The average size of a prehung door is 32×80 inches so the rough opening for 32 inch door would be more than the size of the door. Installing a prehung door requires a lot of preparation. The rough opening size matters a lot, how much room you are gonna leave for the door will affect the door size function and quality. If the size you left for rough opening is too small or large, it will be difficult or I should say nearly impossible to install the prehung door. Also read top 10 characteristics of High-quality kitchen cabinets.
If the gap is more than enough there will be wide gap, which won’t look very pleasant. And if the gap is less than enough than the door won’t fit at all.
The average size one need to leave for the rough opening is approximately 2 inches wider and 2 inches taller than the prehung door you are opting to buy, and it applies for all kind of doors whether it is a sliding door, bi-fold door etc.
Rough Opening for 32 Inch Door.
Average size for the door is 32”x80” which is used for indoor use. So, the rough opening for 32 inch door should be 34 inches wide and add 2 inches to the height for example if the height of the prehung door is 32 inches by 80 inches then the rough opening space should be 34 inches by 82 inches.
Sizing Rough Door Opening for 32 Inch Door and other Door Widths
The rough opening you leave for the prehung door will be a convenient to you and to the carpenter as well, he would be able to set the prehung door and its frame easily within the rough opening and it would be easy for the carpenter to level and plum the door to the floor if needed.
This way you will have enough room to make any last-minute adjustments. The of rough opening will always depend on the door size whatever the door size is you have to leave 2 inches extra space for door frame and later corrections.
How big should the rough opening for 30inch door?
Though it’s clear the rough opening should be 2 inches extra than the size of the prehung door but there are several facts that can affect the inches to be left as rough space such as building codes in specific areas or the size of the door which can differ based on the manufacturer, though the difference won’t be very much but yet it differs a bit.
Now for the building code- different areas has different building codes based on the surroundings and safety purposes, you’ll need to contact an architect or engineer to know the appropriate dimensions for your apartment which also sits under guidelines.
The opening should have enough space to not let block the entry. It basically depends where is the door is going to be located if it’s the door you’ll use more often than it should be spacious, and if you are going to use it ocassionally then the space should be average no need to put extra efforts. If the rough opening is for main door than it should be spacious enough to let pass the appliances used in homes to make it easy for the person to move-in. try to go through 46 Different Types of Appliances for Your Home (2022 Mega Guide) to have better idea for appliances.
FAQ’s
What should be the size I frame my rough opening for 32 inch door?
Getting the right size in first attempt may be difficult but it is necessary, even the slightest mistake can increase the work need to be done on the door by 2 folds. Rest we have mentions in the article with heavy details, the rough opening for 32 inch door should be 34 inches.
Why does the rough opening need to be bigger than the door and its frame?
- It’s not only about the door, there is a frame as well you need to fit the frame and door perfectly so that the door can work smoothly. Leaving this extra room make that happen.
- The size of the door can be different from the standard size, though there won’t be a huge gap but yes there will be differences based on different manufacturers. And leaving the rough opening space a bit extra helps you to make last minute adjustments.
Are there any quick door installation tricks?
Yes, before leaving the rough opening space you need to decide what kind of floor you need- carpet or tiles or something else and leave the space by adding the space for the floor as well, this trick will save your time and efforts later.
