Standard Patio Door Size: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Are you planning to install a patio door but are still unsure about the right size? We've got all the answers! Below, you'll find the standard patio door size for each patio door style, including sliding glass doors, French patio doors, and bi-fold patio doors. Plus, you’ll find some tips that will help you choose the perfect fit for your home and climate!

Key Takeaways

• Standard patio door sizes range from 48 to 192 inches in width and 80 to 96 inches in height.
• Sliding patio door sizes range from 60 to 192 inches in width and from 80 to 96 inches in height.
• French patio doors can measure between 48 and 96 inches in width and 80 and 96 inches in height.
• A bi-fold door's size is based on how many panels it has. A panel's width ranges from 30 to 47 inches, while its height ranges from 70 to 90 inches.
• When looking for patio doors, make sure to prioritize energy efficiency, especially if you want them to be large, to avoid excessive solar heat gain and heat loss.

Standard Patio Door Sizes Based On Door Style

The size of a patio door depends on its style. The most common patio door styles are sliding glass doors, French patio doors, and bi-fold doors. Below, you'll find the standard patio door sizes for each style.

Sliding Glass Door Sizes

Standard widths for sliding patio doors range between 60 and 192 inches, depending on how many panels the doors have. Standard heights for glass sliding doors are 80 inches, 82 inches, and 96 inches. The table below shows all possible standard sliding glass door dimension variations:

French Patio Doors Sizes

Standard widths of French patio doors range from 48 to 96 inches, while the standard height of French patio doors is 80 inches. However, houses with high ceilings can install French patio doors as high as 96 inches. The most common French patio door size is 72 in x 80 in.

Bi-fold Patio Doors Sizes

Bi-fold patio door sizes can vary based on how many panels you want to install. Here are the minimum and maximum widths and heights of bi-fold panels:

You can usually install bi-fold doors with as many as 14 panels which can cover an entire wall. Magic's Window Wall, for example, consisting of folding panels, can reach a width of as many as 50 feet!

Custom-Sized Patio Doors

You can also order custom-sized patio doors, as the dimensions mentioned above are only the most common sizes on the market. If you have a historical home, for example, a uniquely designed interior, or a wall that doesn't accommodate standard patio door sizes, you may be able to find a manufacturer that can fully customize your patio doors.

At Magic, for example, we're always eager to work on unique projects, especially since we've brought glass production in-house! This allows us to offer personalized solutions for each client, depending on their preferences, home structure, design, budget, and climate.

Custom-sized patio doors will undoubtedly be more expensive than standard patio doors. Plus, you may have to wait more time for them to be ready. On the other hand, they're absolutely worth it if you can bring your design dream to life!

Measuring Your Space for a New Patio Door

Accurate measurements lay the foundation for a successful patio door installation because it ensures a perfect fit for superior insulation. So, if you're not sure you can get accurate measurements, you can leave this process to a professional team. If you feel confident to do it yourself, here are the steps you need to follow:

• The first step is to measure the rough opening, which is the space where the door will be installed.
• To measure the width of your patio door opening, take measurements at three points: the top, middle, and bottom.
• Similarly, measure the height at three points: the left, center, and right.
• Use the smallest measurements for the rough opening size, adding 2-3 inches for clearance.
• Double-check the measurements, and if you're not sure about anything, ask a professional to do this to avoid ordering improperly sized sliding glass panels and, implicitly, doors.

Factors Influencing Patio Door Size Selection

Selecting the right patio door size involves several key factors beyond measurements, including:

• Opening size. The existing rough opening in the wall determines the maximum possible door size. You should also take into consideration wall thickness and door frame size. You can also combine operable glass panels with fixed glass panels if the opening size is large, but you don't want the entire unit to be operable.
• Load-bearing walls. Larger doors may require structural reinforcement, such as steel or laminated beams.
• Ceiling height. Standard patio door heights are 80 in, 82 in, and 96 in, but taller doors may be needed for high ceilings.
• Functionality and space considerations. Sliding doors are great for small spaces since they don’t need clearance to open. French doors require swing clearance, which can be obstructive on the outside. Bi-fold or pocket doors are ideal for large openings and unobstructed views.
• Aesthetic and home style. Modern homes favor three-panel doors or even four-panel doors for a seamless indoor-outdoor transition. On the other hand, smaller doors with divided glass panes can integrate well in traditional homes.
• Natural light and views. Larger patio doors bring in more natural light, making spaces feel open and bright. On the other side, they can also increase solar heat gain, which can affect your energy bills if you don't choose energy-efficient options. Moreover, the size and type of glass affect visibility and the connection to outdoor spaces.
• Climate and energy efficiency. If you want large patio doors with extensive glazing area, you should consider buying double- or triple-pane doors with Low-E coatings to avoid solar heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter.
• Accessibility and building code requirements. For example, wider doors (36 in or more per panel) improve wheelchair accessibility. Moreover, some building codes require minimum egress widths for safety.

Material Choices for Patio Doors

Choosing the right material for your patio doors is crucial for durability, maintenance, and energy efficiency. Here are the most common materials used for patio doors:

• Vinyl. Vinyl patio doors are quite budget-friendly and low maintenance. They are also energy-efficient, providing excellent insulation to keep your home comfortable year-round. However, vinyl is prone to warping and cracking when constantly exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations.
• Aluminum. Aluminum patio doors are recognized for their resilience, modern look, and thin frame profile. They require minimal maintenance due to their weather-resistant properties and offer a sleek, contemporary design that enhances the aesthetic of any home! On the downside, aluminum is a good conductor of heat, which means aluminum doors are not energy efficient. They can perform well in mild climates, but if you live in a region like Ontario, your energy bills will definitely increase if you install aluminum patio doors.
• Wood. Wood patio doors are renowned for their classic look, incredible durability, and excellent energy efficiency! However, they come at a higher price and require regular maintenance to prevent issues like moisture damage, rotting, and pest infestation.
• Composite materials. Magic's Hybrid Fusion Frame is a combination of stainless steel, aluminum, and vinyl. The incredibly strong aluminum and stainless steel complement the not-so-durable vinyl, while the energy-efficient vinyl complements aluminum, which is not the best insulating material. This way, Magic patio doors last 40 years without warping and cracking, insulate your home well, and have a thin profile, maximizing glazing area!

Energy Efficiency and Insulation

If you plan to install glass patio doors, energy efficiency is one of the first things you need to consider. Even the smallest patio doors have quite extensive glazing areas, which can lead to heat loss and heat gain. If you live in a region like Ontario, installing patio doors that are not optimized for this specific climate will undoubtedly increase your energy bills and make you feel uncomfortable in your home, so you won't even be able to enjoy your patio doors that much.

As such, in terms of energy efficiency, you have the following things to consider:

• Number of panes. Patio doors can have two or three glass panes. In most regions, except Northern Canada, where it's very cold, two glass panes are enough.
• Inert gas. The glass panes are separated by an inert gas, usually krypton or argon, which serves as an insulating barrier. Krypton gas is a much better insulator than argon but also more expensive. Most homeowners choose argon gas because it serves its purpose well and is more budget-friendly.
• The space between the panes. The larger the space, the more insulated your patio doors will be. The glass panes in Magic doors, for example, are separated by a 1-inch space filled with gas, making them approximately 25% more energy efficient than other patio doors on the market.
• Low-E coatings. Low-E coatings are thin, almost transparent coatings added to the glass surface to minimize the amount of infrared and UV light passing through a window or door. At the same time, they do not affect the amount of visible light that passes through a window or door. Therefore, these coatings reduce heat gain and heat loss. They can also be installed on multiple surfaces for superior energy efficiency.
• Window treatments. You can also install energy-efficient sliding glass window treatments. For instance, you can choose to install Magic's solar shades and thermal blinds on all our windows and doors. They are fully retractable, protect your home against UV rays, improve the door's energy efficiency by 40%, offer complete privacy, and have sound-dampening properties!

Installation Tips for Homeowners

It's not recommended to replace existing doors (especially large ones) by yourself unless you have experience in this field. That's because they need to be aligned correctly and sealed properly to ensure they insulate well and perform at their best.

If a patio door is not installed correctly, it will cause drafts, water leaks, and even structural issues over time. The frame may get damaged, and door operation may be affected. Plus, improper installation can void the doors' warranty.

Although patio door installation may add to the final cost, some sliding door manufacturers offer free installation services for their products, taking this burden off your shoulders. At Magic, for example, installation is included in the price, and our bi-fold and sliding door specialists are trained to handle any issues that may appear during the installation process. If anything goes wrong or if the patio doors develop any issues along the way because of poor installation, the Magic warranty will cover any repairs.

Get The Patio Doors of Your Dreams with Magic!

Have we mentioned that the Magic Window Wall is the first product of its kind that is specifically designed for Canada's extreme climate? Our Window Wall is free of hinges and other mechanisms that could malfunction when exposed to extreme temperatures. Plus, the panels in our Window Wall interlock into one another, creating an air-tight compression seal, so the entire unit is energy-efficient in all four seasons!

Our Window Wall can incorporate different door styles, including bi-fold doors, sliding glass doors, French doors, and even pass-through windows! We can customize your patio doors (almost!) however you want, ensuring they integrate seamlessly into your home design and budget!

In short, Magic can make your dream patio doors come true, so hurry up and book your free consultation with us!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the standard dimensions for patio doors?

The standard dimensions for patio doors generally range from 48 to 192 inches in width and from 80 to 96 inches in height.

What tools do I need to measure my patio door space accurately?

To measure your patio door space accurately, you will need a tape measure, a level, and a pencil for marking your measurements. These tools ensure precise and reliable dimensions for your project.

How do I ensure my patio door is energy-efficient?

To ensure your patio door is energy-efficient, utilize double pane glass, install Low-E coatings and energy-efficient window treatments, ensure proper frame insulation, and install high-quality weatherstripping and seals.

What are the benefits of custom patio doors?

Custom patio doors provide tailored design options that ensure a precise fit for your space, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. This personalization contributes to improved energy efficiency and an increased sense of security.