for modern and industrial spaces.
• Rustic: Go for distressed wood doors with black iron hardware for Farmhouse, Cottage, or Lodge aesthetics.
• Coastal: Light colors, airy panels, and beachy hardwaresuit Hamptons, Mediterranean, or Coastal abodes.

Beyond architectural style, pick material and finishes like wood species, glass, and color that complement your interiors. This ensures your French doors blend right into their environment.

Determining the optimal French door dimensions and style for your home involves several considerations. Here are the key takeaways:

• Exterior doors are larger, usually 120-144 inches wide, to facilitate access and withstand the outdoors.
• Interior doors can be more narrow, commonly 72-96 inches wide, to connect rooms.
• Rough openings should add 1-1.5 inches beyond the actual door size for fit.
• Custom sizes beyond the standard options are possible for unusual spaces.
• Match your interior or exterior French door style to your architectural aesthetics.

With the right combination of size, style, and finishes your new French doors can beautifully enhance your home's design for years to come. For further guidance, consult our other French door resources or chat with a knowledgeable sales associate.

We hope this overview has helped demystify interior vs exterior French door dimensions. You now have the sizing knowledge to select the perfect set of French doors to harmonize with your home's layout and architecture.