French doors are beloved for their ability to bring in light and create an open, airy feel. These beautiful doors, with their two swinging panels, are a popular choice for both interior and exterior spaces.
While French doors come in various sizes, you might be wondering, “What’s the biggest size possible?” This guide will explore the world of large, custom French doors and show you how to order them.
Standard French Door Sizes
Let’s begin with the sizes you’ll typically find for French doors. These are considered the usual, or “standard,” dimensions.
- Height: Most French doors are approximately 80 inches tall, comparable to a very tall person. Some may be shorter or taller based on different requirements.
- Width: The width varies more often. Common widths include 36, 48, or 60 inches, which are designed for comfortable passage.
Here’s a handy table of typical French door sizes:
| Width (inches) | Height (inches) |
|---|---|
| 36 | 80 |
| 48 | 80 |
| 60 | 80 |
These sizes are suitable for many homes, but sometimes, a larger door is required. If you are interested in learning more, be sure to see our standard french door sizes chart.
Going Big: Custom French Doors
If you desire a truly grand French door, you’ll need to consider custom options. Custom doors are made to your exact specifications, providing ultimate design flexibility.
- Extra Wide Doors: French doors can be manufactured much wider than the standard sizes. Some can reach up to 9.84 feet wide, like combining three or more regular doors!
- Extra Tall Doors: Doors can also exceed the 80-inch height to suit spaces with high ceilings.
Here are some examples of larger custom sizes:
- 60″ x 80″
- 72″ x 80″
- 84″ x 80″
For very large doors, you’ll need to order from a company that specializes in custom designs.
Why Choose Large French Doors?
There are several compelling reasons to opt for larger French doors:
- Increased Natural Light: Larger glass panels allow more sunlight to flood into your room, creating a brighter, more inviting space.
- Enhanced Openness: Big doors can make your rooms feel more spacious and connected to the outdoors.
- Sophisticated Style: Large doors can bring an element of elegance and style to your home.
- Easy Movement: Large doors make it easier to move oversized items in and out of your home.
How to Measure for Large French Doors
Accurate measurements are essential when ordering custom doors. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare: Gather a tape measure, pen, and paper. Consider having a helper.
- Clear the Area: Remove any obstructions around the door opening.
- Measure Width: Take width measurements at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the largest of these measurements.
- Measure Height: Measure on the left, center, and right of the opening. Use the largest of these measurements.
- Measure Depth: If necessary, measure the depth of the door frame area.
- Verify: Double-check all measurements to ensure accuracy.
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Prepare | Gather tape measure, paper, pen, and a helper. |
| 2. Clear Area | Remove any items near the door opening. |
| 3. Measure Width | Top, middle, and bottom. Use the largest measurement. |
| 4. Measure Height | Left, middle, and right. Use the largest measurement. |
| 5. Measure Depth | Measure the depth of the door frame. |
| 6. Verify | Double-check all measurements for accuracy. |
Retain these measurements for your custom door order. If you are interested in learning more about measurement, see our article about the thickness of a french door, which provides further details on door sizes.
Material Choices for French Doors
French doors can be made from a variety of materials, each with unique characteristics:
- Wood Doors: Known for their classic, natural beauty and design flexibility. Wood doors require regular maintenance.
- Metal (Aluminum or Steel) Doors: These are strong, durable, and offer good protection against the weather.
- Fiberglass Doors: These doors are strong, durable, weather resistant, and affordable.
- Vinyl Doors: These are low-maintenance, easy to clean, rust-free, and will not fade.
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Classic style, natural beauty, customizable | Requires regular upkeep, may be damaged by weather |
| Aluminum | Strong, long-lasting, good for varied weather conditions | Can be more expensive than other options |
| Steel | Very strong, good for security, good insulation | Can be heavy, may rust |
| Fiberglass | Durable, weather-resistant, low-maintenance, affordable | May not have a traditional aesthetic |
| Vinyl | Easy to clean, long-lasting, does not rust or fade, affordable | May not have a natural or classic appearance |
Your best choice will depend on your personal taste, budget, and local weather conditions. If you want to learn about the difference between some popular options, take a look at our article comparing steel vs wood french doors.
How to Order Custom French Doors
Ordering custom French doors is a multi-step process:
- Find a Door Company: Start by finding a reputable company that specializes in custom doors. Many companies like Hotian Windows & Doors, Home Depot and Emerald Doors may be able to help you.
- Explore Online: Review their website to explore different door styles and material options.
- Consult with an Expert: Discuss your specific needs with a door expert and ask questions about materials and styles.
- Provide Measurements: Share the exact measurements of your door opening.
- Choose Your Style: Decide on the desired look, including glass types, materials, and hardware finishes.
- Request a Quote: Ask for a detailed price quote. Be aware that custom doors typically cost more than standard options.
- Place Your Order: Once you are happy with all the options, place the order.
- Arrange Installation: Have a qualified professional install your custom door. Professional installation ensures proper fit and performance.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Find Company | Search for a company that creates custom doors. |
| 2. Explore Online | Look at door styles and materials on their website. |
| 3. Consult Expert | Discuss your needs with a door expert. |
| 4. Provide Size | Provide the exact measurements of your door opening. |
| 5. Choose Style | Choose your preferred look and material (glass, wood, metal, etc.). |
| 6. Request Quote | Ask for the cost of the custom door. |
| 7. Place Order | Order when you’re ready to move forward. |
| 8. Arrange Installation | Hire a professional for installation. |
The Maximum French Door Size
What’s the largest size French door you can get? It’s important to realize that there isn’t a single “largest” size. It depends on your individual needs and the manufacturer’s capabilities. The largest French doors are custom made, and they can be enormous. They can be up to 9.84 feet wide when incorporating sidelights. If you are interested in learning more, please note that doors that large will need a frame. If you are interested in learning more about that, read our post: do french doors need a frame.
Remember these are maximum custom sizes. Standard sizes are smaller.
Ordering from Hotian
Hotian is a specialized door manufacturer that can craft custom French doors, including very large sizes. If you have unique requirements, consider visiting our custom french doors page on the Hotian website to explore the possibilities and discuss your specific needs. We are able to produce doors to fulfill almost any size need.
Important Considerations
- Measure Twice: Precision in measuring is crucial. Always double-check.
- Seek Professional Advice: Consult a door expert for valuable guidance.
- Material Selection: Choose a material that suits your style and environment.
- Local Regulations: Be sure that you understand all local building codes.
Conclusion
Large, custom French doors can transform your home, offering abundant natural light and a seamless transition to the outdoors. If you require doors of a unique size, custom options are your best choice. Take the time to measure carefully, explore your material options, and work with a company that specializes in custom designs. This will ensure that you get the perfect French doors for your space.
