Home improvements are downright interesting, from changing designs to upgrading new tools. And if you’re planning to switch to sliding doors, there are some things that you need to consider in advance. Through our detailed guide, you will know the sliding door dimensions for different door sizes.
Likewise, we will give you relevant tips on how to install one. So, let’s get started with the benefits of sliding doors in most homes and even commercial spaces.
Why sliding doors are popular?
Quick and easy access? Check! Seamless connection to outdoor areas? Check! Luxury and contemporary design? Check! Sliding doors are definitely a must-have for residential houses and even commercial buildings. These movable barriers separate two sections while also adding depth to the overall aesthetics.
There are different types of sliding doors in the market that vary according to their purpose and style. To give you an overview, here are some of the common sliding doors that you may come across during the selection process:
- Bypass doors
- Sliding bi-fold doors
- Pocket sliding Doors
- Sliding French Doors
- Patio doors
- Shoji doors
And of course, sliding doors are made from various materials. Perhaps the most popular ones are the glass doors, though vinyl and aluminum are also part of the top list. Furthermore, sliding doors are categorized depending on the number of panels. Each category differs in size, which will be discussed below.
What are the standard sliding door dimensions?
When we talk about sliding door dimensions, it’s important to note that there are actually three major sizes. Therefore, the standard size largely depends on what you choose. So, let’s take a closer look into the general types according to their size.
1. Pocket sliding door ― 30 inches width and 80 inches height
A pocket sliding door technically has one panel. Unlike normal sliding doors with two panels that connect together, this one features a door that slides into a certain section of the wall. This means that it does not come with a fixed glass panel side. Instead, only the sliding panel glides in and out conveniently.
Because of this arrangement, this kind of door type leaves enough room, especially for small areas. The transitional panel also creates an illusion of a bigger floor while maximizing the space inside.
Interior designers also incorporate this kind of setup even in big houses because of its design. Not only that but a pocket sliding door is a bit cheaper compared to a 2-panel and a 3-panel sliding door. So, if you want a replacement of your old, existing door without breaking the bank, this is a good option.
Now, for the standard measurements, pocket doors are generally 30 inches wide and 80 inches tall. These dimensions are somehow associated with the name of the door types itself―pocket doors, which means small!
2. Two-panel sliding doors ― 60 to 96 inches wide and 80 inches tall
With its popularity in the field of interior design, you have probably seen a lot of two-panel doors in the market or even the media world. As the most in-demand type of glass door size, there are several standard widths for a 2-panel door. These are 60 inches, 72 inches, and 96 inches wide.
Meanwhile, the standard height for doors is just the same. Most doors are 80 inches tall, which is the normal height for all door types. The panels that encompass the door can be both transitional or one is fixed while the other is movable.
One of the major advantages of a two-panel sliding door is the fact that it brings in bigger and better lighting. So, when you open the door, it smoothly blurs the borders between the indoor and outdoor sections, creating a larger scene with better views!
So, if you have enough space in your place, then this would be a great option. But of course, this would be much pricier compared to a pocket sliding door because of the additional sliding glass panel. More so, there would be other expenses for the installation of the materials.
3. Three-panel sliding doors ― 108 to 144 inches and 80 inches tall
Now, when we talk about three-panel sliding doors, these are the most recommended choice for panoramic patios. You can expect natural sunlight to enter the multi-panel and provide you with a scenic and relaxing ambiance.
Many also love how easy it is to interact from the inside and from the outside because of the expansive doors. That is why these doors are quite popular in high-end houses and even mansions. Aside from the luxury feel and seamless access, these doors provide extra security.
Sliding doors with multiple sliding screen doors are also known to be energy efficient. This type of door is generally designed to fit securely into the door frame to ensure that there are no gaps along the tracks. More so, the glass materials work amazingly in insulating the temperature while minimizing air loss.
Having a three-panel sliding door is truly a great addition to your home, adding value to the structure itself. Considering the number of panels, the glass door dimensions would definitely be bigger, especially the width.
The standard width ranges from 108 inches to 144 inches. These are the most common dimensions for 3-panel sliding doors that are widely adapted by many companies.
And more often than not, the cost settles around $1000 up to $5000, which makes these doors very pricey. So, if you’ve got extra budget and space, this would be a perfect option.
But wait, there’s more!
While most manufacturers follow the standard sliding glass door sizes as much as possible, you can still request the customization of your sliding doors. Simply provide your own dimensions and let the experts do the magic in building custom-built sliding doors.
However, you need to know beforehand that replacements are costly for custom-made doors. It’s because of the limited availability of the materials as well as the variance of the process to create a unique piece. Aside from being a challenge, these can be very expensive.
What are some relevant factors before making your purchase?
When buying a sliding door, there are important things that you need to know in advance. First, you should know the type of framing material that you need. Then, decide on the specific configurations of the door. Pick your preferred frame size so you can decide the dimension of the panels.
It is also imperative that you have an idea of the different components. These include the head, hinge, door frame, jamb, slide, and locking system, among others. After understanding the key parts, take your time to understand the unique features of the door since there are lots of options in the market.
Some sliding doors are recognized for their security and locking aspect while others are remarkably weather-resistant and energy-efficient. Likewise, there are lots of color options and styles to consider. Lastly, you need to ensure that the cost would fit your budget.
What are the key steps when installing a sliding door?
Installing sliding doors can be physically challenging, especially if you don’t have a penchant for DIY work. But just in case you want to try your skills, below are the steps that you need to follow:
Step1. Make sure that door fits perfectly into the frame.
Before anything else, measure the size of the door frame to pick the appropriate panel. Since you already know the standard sizes of the sliding doors, just take your time and choose the correct dimension.
Step2. Get ready for the opening.
Remove any obstruction that would interfere with the door or the glass system. In doing this, you may need to take the header and the side first. And if there are recessed bottom tracks in the system, then cutting would be necessary. Don’t forget to also caulk the opening along the edges and the bottom too.
Step3. Install the track.
Once you’ve created the opening, you may now install the track. During this step, you should keep an eye on how the tracks are waterproofed properly.
Step4. Prepare the panels.
If the door frame and track are ready, it’s time to install the panels. For glass walls, you need to be very careful. Also, if you opted for frameless glass, all screws that are attached to key components should be well concealed. You may also need assistance in carrying these panels, so let someone help you out.
Step5. Align the new door securely.
Check all alignments, especially the areas between the door and the wall. The glass panels should also slide smoothly along the track. And if their issues during this step, be sure to resolve them immediately.
If you want to skip these steps and avoid the hassle, you can get help from the manufacturers. Often than not, they offer installation services to make it easier for you.
Conclusion
Whether you pick a two-panel or a three-panel sliding door, you won’t go wrong with installing these doors in your home. These are nice investments that would surely add character to your entire aesthetics. Plus, you’d love the efficiency and functionality of these materials that make your home more beautiful.