Standard Sliding Glass Door Sizes: A Guide To Finding the Ideal Patio Door

Standard sliding glass door sizes range from 60 to 192 inches wide and 80 to 96 inches tall. If you're thinking of installing one or need to replace an existing door, it's essential to correctly determine the size you need. If you measure the door incorrectly, it will delay installation, which could leave your home vulnerable to the outside elements—and no one wants that!

We'll review the most common sizes for two-, three-, and four-panel sliding glass doors. We'll also look at the most critical factors to consider when installing your new door and some of the most commonly asked questions by homeowners.

Standard Sliding Glass Door Dimensions

Standing sliding glass door dimensions will range depending on your needs. The average height for a sliding glass door is 80-96 inches and will likely depend on your ceiling height. The average width can range from 60 to 192 inches, depending on the number of glass panels you select.

If you are replacing an existing door, there is a good chance it falls within the standard sliding glass door size, which is 80 inches wide. Of course, even the slightest difference will affect your door, which is why it’s important to take close note of your installation location’s dimensions. Help keep your exterior patio door installation cost low by better understanding the options available for your home.

Sliding Glass Door Sizes for Patios 

If you’re installing a new door or replacing an existing sliding glass door on your patio, you’ll need to select which type of door you have or want. Sliding glass patio doors come in three main options: two-panel, three-panel, and four-panel. While the height of a standard sliding glass door is fairly consistent, the width of your patio door will be determined by the number of panels.

Why would you want up to four panels on your sliding glass patio door? Additional glass panels allow more daylight to enter your home while providing a better view of your outdoor surroundings. However, the cost of more panels and their need for a larger installation space may not make sense for those on a budget or in smaller spaces.

Two-panel sliding glass door sizes

Standard two-panel sliding glass doors have widths of 60, 72, or 96 inches and heights between 80 and 96 inches. The two-panel sliding glass door is likely the most popular type of patio door and has two glass panels that glide horizontally to open and close. Some options allow both doors to move independently, while others only allow for one of the doors to open and close.

Three-panel sliding glass door sizes

Standard three-panel sliding glass doors have widths of 108, 120, or 144 inches and heights between 80 and 96 inches. Three-panel sliding glass doors are an excellent choice for homeowners who need a larger outside opening. The center panel typically doesn’t move, but the two outer panels can open or close independently.

Four-panel sliding glass door sizes

Standard four-panel sliding glass doors have widths of 144 or 192 inches and heights between 80 and 96 inches. A four-panel sliding glass door provides an even larger opening and is an excellent way to show off your newly repaired patio deck. Similar to the three-panel option, the two center panels are often set in place while the outside panels provide the opening.

Custom Sliding Glass Door Sizes

If the most common sizes of sliding glass doors are not the right fit for your property, you can order custom doors. Custom sliding glass doors will cost more than standard doors but allow homeowners to specify the exact dimensions. You may opt for custom doors if your goal is to have more than four panels, integrate adjoining windows, or utilize bifolding or telescoping doors.

To order custom sliding glass doors for your home, contact a door manufacturer or hardware store that offers the service. Note that due to the custom nature of these doors, it may take additional time to have them designed and built. Be sure to factor these ideas into your home building or renovation plans.

In addition to sliding glass doors, consider exterior French doors for your patio. It may be the preferred choice for homeowners seeking a more traditional look, featuring a design that folds out rather than slides.

Tips for Choosing Sliding Glass Door

More than sliding glass door dimensions go into selecting the right door for your needs. Below is a list of common factors to consider when selecting sliding glass doors for your home, including the overall door size, door frame, wall thickness, and glass and frame materials.

Door size 

The size of the door makes a big difference in how the doors look and feel in your space. Here are a few patio door style tips you may want to follow to ensure your selection fits proportionally in your available space. Doors too big or small for a space can look awkward and out of place.

Door frame

The door frame size will also determine the right size of sliding door for your space. Hiring a door installation professional will ensure you get the right size door for your home. If your existing door frame isn’t the proper size, you’ll need to spend more to modify the frame.

Wall thickness

The thickness of your wall also plays a vital role in correctly sizing your sliding glass door. Select a door and frame that matches your wall's thickness to ensure a tight and secure fit. Any gaps will reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system and provide an opening for pests to enter your home.

Glass and frame materials

There are many different glass materials and options for sliding glass doors. Common types of glass include: 

• Tempered: Safety glass stronger than standard glass that fractures into smaller pieces when broken 
• Low-E: Glass designed to allow natural light in but deflect harmful UV rays from entering the home
• Insulated: Glass featuring multiple panes spaced apart to decrease heat loss; great in areas with cold winters or hot summers
• Laminated: Glass featuring multiple panes glued together for increased strength and security
• Obscured: Any glass that prevents others from seeing through it; perfect in high-privacy areas such as bathrooms
• Frosted: An obscured glass that is acid etched, making it opaque and allowing light to pass through while preserving privacy
• Tinted: Glass that partially blocks light from entering; ideal for windows that receive a lot of sunlight
• Reflective: Glass with a reflective surface, making it appear as a mirror from one side and a regular window from the other
• Transparent: Any glass that light can pass through; differs from obscured glass as it can be seen through completely
• Patterned/textured: Glass with a patterned design cut into it; chosen for stylistic reasons and is typically obscuring

Door frames can be made from various materials, including aluminum, fiberglass, steel, and wood. Before selecting one, understand how the material will react to your unique climate. Some materials may perform better than others in certain climates; for example, select insulated glass in areas with hot summers or cold winters for temperature management.

FAQ

When selecting the proper sliding glass door for your home, you want to make the correct selection the first time. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about installing custom and standard sliding glass doors.

Is there a standard size for sliding glass doors?

Yes, there are standard sliding glass door sizes, which vary based on the height of your room and how many glass panels you want. The average width can range from 60 to 192 inches, and the height can range from 80 to 96 inches. You can also order custom sliding glass doors.

What is the standard width of patio doors?

The standard widths of patio doors can range from 80 to 96 inches, depending on the number of glass panels you select. Two-panel doors are typically 60, 72, or 96 inches; three-panel doors are generally 108, 120, or 144 inches; four-panel doors are commonly 144 or 192.

How do I know what size sliding door I need?

To better understand the size of the sliding glass door you need, consider the size of your room. Glass doors are typically 80 inches tall, but rooms with extended ceilings may opt for 82- or 96-inch doors. Your patio door's width will depend on how many panels you want the door to have, commonly ranging from two to four panels.

How wide is a 6-foot patio door?

A 6-foot patio door is most commonly a two-panel sliding glass door. At 72 inches, a 6-foot patio door is one of the more common selections and will typically have an overall height of 80 inches. If you’re uncertain about your selection, check with a patio door installation and repair professional.

Need Help with Sliding Glass Door Installations?

Whether installing a new sliding glass door or replacing an old one, ensuring the correct dimensions is essential for a proper fit and smooth operation. If you need help, trust the pros who help thousands of homeowners get things done around the house daily: Mr. Handyman®.

Your local Mr. Handyman pros have the experience and tools to get your job done right. We back this up with the Neighborly Done Right Promise™. Take the stress out of home renovations and repairs; request service from Mr. Handyman today!