When choosing an exterior door, there are a variety of important factors to consider. Aside from aesthetic appeal, opening orientation, and weather-proofing, the thickness of exterior doors is also an essential consideration. Keep reading to learn all about exterior door thickness and how to choose the best door thickness for your home.

What Is the Standard Thickness of Exterior Doors?

Most exterior doors have a thickness of 1.75", which is considered the standard thickness to help keep your home secure and make sure your door is able to hold up against weather events. For context, the standard thickness for interior doors is about 1.38". This standard exterior door thickness also plays a role in preventing cold or heat from seeping into your home – increasing your home's energy-efficiency and potentially helping to lower your energy bills.

Although 1.75" is the standard thickness, exterior doors can have a range of thickness measurements depending on the manufacturer and the door design. Learn more about the different measurements available in the thickness options section below.

Exterior Door Thickness Options

Aside from the typical exterior door thickness, exterior doors are also available in a variety of thicknesses including 1", 1.38", 1.7", 2", and even 3.55" or thicker (just to name a few options). It's important to note that the type of exterior door (screen, front entry, patio) does not necessarily relate to a door's thickness. However, the material of the door you choose might influence thickness. Metal exterior doors can be thicker than wood or fiberglass doors due to their solid construction and resistance to warping, creating optimal protection against weather elements and potential intruders.

Tip!

Browse for specific door thickness options by inputting your existing door's measurements in the 'Door Thickness' filter to the left-hand side of the main product page. You can also determine the thickness of an exterior door product by referencing the weight and dimensions tab beneath the 'Product Overview' on a product's page.

Does Door Frame Thickness Influence Exterior Door Thickness?

Yes, the door frame thickness (or door jamb depth) should factor into your decision when choosing the right external door thickness. This ensures the door you choose fits perfectly and doesn't jut out or sink into the door frame. Below are some methods for determining the right external door threshold thickness.

If Replacing An Existing Door:

If you're replacing a door, simply measure the door's thickness with a tape measure to determine the best thickness for your next door.

If Measuring a Door Frame for a New Door:

1. If you only have the door frame to work with, measure the depth (width) of the door jamb from the outer edge to the edge of the stop molding (the long piece of trim that stretches the length of the door frame and typically splits the door jamb in two haves).
2. Once you have the measurements of the stop molding portion of the door jamb, you should be able to determine the right exterior door thickness to fit into the door frame.
3. Note that most door jambs have a total depth of 4" to 6" including the stop molding portion.

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