Choosing the right door size can make or break a renovation or new build. Get it wrong and you face costly frame changes, gaps or doors that simply will not fit. At AMS Doors, Timber and Hardware, we help homeowners, builders and renovators select doors in sizes that suit Australian homes. This guide explains standard heights, widths and thicknesses, plus how to measure correctly.
Key Takeaways
- The most common internal door size is 2040 mm x 820 mm.
- Internal doors are usually 35 mm thick, while external doors are often 40 mm.
- Taller doors such as 2340 mm and 2400 mm suit modern high ceilings.
- Accessible homes may need wider doors with larger clear openings.
- Always measure the opening before ordering a new door.
Why Door Sizes Matter
Doors are one of the most used features in any home. They affect how you move between rooms, how furniture gets in and out and how the space looks and feels. A door that is too small can feel cramped, while one that is too large may not fit the frame or wall.
In Australia, most doors follow a set of standard sizes. Knowing these sizes helps you plan renovations, compare products and avoid expensive mistakes.
Standard Internal Door Sizes
The most common internal door size in Australian homes is 2040 mm high by 820 mm wide, with a thickness of 35 mm. This size suits bedrooms, living areas and most hallways.
According to building inspection company Houspect's guide to door sizes, the standard interior door measures 820 mm x 2040 mm, with narrower doors starting from around 600 mm for tight spaces.
Common internal door widths include:
- 620 MM: Linen cupboards, small storage spaces and some toilets
- 720 MM: Bathrooms, laundries and ensuites
- 770 MM: Smaller bedrooms and secondary rooms
- 820 MM: The most popular width for bedrooms and living spaces
- 870 MM and 920 MM: Wider openings for main rooms or improved accessibility
Narrower widths such as 310 mm to 520 mm are also available for pantry or cupboard doors.
Standard Door Heights
While 2040 mm is the traditional standard height, many modern homes now use taller doors to match higher ceilings.
- 2040 MM: The classic height found in most existing Australian homes.
- 2100 MM: A slightly taller option that is becoming more common in new builds.
- 2340 MM: Popular in homes with 2.7 metre ceilings, creating a more open feel.
- 2400 MM: Suits contemporary homes with high ceilings and a premium look.
Taller doors can make rooms feel larger and more refined. However, they may require custom frames and should be matched with suitable hardware.
Standard External Door Sizes
External doors are usually larger and stronger than internal doors. They must handle weather, provide security and make a strong first impression.
Houspect notes that a common external door size is 870 mm x 2040 mm, with widths available up to 1200 mm and a typical thickness of 40 mm. External doors are built to withstand wind, heat and rain, so they are generally heavier and more solid than internal doors.
Popular external door options include:
- Single entrance doors in 820 mm to 1200 mm widths
- Entrance doors with sidelights for a grander look
- French doors for patios and outdoor living areas
- Pivot doors for statement entrances
Door Thickness Explained
- 35 MM: The standard thickness for most internal doors.
- 40 MM: Common for external doors and some solid internal doors.
- Thicker Options: Used for specialist doors, larger entrances or added security.
Thicker doors are heavier, so hinges, frames and handles must be chosen to suit.
Door Sizes and Accessibility
Door width matters more than many people realise. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 5.5 million Australians, or 21.4 percent of the population, had disability in 2022. More than half of Australians aged 65 and over had disability.
The Australian Disability Network also notes that 3 in 10 people with mobility or communication challenges reported difficulty accessing buildings or facilities. Wider doors make homes easier to use for people with mobility aids, prams or walking frames.
Building rules are changing too. A voluntary standard published by the Australian Building Codes Board, available through Building Better Homes, recommends a minimum clear opening of 850 mm for key doors, compared with 820 mm under the standard Livable Housing Design requirements. Note that the clear opening is the usable space when the door is open, which is narrower than the door leaf itself.
Research supports this focus on accessible design. A study published in Disability and Rehabilitation found that adequate space and accessible features are key to independent living in apartments designed for people with disability. Another Australian study in the Australian Journal of Social Issues explored how people with mobility impairment experience home accessibility, highlighting the value of thoughtful design.
As The Conversation reports, the proportion of Australians with disability has risen in recent years, partly due to an ageing population. Planning for wider doors now can help homes stay comfortable for decades.
How to Measure for a Replacement Door
Accurate measurements save time and money. Follow these steps:
- Measure the width of the opening inside the frame at the top, middle and bottom. Use the smallest measurement.
- Measure the height from the floor or sill to the underside of the head jamb on both sides.
- Check the thickness of the existing door and the depth of the frame rebate.
- Note the hinge positions if you plan to reuse the existing frame.
- Consider floor coverings such as carpet or tiles that may affect clearance.
If your measurements fall between standard sizes, a door may be trimmed slightly or a custom size may be needed.
Choosing the Right Door for Your Home
Understanding Australian door sizes helps you choose the right doors for comfort, functionality, accessibility and a cohesive look throughout your home.
- Match the door size to the room's use and traffic.
- Consider ceiling height when choosing door height.
- Think about future needs, including accessibility.
- Choose hardware rated for the door's weight.
- Ask for professional advice if the opening is unusual.
At AMS Doors, Timber and Hardware, you can browse range of internal doors in a wide choice of sizes and styles.
Conclusion
Understanding Australian door sizes helps you choose doors that fit properly, look great and suit your home for years to come. From standard 2040 mm doors to taller and wider options, the right size makes all the difference. For expert advice and quality doors, speak with AMS Doors, Timber and Hardware. Contact us today to find your perfect fit.
FAQs:
What is the standard internal door size in Australia?
The most common internal door size is 2040 mm high, 820 mm wide and 35 mm thick.
What is the standard front door size in Australia?
Front doors are commonly 2040 mm high and 820 to 870 mm wide, usually around 40 mm thick.
How thick is a standard internal door?
Most standard internal doors in Australia are 35 mm thick, while external doors are often 40 mm thick.
What size is a bathroom door in Australia?
Bathroom and laundry doors are often 720 mm wide, though 820 mm offers better access for everyone.
What door width is needed for wheelchair access?
Livable housing standards require clear openings of at least 820 mm, with 850 mm recommended for better access.
Can a door be cut to fit a smaller opening?
Yes, many doors can be trimmed slightly, but large adjustments may weaken the door or affect warranties.
