Replacing the front door or any entry door in your home can be difficult, particularly if you’re unsure about standard UK door measurements. The United Kingdom is home to a variety of different property types, from rural country cottages to urban, multi-storey apartment blocks. However, most properties tend to correspond with a standard front door size, so replacing your old door should be easy.
Here, we take you through standard UK front door sizes, what to consider when choosing a front door size, and a guide to installing a new front door.
We answer your questions on understanding front door sizes and materials.
WHAT FRONT DOOR SIZES ARE AVAILABLE?
If your home is one of the majority of properties that feature standard door sizes, the good news is that replacing your front door should be quick and easy, as most suppliers will hold doors to fit your property as a stock item with a quick turnaround time. The opening you have available for your existing door will determine the standard door size or the bespoke size you need unless you’re looking to create a new opening or widen the opening to install a different style or type of door.
Of course, there are a number of variables to consider when it comes to your door dimensions; for example, if your property has a double front door and one of them has become damaged, it might be easier to replace both at the same time instead of sourcing a matching door to replace the existing set.
However, as a general rule, most properties feature standard door sizes. Once you’re certain of the size of your door frame, you should be able to find a suitable replacement front door with ease.
When it comes to replacing an external door, one of the most commonly asked questions is “what is the standard front door size in the UK?”. The answer to this question is that there are several different standard sizes, although most properties adhere to one of these. The following door frame widths are considered standard within the UK:
711.2mm or 28”
762mm or 30”
812.8mm or 32”
914.4mm or 36”
By far the most popular standard door widths in the UK are 762mm (or 30 inches) and 838mm (33 inches). A door width measuring 838mm are more commonly used in modern buildings, as they comply with regulations for disability access.
When it comes to replacing an external door, one of the most commonly asked questions is “what is the standard front door size in the UK?”. The answer to this question is that there are several different standard sizes, although most properties adhere to one of these. The following door frame widths are considered standard within the UK:
711.2mm or 28”
762mm or 30”
812.8mm or 32”
914.4mm or 36”
By far the most popular standard door widths in the UK are 762mm (or 30 inches) and 838mm (33 inches). A door width measuring 838mm are more commonly used in modern buildings, as they comply with regulations for disability access.
It is a common misconception that some properties have been built to “non-standard” door sizes. In many cases, homeowners will try to cut a standard door down to an appropriate size, or place several millimetres off the edges. This is not the most effective solution as it exposes the core of the door and could potentially weaken it, affecting security.
While the width of your doors might not adhere to the two most common sizes (762mm and 838mm), it is likely that you will still be able to find a product that has been purpose-built for your door frame size.
It is worth pointing out that most doors on the market have a 6mm edge which can be trimmed for a perfect fit, but any further cutting should be avoided as this could damage the door. Instead, you should consult with a professional to find a suitable door for your property.
Other factors to consider when choosing the best size for your front door
Door thickness
An external door should be between 40-45mm thick. Ideally, the thicker the door, the better. A thicker exterior door will provide better protection from the elements and could potentially provide better insurance against potential intruders. If you live in a property with shared access, there may be certain stipulations as to how thick your front door needs to be for health and safety purposes.
Vufold understands that first impressions count and offers a huge variety of wooden front doors to suit all property types and sizes. From traditional oak to contemporary greys, there’s something for everyone. Prices start at just £449, with the following standard sizes available:
1981mm x 762mm
1981mm x 838mm
2032mm x 812mm
Find out more about the choices we have on offer in the table below:
When it comes to installing your new front door, you should also consider the cost of installation alongside the cost of the door by itself.
Think about the following questions:
Does the old door need to be removed professionally?
Are you replacing the door frame too?
Is any customisation required (such as the frame needing to be re-sized)?
Do letterboxes, an additional lock, door knockers or handles need to be installed?
When installing your front door, you should also consider the additional aspects that will likely add to the costs. These include:
Extra finishes – Door finishes include factors such as whether you want a wooden door to be oiled or waxed to give it a more premium finish.
Door furniture – Your front door has many purposes. As well as being the main physical entrance to your house, you will need to think about what features you would like to be added to it to make it more useful.
Custom-made doors – a custom made door is totally unique to you and your specification. As it is made to your own unique requirement, it can be slightly more expensive.
Old door disposal –some companies offer free disposal of your old door in exchange for fitting your new one. Do your research and find out if this is available. If not, you will need to find a business near you that will take old front doors off your hands and how you can get the door to them.
What front door materials are available for a new front door?
Solid wood, uPVC and composite are the three most common materials used for front doors. Solid timber doors are traditional in design, naturally thermally efficient and strong, but they are susceptible to rot and degradation due to weather exposure unless vary carefully maintained.
Here at Vufold, our Ultimate external front doors have a cross-laminated hardwood foam (CLPF) core which offers excellent insulation and strength. This is covered with a five-layer cross-grained hardwood sheet for ultimate durability, and a hardwood veneer that is factory-finished with a microporous coating to provide excellent weather protection.
uPVC doors are affordable and low maintenance, but they are not as durable as other materials and they don't always have the most sophisticated look, particularly for very traditional properties.
It is possible to replace a glass panel in a front door. However, in order to maintain the thermal efficiency, strength and security of the original door, you should aim to replace the glazing like-for-like with that of the original.
CAN A FRONT DOOR OPEN OUTWARDS?
Most front doors open inwards. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, it means that the hinge mechanism is located on the inside of the property to make the door more secure. Secondly, it prevents the door from being caught in the wind when opened and potentially causing damage. Thirdly, it is simply easier to answer the door to visitors without the risk of bumping into them with the door.
It is possible to fit an outward opening entrance door if you prefer. If you are purchasing an Ultimate front door to fit into an existing frame, it can be fitted to open inward or outward. However, when you buy an Ultimate front door with our frame kit, the door can only be fitted to open inwards.
HOW WIDE SHOULD MY FRONT DOOR BE?
There is no standardised external door size in the UK. However, the most common door size is 762mm wide and 1981mm high. When measuring for a new front door, keep in mind that the actual size of the aperture will be a little larger than the size of the door itself to account for the door frame.
Rick is an expert in lean practices and principles, and how they’re applied to manufacturing, warehouse, administration and management of the business. As an operations director he oversees all areas of the business ensuring they run as efficiently as possible and has worked his way up through virtually every department since he joined us 13 years ago.