Ever wished your front door was taller or shorter to perfectly fit your home’s style or needs? You’re not alone—finding the perfect exterior door size is a common challenge for homeowners and renovators alike.
A custom-height door isn’t just about appearances; it can improve accessibility, energy efficiency, and curb appeal.
In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of getting a custom-height exterior door, including measurements, ordering tips, and installation insights.
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How to Get a Custom Height Exterior Door: A Complete Guide
When you’re replacing an exterior door and standard sizes just won’t fit, a custom height exterior door is the solution you need. Whether you have a historical home with unique doorways, a newly designed entryway, or want to make an architectural statement, customizing your door’s height can dramatically boost your home’s curb appeal and functionality. Here’s everything you need to know about ordering, installing, and enjoying a custom height exterior door.
Why Choose a Custom Height Exterior Door?
Most exterior doors come in standard heights (commonly around 80 inches), but not every home fits the mold. A custom height door can:
- Fit older or renovated homes with non-standard openings.
- Allow for a grander entrance with increased height.
- Maintain architectural consistency and aesthetic.
- Solve clearance or accessibility issues.
If you’ve measured your doorway and discovered it just doesn’t match standard sizes—or if you have specific style goals—custom is the way to go.
Key Steps to Getting a Custom Height Exterior Door
Customizing your exterior door’s height might seem challenging, but it’s a straightforward process when broken into manageable steps. Here’s how to do it:
1. Accurately Measure Your Opening
Getting precise measurements is essential for a perfect fit.
- Measure the Height: Measure the opening from the finished floor to the underside of the top frame. Do this in three places (left, center, right) to check for unevenness. Use the smallest number.
- Measure the Width: Just like height, measure in three places (top, middle, bottom) and use the smallest value.
- Record Depth or Thickness: Standard doors are often 1 3/4 inches thick, but check your frame.
- Note Existing Sill and Frame Clearance: Factor in weatherstripping, threshold, and other elements.
2. Decide on the Features and Style
Custom doors go far beyond size. Consider:
- Material: Options include solid wood, fiberglass, and steel. Each material affects cost, durability, and maintenance.
- Panel Configurations & Glass: Panels, glass inserts, sidelights, and transoms all add architectural interest.
- Finish & Color: Some manufacturers offer custom staining, painting, or priming.
- Insulation & Energy Efficiency: Look for insulated cores or low-E glass for greater energy savings.
- Security Enhancements: Reinforced locks, multi-point locking, and heavy-duty hinges are practical upgrades.
3. Choose a Reputable Manufacturer or Door Supplier
Select a company that specializes in custom doors. Many leading brands and manufacturers offer:
- Wide range of size, shape, and design choices.
- Customization for thickness, width, and height.
- Options for unique shapes or unusual dimensions.
- Support for ordering and design advice.
4. Place Your Order and Confirm Specifications
When you’re ready to order:
- Double-check all measurements and details.
- Review the shop drawings or design proofs before final approval.
- Clarify the lead times. Custom orders typically take longer than off-the-shelf options.
- Confirm the shipping method and packaging—custom doors require careful handling.
5. Prepare for Delivery and Installation
- Professional Installation Recommended: Custom doors may require adjustments to the frame, special hardware, or precise alignment.
- Inspect the Door Upon Arrival: Check for damage, measurement accuracy, and finish quality before installation.
- Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: For finishing, painting, and maintaining warranties.
Benefits of a Custom Height Door
Opting for a custom-height exterior door brings several practical and aesthetic advantages:
- Perfect Fit: Eliminates drafts, improves security, and offers seamless operation.
- Design Freedom: Complies with your vision—no need to compromise on style or function.
- Boosts Home Value: Unique, well-fitted doors can increase curb appeal and property value.
- Modern Performance: Many custom doors come with high-end insulation and weather protection.
- Enhanced Security: Custom options often include up-to-date locking systems and reinforcements.
Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them
Getting a custom exterior door isn’t without its hurdles. Here’s what to anticipate and how to manage each issue:
- Longer Lead Times: Custom production can take several weeks. Plan your project timeline accordingly.
- Higher Costs: Customization comes with additional labor and material expenses. Get quotes early and budget for extras.
- Installation Complexity: Odd sizes may require professional installation. DIY can lead to expensive mistakes.
- Shipping Logistics: Large, heavy, or irregularly-sized doors need careful packaging and handling. Clear communication with your supplier helps prevent delays or damage.
By preparing for these factors, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, successful upgrade.
Practical Tips for Ordering and Installing
To make your custom door project efficient and stress-free, keep these best practices in mind:
- Work with Specialists: Choose a dealer or manufacturer known for handling custom requests.
- Ask About Trimming: Some doors (especially fiberglass or composite models) allow minor height adjustments on-site.
- Inquire About Templates: Some suppliers offer templates to verify dimensions before production.
- Consider Pre-hung Options: Ordering your door pre-hung can simplify installation, especially when frames also need resizing.
- Communicate Clearly: Discuss your needs—from swing direction to color preferences—at every step.
Cost Considerations With Custom Height Exterior Doors
Custom doors require more investment than standard versions, but understanding the cost structure helps with budgeting:
Main Factors Affecting Cost
- Materials: Solid hardwood costs more than steel or fiberglass. Finishes, insulation, and glass inserts add to the price.
- Size: The taller (or wider) the door, the more material and shipping cost.
- Features: Extra detailing, security upgrades, or unique glass panels increase the final price.
- Shipping: Large custom doors can be expensive to ship, especially out of state or for oversized units. Ask for freight quotes.
- Installation: Custom installations may need specialty labor.
Cost-Saving Tips
- Order Directly From Manufacturers: This can eliminate retail markups.
- Bundle Hardware: Some suppliers offer discounts when you order door handles, locks, and hinges together.
- Compare Multiple Quotes: Find the best value by comparing products, warranties, features, and shipping costs.
- Ask About Sales or Offcuts: Occasionally, custom orders are canceled—sometimes you can get a deal on an odd-sized but unused door.
Shipping Tips for Custom Exterior Doors
Transportation is a big piece of the puzzle for custom-sized doors:
- Plan for Delivery Logistics: Check if your location is accessible for freight trucks, and arrange extra help for unloading.
- Inspect on Arrival: Document any shipping damage before signing off.
- Store Properly Pre-Installation: Avoid warping by keeping the door flat, covered, and in a climate-controlled area if short-term storage is needed.
Customization: More Than Just Height
Many top manufacturers and door specialists can cater to a huge variety of needs beyond just height:
- Odd-Width or Extra-Thick Doors: If your jambs or thresholds aren’t standard, doors can be made to those specs as well.
- Architectural Shapes: Arched, round-top, French doors, or doors with custom glass cut-outs are widely available.
- Pre-Finishing: Many companies offer factory finishing to save installation time and guarantee a perfect look.
- Smart Technology Integration: Add electronic locks, integrated blinds, and security features.
A Note on Door Types and Quality
The right type of door for customization depends on your needs:
- Wood Doors: Classic and elegant, great for custom milling, but may require more maintenance.
- Fiberglass Doors: Durable, energy-efficient, and can be trimmed within certain limits.
- Steel Doors: Secure, cost-effective, but may have fewer size adjustment options.
Choose a high-quality core and weather-resistant features for the best longevity and performance.
Summary
Custom height exterior doors are the answer when standard options simply won’t do. With accurate measurements, attention to material and design choices, and expert support, you can create a one-of-a-kind entryway tailored just for your home. While the process requires planning and investment, the results deliver comfort, style, and value for years to come. Plan ahead, work with specialists, and don’t settle for less than perfect fit—your new custom door will make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the standard height for exterior doors?
Most exterior doors are 80 inches tall (6 feet, 8 inches). However, custom options can be made to virtually any height to fit unique openings.
How long does it take to order a custom height exterior door?
Custom doors typically take 4–8 weeks from order to delivery, depending on complexity, manufacturer workload, and shipping distance.
Can I install a custom-sized door myself?
While skilled DIYers may handle installation, custom-sized doors often require precise adjustments. For best results and to maintain your warranty, professional installation is recommended.
Are custom height doors more expensive than standard doors?
Yes, they usually cost more due to specialized manufacturing, possible design upgrades, and extra material. Request quotes early on to budget accurately.
Can any material be used for a custom height door?
Most major door materials—wood, fiberglass, and steel—can be customized. Wood offers the most flexibility, while fiberglass and steel may have some size or trimming limits. Always check with your chosen manufacturer for exact options.
With a custom height exterior door, you get more than just a solution to a sizing problem—you create an entrance that’s uniquely yours.