Are you planning to replace your doors? If so, you’re probably looking for standard door sizes. Canada has several local building codes that specify all the door requirements you need to know, so you should always check them before buying and installing a new door.
However, we can still provide you with some details about the most common door sizes in the country that will help you navigate the door market.
As such, this article covers all essential measurements for various types of doors in Canadian homes, helping you make informed decisions for your next home renovation project.
Key Takeaways
- Canada’s standard door sizes vary based on door location, with exterior doors typically measuring 34 inches in width and 80 inches in height, while interior doors range from 24 to 36 inches in width. However, you should always confirm the minimum and maximum size requirements with local building codes.
- Choosing standard door sizes significantly facilitates the process of installing the door and makes it easier for you to adhere to local building codes. Custom door sizes are often chosen for architectural and design needs, but they are usually more expensive, and it takes more time to manufacture them.
- Accurate measurement is critical for door replacement to ensure a proper fit within existing frames.
Factors that Affect the Size of Your Doors
Determining the correct size for your doors is of utmost importance. First, this ensures that you’re compliant with local building codes. Secondly, it impacts performance, design, energy efficiency, and security.
Furthermore, having standard door sizes can significantly enhance the resale value of a property due to the ease of repairs and replacements.
Before looking at the standard door sizes in Canada, let’s outline some factors that influence them:
- Door location. This is the most important thing to consider when choosing a door – whether it’s an exterior or interior door. There are different size requirements for interior and exterior doors because they require different levels of security and energy efficiency. For example, interior doors can have narrower openings, while exterior doors should be wider. Similarly, exterior doors need to be thicker than interior doors.
- Room function. If you’re planning to buy interior doors, you should also consider where in the house they’ll be installed. Bedrooms and bathrooms, for example, can have smaller doors, while living rooms may benefit from larger, double doors, especially if they’re patio doors.
- Aesthetics and property value. If your goal is to enhance curb appeal and property value, you can install double entry doors or single wider doors, for example.
- Accessibility for wheelchairs. If the doors in your house will be used by someone in a wheelchair, you’ll have to determine the size of the wheelchair and only then pick suitable door dimensions. You may have to go for custom sizes.
- Natural light. For example, you may want to install a transom window above your entry door, which will let some natural light in. Or you may want to include some glass area within your interior doors. These can influence the size of your doors.
- Security and energy efficiency. Let’s say you want triple-glazed sliding glass doors for enhanced security and energy efficiency. In this case, you may need to install smaller doors because the requirements for triple-glazing are different than for double- or single-glazing.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a look at the standard door sizes in Canada!
Overview of Standard Door Sizes in Canada
Each country – and even different regions in the same country – has unique criteria for minimum and maximum door sizes, and Canada is no exception.
Below, we’ve included the most common door sizes in Canada, but it’s always best to confirm these with the door manufacturer and local building codes.
| Type of Door | Width (inches) | Height (inches) |
| Exterior entry door | 34 or 36 | 80 |
| Single door | 34 or 36 | 80 |
| Double door | 78 or 72 | 80 |
| Sliding doors | 60 to 144 | 80 |
| Exterior French Door | 70 or 74 | 83.5 |
| Garage doors | 96 to 288 | 96 |
| Bedroom/bathroom doors | 24 to 34 | 80 |
| Doors in rooms with high ceilings | 30 | 84 |
Entry Door Sizes
In Canada, the most common entry door sizes are 34 x 80 inches or 36 x 80 inches – that is, if it’s a single door. If it’s a double door, the size of each door panel may be different. Usually, building codes specify a minimum opening range, so you may be able to install two narrower door panels as long as the entire opening dimension adheres to building code requirements.
Naturally, these standard exterior door sizes are not arbitrary; they are designed to enhance the security and overall appearance of your home. A correctly sized entry door not only provides ample space for moving furniture and accommodating guests but also adds to the aesthetic appeal, making a great first impression. Plus, the entry door can also contribute to energy efficiency.
Sliding Patio Doors
Sliding patio doors typically measure between 60 and 144 inches in width and 80 inches in height. Their final width depends on how many panels they have. When installing a sliding glass door, you may also need to consider the glazing area size requirements, as well as energy efficiency options for enhanced insulation. For example, you can add Low-E coatings or energy-efficient glass treatments.
Sliding patio doors offer several benefits, including cost efficiency, insulation, and smooth operation. Wider sliding glass doors are particularly advantageous for accommodating mobility aids, ensuring that everyone can easily access outdoor areas.
Garage Doors
The size of your garage doors depends on whether you need double or single doors for one or two cars.
If you need a single door that would fit one car, you can install garage doors measuring 96 x 96 inches. If you need the door to fit two cars, you can double the standard door width – 192 x 96 inches. If, on the other hand, you need to fit larger cars, you can choose a much wider door measuring 288 x 96 inches. You can also install two smaller doors separately that will fit two crs.
Bedroom and Bathroom Door Sizes
In Canada, standard bedroom and bathroom doors typically range from 24 to 30 inches in width, with a height of 80 inches. However, accessibility needs may necessitate wider doors to accommodate mobility aids like wheelchairs. Additionally, if the bedroom is unusually large, you can also install double doors that will improve the room design.
Custom Door Options
Sometimes, standard door sizes just won’t do, especially in older homes where the door frame or the rough opening may not conform to modern standards. You’ll have to rely on manufacturers who can provide custom doors that will fit the design and architectural requirements of your house. In this case, opting for custom doors instead of stock exterior doors will undoubtedly enhance your home’s curb appeal and preserve its design. However, there are some things to consider:
- Custom doors are more expensive.
- Not all manufacturers may be able to accommodate unique sizes.
- The process may be more time-consuming because of limited availability.
- Repairs may be more expensive for custom-sized doors.
- Custom-sized doors may also require customized door frames and jambs.
Measuring for Door Replacement
Here’s how to measure for a replacement door:
- Measure the width and height of the door at three points (top, middle, and bottom for the width; left, middle, and right for the height). You’ll need the biggest measurements.
- Measure the thickness of the door.
- If you’re not replacing just the door (meaning the slab door) but the entire door unit, you’ll have to remove the door trim to measure the opening.
- Measure the jamb width from the outside edge of one jamb to the outside edge of the opposite jamb. Measure at three different points and write down the largest measurement.
- To measure the height of an interior door, you should run the tape from the floor to the top edge of the jamb.
- For the height of exterior doors, measure from the top of the horizontal jamb to the bottom of the threshold. If flooring covers the threshold, measure the sill height separately.
- Run the rape from the interior jamb edge to the exterior edge to measure the depth. Do not include the trim or siding in this measurement.
- If you don’t have any doors/frames installed, you’ll have to measure the rough opening. Set the tape against the edge of the opening and trace it to the opposite brick at three different points.
Without a doubt, this process is much easier if you’re dealing with a standard exterior door size. If you have a custom door, it may be more difficult, so if you’re not sure how to measure your door accurately, it’s best to contact an expert. This is the most important step in the process that ensures the new door will fit perfectly. Otherwise, you may have to pay for adjustments or even order new doors that are correctly sized.
Final Thoughts
Understanding standard door sizes in Canada is essential for any home improvement project. This can significantly improve the functionality of your doors – the right entry doors enhance security, curb appeal, and energy efficiency, while interior doors ensure privacy, comfort, and design. Whether you opt for standard or custom door sizes, accurate measurement and consideration of various factors will ensure the best fit for your home.
If you plan to replace your doors and are looking for a trustworthy company that provides fully customized solutions, book your free consultation with Magic! We can’t wait to turn your ideas into reality!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the standard sizes for entry doors in Canada?
The standard sizes for entry doors in Canada are typically 34 to 36 inches in width and 80 inches in height.
What is the standard door opening size in Canada?
The standard door opening size in Canada ranges from 24 to 36 inches in width and 80 to 84 inches in height for one door panel. The size varies depending on where the door is installed, the size of the room, and the ceiling height.
What are the benefits of standard door sizes?
Standard door sizes streamline the renovation process and decrease manufacturing costs, ensuring compatibility with most frames. This approach not only simplifies replacements but also enhances overall efficiency in home improvements.
When should I consider custom door options?
You should consider custom door options when your architectural style is unique, you have non-standard door openings, or you require specific design features that are not available with standard doors.
What factors should I consider when selecting a door size?
When selecting a door size, it is essential to consider architectural style, building codes, accessibility, security, natural light, door swing direction, and your personal preferences. These factors will ensure that the door meets both functional and aesthetic needs.