French doors are a classic and elegant addition to any home. With their large glass panes and delicate dividers, they allow ample natural light into a space while providing a beautiful architectural focal point.
But before installing these iconic doors, it’s important to understand how big they can be, specifically the maximum and minimum dimensions in centimetres. This ensures you select French doors that fit your space perfectly.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about French door sizes in CM, including:
Standard French Door Sizes in CM
French doors come in various standard widths and heights to fit most standard door openings. Here are some of the most common exterior and interior French door dimensions in CM:
Exterior French Doors
- Width: 60cm, 70cm, 80cm, 90cm, 100cm
- Height: 200cm, 210cm, 220cm
Interior French Doors
- Width: 60cm, 70cm, 80cm, 90cm
- Height: 200cm, 210cm
As you can see, standard exterior French doors typically range from 60cm to 100cm wide and 200cm to 220cm tall. Interior French doors are commonly 60cm to 90cm wide and 200cm to 210cm tall.
Custom French Door Sizes in CM
While standard sizes work for many homes, custom French door dimensions allow for a perfect fit in unique spaces. Custom doors can be made in almost any size, but there are some typical maximum and minimum dimensions:
Maximum Dimensions
- Exterior Width: 190cm
- Exterior Height: 300cm
- Interior Width: 120cm
- Interior Height: 250cm
Minimum Dimensions
- Exterior Width: 60cm
- Exterior Height: 200cm
- Interior Width: 50cm
- Interior Height: 200cm
Exterior French doors can range from 60cm to 190cm wide and 200cm to 300cm tall. Interior French doors range from 50cm to 120cm wide and 200cm to 250cm tall.
French Door Terminology
When shopping for French doors, you’ll encounter some important terminology related to size:
- Brick Opening Size: The dimensions of the actual opening in the wall where the door unit will be installed. Brick opening sizes must be slightly larger than the frame size.
- Rough Opening Size: The brick opening size of about 2.5cm added to the width and height to account for shims during installation.
- Frame Size: The overall exterior dimensions of the pre-hung door unit, including one French door panel on each side and the frame.
- Door Panel Size: The width and height of a single French door panel or side. Double this dimension for the total width of a typical double French door.
How to Measure for French Doors in CM
Accurately measuring your opening is crucial for getting a properly fitting set of French doors. Follow these steps:
Gather Tools
You’ll need a metal tape measure, a pencil, paper, and a helper.
Measure Width
Measure across the top, middle, and bottom of the opening. Use the smallest measurement.
Measure Height
Measure from floor to top on the left and right sides. Use the largest measurement.
Determine Rough Opening Size
Add 2.5cm to the width and height measurements for your rough opening size.
Compare to French Door Sizes
Use your rough opening size to pick appropriately sized doors.
Factors That Limit French Door Sizes
While French doors can be pretty large, there are some practical limitations on maximum sizes:
- Wind load – Very wide doors are more prone to bowing or damage from wind pressure. 190cm is generally the maximum safe width.
- Hinge strength – Standard hinges can only support so much weight before sagging or breaking. Wider/taller doors may require heavy-duty hinges.
- Hardware limits – Standard handles and lock components have size limitations. Oversized doors may require custom hardware.
- Door panel weight – Larger glass panels or solid wood doors get very heavy. Consider width limits to avoid overly heavy panels.
- Aesthetics – Doors that are too large can be overwhelming and out of proportion. Carefully consider the overall look.
Is the Size of a French Door in CM Related to Its Weight?
When considering the installation of French doors, it’s important to factor in the french door weight measurement. The size of a French door in centimeters can be directly related to its weight. It’s critical to know the door’s weight when planning for installation or making any necessary structural adjustments.
French Door Terminology Cheat Sheet
To wrap up the key French door terminology:
- Brick Opening Size – Actual dimensions of the opening
- Rough Opening Size – Brick opening size + 2.5cm shim space
- Frame Size – Outside dimensions of full door unit with frame
- Door Panel Size – Width/height of single French door
Now that you’re an expert on standard and custom French door sizes in CM, it’s time to start shopping! Be sure to accurately measure your opening and use the terminology properly when ordering. With the right-sized French doors, you’ll enjoy beautiful style and abundant natural light.
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Are Bifolds More Expensive Than French DoorsI'm James Davis, a carpenter with eight years of experience in carpentry services, repairs, installations, renovations, and maintenance of interior doors. I have a diploma in carpentry and joiner trade from the Education Skills Australia Institute and take pride in delivering high-quality results to ensure customer satisfaction. I'm a blog writer for Octopus Doors Company and enjoy sharing my knowledge and tips on maintaining security measures and choosing the right door materials, paints, or handle styles. I specialize in custom-made interior doors and strive to make every home look fabulous. Contact me anytime for help with door-related issues.