What is a standard external front door size?
There’s no single standard door size in the UK (the same applies to the strongest front door), but several sizes are widely used by both homeowners and door manufacturers. The most common door width in England and Wales is 2’6” (30 inches or 762mm). In Scotland, doors tend to be slightly narrower, typically measuring around 28.5 inches (726mm).
It’s also worth noting that the definition of a ‘standard’ door can vary slightly from installer to installer, depending on their product range and fitting approach. At Hazlemere, we would class standard doors as those measuring 2’6” x 6’6” (762mm x 1981mm), however all our doors are made-to-measure doors, so we are well experienced with non-standard openings.
Why Knowing UK Standard Door Sizes Matters
Knowing the standard door sizes in the UK and understanding how tall are doors in UK homes can make a big difference to your project. While we only offer made-to-order doors rather than stock sizes at Hazlemere, knowing the common dimensions can still guide your decisions, particularly when it comes to ensuring compliance with Part M accessibility guidelines and achieving the right clear-opening widths.
Being familiar with standard sizing also means you’ll be better prepared when discussing requirements with our installers and designers, helping the project run more smoothly from start to finish.
It’s also worth knowing about the best front door colours before you come to sit down with any door specialist.
UK Door Size Conventions: Metric, Imperial & Their Equivalents
When it comes to standard internal door sizes in the UK, both metric and imperial naming systems are still widely used. For example, you might see a door referred to as “2 ft 6” in older buildings or by certain suppliers, but that’s exactly the same as 762 mm in metric terms. It’s worth understanding both, especially if you’re juggling product specs, trade conversations, or renovation plans.
In England and Wales, imperial sizes like 2’3”, 2’6” and 2’9” are common, while Scotland leans more towards metric measurements, particularly in newer homes, where 2040 mm tall doors are often specified.
To make life easier, here’s a quick-reference table of common standard door sizes, including both width and height in metric and imperial units:
Standard Internal Door Sizes (Most UK Homes)
The 1981 mm × 762 mm slab is the workhorse of standard interior door sizes in the UK. Commonly referred to as “2’6” × 6’6” in imperial, it strikes a reliable balance of width and accessibility, making it the go-to choice in many English and Welsh homes.
Then there’s the 2040 mm tall series, now widely adopted in modern Scottish new-builds and gaining popularity elsewhere, especially in properties aiming for a more contemporary, loftier feel. These often come in widths like 726 mm, 826 mm, and 926 mm.
To make comparing sizes simple, the chart below pairs up imperial and metric labels with where each size is most often used. This quick-reference guide should take the guesswork out of choosing the right fit, whether you’re upgrading, replacing, or specifying for a new project.
Standard External Front & Back Door Sizes
When it comes to front and back doors in the UK, there’s a fairly consistent set of standard sizes to choose from. The most common external door dimensions start at 1981 mm in height, with widths ranging from 762 mm to 1020 mm. These sizes suit the majority of traditional door openings, making replacements straightforward and widely compatible with most off-the-shelf frames.
However, in recent years, 2010 mm × 900 mm has become a widely quoted size for standard external doors, particularly by installers and manufacturers working with modern properties or replacement doors. These taller, broader slabs offer a more generous feel and often align better with accessibility standards and aesthetic preferences.
For more design-led homes, even taller doors like 2040 mm and 2184 mm are growing in popularity, especially for main entrances where a sense of scale and impact is desired.
It’s also worth knowing that slab thickness can vary depending on the door material. Timber doors typically range from 44 mm to 56 mm, composite doors often sit around 44 mm to 70 mm, and UPVC door slabs tend to be slimmer. This difference isn’t just aesthetic, it can affect insulation, security, and hardware compatibility. For those who want to personalise their home, modern types of doors offer a wide palette beyond the traditional white.
To help you weigh up the best fit, we’ll break down the most common external door sizes and materials in a handy chart below.
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Different Door Types Different Door Sizes
There’s a plethora of different types of doors if seeking a front door replacement, so their typical sizes will vary. You wouldn’t expect bi-folding doors to be the same size as a traditional front door.
Each style serves a different purpose, whether it’s creating flow between indoors and out or keeping your home secure.
That’s why understanding the UK standard door sizes for each door type can save time, avoid installation headaches, and help you make the right call from the outset.
Pair / Double Doors
Paired doors, also known as double doors, typically span from 915 mm (3 ft) up to around 1512 mm (just under 5 ft), with the most common height being the standard 1981 mm (6 ft 6 in).
These doors are popular for larger interior openings or elegant entrances and often require two perfectly matched leaves to achieve a balanced look.
French Doors
French doors combine classic charm with practical access. Internal French doors usually range in thickness from 35–40 mm, whereas external French doors tend to be a chunkier 44 mm for improved insulation and security.
Sizes typically vary from 36 in (approx. 914 mm) to 60 in (approx. 1524 mm) in standard door width UK, accommodating everything from snug period cottages to expansive patio openings. Many homeowners also opt for side panels to widen the glazed area of e.g. a modern grey front door.
Sliding & Bi-Fold Systems
Sliding and bi-folding doors are built around panel configuration, so the overall standard door sizes depend on how many panels you choose and how wide you want the clear opening to be.
A compact two-panel sliding door might measure 1800 mm wide, while a large bi-folding set could stretch to 6400 mm across seven panels. It’s important to match the setup to your aperture width, taking into account the stacking space. Both doors have a vast amount of glass in their design.
Garage Doors
The two most common garage door sizes in the UK are 1981 mm × 2134 mm (6 ft 6 in × 7 ft) and 2134 mm × 2134 mm (7 ft × 7 ft). These suit most single garages and are usually seen in up-and-over or sectional designs.
Where a side garage door is installed, it may also need to meet Building Regulations as a fire exit or escape route, especially if it provides the only alternative access to the house.
Fire Doors
Fire doors are a critical safety feature, so their sizing is more regulated. The most common imperial fire door widths are 27 in, 30 in, and 32 in, while metric sizes often follow the 2040 mm height standard with widths of 626 mm, 726 mm, and 926 mm.
Fire ratings like FD30 (30 minutes) and FD60 (60 minutes) also influence the overall frame setup. You’ll need intumescent seals, the right frame clearances, and certified ironmongery to ensure compliance.
Measuring Correctly: Step-by-Step
Getting your measurements right from the start makes everything smoother, from choosing the right door to ensuring it fits like a glove. Here’s how to do it properly.
If you’re replacing a door, start by measuring the width and height of the opening, ideally from brick to brick or render to render on the outside. For height, measure from the top of the aperture to just underneath the cill. Take each measurement in three places (top, middle, bottom for width; left, centre, and right for height) to allow for any irregularities. This accounts for any wonky frames or irregularities. Always use the smallest measurement to guide your order.
For a new opening or where the old door has already been removed, you can measure the door itself or the internal reveal, but bear in mind this may not give you the full picture.
Being accurate at this stage can save you time, money, and the hassle of returns or re-stocking fees later down the line.
Fortunately for Hazlemere customers, our team is more than happy to pop out and take those precise measurements for you, so you can relax knowing it’s all in hand.
We’re committed to providing you with information on topics you’re searching for. If there is a topic you feel we haven’t yet covered, feel free to get in touch.
Looking for a new replacement door?
From French and patio to bi-folding, we offer an incredible variety of doors inlcuding the latest front and back door designs, all of which are made to measure for the perfect fit to your home.
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