How Wide Is a Patio Door | Standard Patio Door Widths and Sizing Guide

Most sliding patio doors are designed to fit a standard patio door width that is a multiple of a typical door panel size. These sizes are based on the rough opening of the wall, which is the frame that the door fits into. Understanding these sizes is the first step to making a smart purchase for your home.

The most common widths for a two-panel sliding patio door are:

• 60 inches (5 feet): This is the smallest common size and is a popular choice for smaller homes or spaces where a wider door isn't possible.
• 72 inches (6 feet): This is probably the most common standard patio door width you will find. It offers a good balance of size and is a perfect fit for many homes.
• 96 inches (8 feet): For a larger opening that provides a wider view and more natural light, a 96-inch door is a great option.
• 108 inches (9 feet) or 144 inches (12 feet): These sizes are available for homes with larger openings, and they often come with three or four sliding panels.

Keep in mind that when you're looking at these widths, the average size of patio door refers to the rough opening in the wall, not the actual door panel itself. The door panels will be slightly smaller to allow for proper clearance and smooth operation. The right door can truly transform a space by creating a seamless transition from your indoor living area to your backyard. It's a key part of our design philosophy at Modern Yardz, where we focus on creating beautiful and functional outdoor spaces. We can help you with a new patio design, and we can also add new features like new patio covers and pergolas or new landscape lighting to your yard. For more information on how we can help you with your new project, please contact us.

Are French Patio Doors Wider Than Sliding Doors?

This is a great question, and the answer is that it really depends on the specific door and the number of panels. When you're trying to figure out how wide is a patio door, it's important to know that both French doors and sliding doors come in a variety of widths. A two-panel French door can have a standard patio door width that is very similar to a two-panel sliding door. However, French doors are often available in more custom configurations, which can give you more flexibility if you are looking for a wider opening. The average size of patio door is very similar for both types, but French doors can offer more options.

A standard two-panel French door might have a rough opening of 60, 72, or 96 inches. This is exactly the same as a sliding door. The main difference between the two is that French doors swing open from the middle, while a sliding door slides to one side. The real advantage of French doors in terms of width comes with multi-panel systems. You can get French door systems with three, four, or even more panels that open up to create a huge opening. These systems can be much wider than a standard sliding door, providing a luxurious and expansive feel to your outdoor space.

Choosing between a sliding door and a French door is a big decision that should be based on your personal style and the function of your outdoor space. A professional can help you decide which one is right for you. Our team at Modern Yardz specializes in creating beautiful outdoor spaces that flow seamlessly from the indoors. We can help you with the entire build process, from choosing the right door to creating a new patio. You can see some of our finished work in our design portfolio. To get started on a new project for your outdoor space, please contact us.

How Do I Measure for a New Patio Door?

Getting the right measurements for a new patio door is crucial for a successful installation. Taking the time to measure correctly will save you a lot of time and frustration later on. The most important thing to remember when measuring for a new patio door is that you need to measure the rough opening, not the door itself. A rough opening is the framed-in space in the wall that the new door will fit into. The goal is to get the most accurate measurements possible.

Here are the steps to follow for measuring:

• Measure the Width in Three Places: You should measure the width from the inside of the door frame in three different places: the top, the middle, and the bottom. Use the smallest of the three measurements as your final width. This ensures that the door will fit in the tightest spot and not get stuck. This is the only way to know for sure how wide is a patio door you need to buy.
• Measure the Height in Three Places: You should also measure the height from the subfloor to the top of the frame in three places: on the left, in the middle, and on the right. Again, you should use the smallest of these three measurements as your final height.
• Check for Squareness: Use a framing square or a tape measure to check if the frame is square. You can do this by measuring from one corner to the opposite corner. The two diagonal measurements should be exactly the same.

While a DIY approach to measuring is possible, a professional installation is the best way to ensure a perfect fit. The standard patio door width is just a starting point, and a professional can handle any customization that you might need. Our team at Modern Yardz can help you with the entire process, from measuring to installation. We can also help with other projects in your backyard. We can install new artificial turf or a new patio with pavers. We are experts in creating beautiful outdoor spaces. For more information on how wide is a patio door you need, or to get a quote on a new project, please contact us.

Can Patio Doors Be Customized to Specific Widths?

A common question that many homeowners have is whether they are limited to the standard sizes available at big box stores. The good news is that you absolutely can get patio doors customized to specific widths. While there is a standard patio door width that many manufacturers adhere to, custom-made doors offer a level of flexibility that is perfect for unique homes or renovation projects where a standard-size door just won't fit. You don't have to be limited to a specific average size of patio door if your space requires something different.

Custom patio doors are a great choice if you have a non-standard opening, want to maximize your view with larger glass panels, or need a specific configuration that a typical door doesn't offer. Manufacturers can create doors to fit nearly any rough opening you have, from very small to extremely wide. This is especially true for modern sliding and bifold doors, which can be configured with multiple panels to span a large section of a wall. The customization goes beyond just the width, as you can also choose the number of panels, the frame material, and the color to perfectly match the aesthetic of your home. It's a great way to create a truly personalized outdoor space.

Choosing a custom-width patio door ensures a precise fit, which is crucial for both aesthetics and energy efficiency. A perfectly fitted door will minimize air leaks, helping you save on heating and cooling costs. At Modern Yardz, we believe in creating outdoor spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and efficient. We can help with your entire landscape design to ensure that your new custom door integrates perfectly with your yard. We have experience with all types of projects, including the installation of new pools and spas that can be easily accessed from your new custom patio door. To get started on a project for your home, please contact us today.

What Size Patio Door Works Best for Small Spaces?

When you have a small patio or a compact room that opens to the outside, selecting the right size patio door is essential. The goal is to maximize the space you have without making the room feel cramped or overwhelmed by a large door. While the average size of patio door is often 6 or 8 feet wide, there are excellent options available that are specifically designed for smaller spaces. Understanding how wide is a patio door you can actually fit is the first step to making a smart decision.

For small spaces, a two-panel sliding door is a popular and practical choice. These doors take up no floor space when they are open because the panels slide along a track, stacking neatly on one side. A standard patio door width for a smaller sliding door is often 60 inches, or 5 feet, which is a great size for a cozy room. Another excellent option for small spaces is a narrow set of French doors. French doors, which swing open from the middle, can come in widths as small as 4 or 5 feet. However, it's important to consider the swing space needed for the doors to open, as they will take up some of your patio or indoor floor area. If you can accommodate the swing, a French door can create a charming and elegant feel.

The best door for your space will depend on the specific dimensions you have to work with and your personal style. Our team at Modern Yardz can help you make the right choice. Our professional design team can help you visualize how different door sizes and styles will look in your space. We have extensive experience creating beautiful and functional outdoor areas, and we can show you examples in our design portfolio. Whether you're considering a small sliding door or a set of French doors, we can make sure it's the perfect fit. To talk to a member of our team about your small space project, please contact us today.

Do Building Codes Limit the Width of Patio Doors?

When you're installing a new patio door, especially if you are changing the size of the opening, you might wonder about local building codes. Building codes and regulations are in place to ensure the safety and structural integrity of your home, and they can definitely impact the size and type of patio door you can install. While building codes do not typically limit the maximum how wide is a patio door can be, they often have specific requirements for things like accessibility, emergency egress, and the structural integrity of the wall.

For example, many building codes require a minimum clear opening width for doors to allow for wheelchair accessibility. This means that even a standard patio door width might need to meet a minimum width, such as 32 inches, to be compliant. These codes are in place to make homes more accessible for everyone. When you are making a structural change to your home, such as widening a door opening, you will need to get a permit from your local building department. The city will want to make sure that the new opening is structurally sound and that it meets all of the local building codes.

Understanding these regulations is crucial to a successful project. That is where our team at Modern Yardz can help. Our professionals are knowledgeable about the building codes in your area and can make sure that your new patio door project is compliant from start to finish. We handle all aspects of the build process, from the initial design to the final installation. Our team can also help with other projects in your backyard, like installing a new patio with pavers or a new concrete patio. We make sure that the entire process is stress-free for you. To talk to a member of our team about your project, please contact us today.