Promoting Freedom for Creative Architecture
As you plan for your next door installation, one of the crucial steps is determining the rough opening size. The rough opening refers to the space that needs to be created in the wall framing to accommodate the door assembly. The size of the rough opening will depend on the door size, and in this guide, we will focus on the rough opening for a 32-inch door.
Before we delve into the rough opening for a 32-inch door, let us first look at the standard door sizes available. Doors come in different sizes, and the standard sizes range from 24 inches to 36 inches in width, and 80 inches to 96 inches in height. Common door sizes include 24-inch, 28-inch, 30-inch, 32-inch, and 36-inch. The most popular size is the 32-inch door.
A rough opening is the space left in a wall to accommodate a door or a window. The rough opening is usually larger than the actual door size as it needs to leave room for the door frame, shimming, and adjustments during installation. The rough opening should be square and plumb to ensure the door can be installed correctly.
To determine the rough opening for your 32-inch door, you need to first measure the door size. The door measurement is usually the actual size of the door slab, and it excludes the door frame.
To measure the width, take the measuring tape and place it on the door edge where it meets the jamb. Measure from one side to the opposite side to get the width of the door slab. For a 32-inch door, the width will be 32 inches.
To measure the height, take the measuring tape and place it on the top of the door slab. Measure from the top edge of the door slab to the bottom edge. For a standard 32-inch door, the height will be 80 inches.
Since the rough opening needs to be larger than the actual door slab, you need to add some extra inches to the width and height. Typically, you should add 2-1/2 inches to the width and 2-1/4 inches to the height to get the rough opening size. Adding extra clearance ensures that you can install the door frame and adjust it during installation.
Using the measurements above, we can calculate the rough opening size for a 32-inch door.
The width of the door is 32 inches. Adding 2-1/2 inches to the width gives us 34-1/2 inches.
The height of the door is 80 inches. Adding 2-1/4 inches to the height gives us 82-1/4 inches.
Therefore, the rough opening size for a 32-inch door should be 34-1/2 inches in width and 82-1/4 inches in height.
While the above measurements will give you the standard rough opening size for a 32-inch door, several factors may affect the rough opening size. These factors include:
The type of wall you are installing the door may affect the rough opening size. For instance, if you are installing the door in a brick or stone wall, you will need to create a larger rough opening to accommodate the extra depth of the masonry.
The style of the door may also affect the rough opening size. For instance, some doors require a larger rough opening due to their design, such as French or sliding doors.
Local building codes may have specific requirements for rough opening sizes. It is essential to check with your local building authority to ensure that your rough opening size meets their specifications.
The function of the room may also determine the rough opening size. For instance, if you are installing a door in a room that requires accessibility, you may need to create a larger rough opening to accommodate a wheelchair.
When installing a door, determining the rough opening size is critical to ensure that the installation is successful. For a 32-inch door, the rough opening should be 34-1/2 inches in width and 82-1/4 inches in height. Factors such as wall type, door style, building code, and functionality may affect the rough opening size. Always consult with a professional contractor to ensure that your rough opening size meets the required specifications.
