Door Dimensions: What Is the Average Size of a Commercial Door?
- Commercial Door Width: According to the IBC, the minimum door width is 32 inches (2 feet 8 inches), and the maximum is 48 inches (4 feet). However, there are exceptions. For example, doors in medical facilities, where beds are moving in and out of rooms, must have a minimum width of 41.5 inches. Swinging doors without a mullion – or a divider between the doors – must have at least one door leaf measuring 32 inches in width.
- Commercial Door Height: The IBC states that doors should be at least 80 inches tall, with some exceptions.
Commercial Door Dimensions: Exceptions to IBC Means of Egress Rules
The IBC does include exceptions to some of these rules. For example, small storage closets, less than 10 square feet in size, aren’t limited to the minimum height or width. That makes sense because a 32-inch-wide door may be a bit excessive for a storage closet. Other exemptions include:- In some residential commercial properties, like apartment buildings, extended-stay hotels and motels, and dormitories, doors that are not part of the “required means of egress,” or a door opening that’s part of an exit route, are not subject to these requirements.
- In residential commercial properties, doors “within dwelling units and sleeping units,” that are not the required exit door, have a minimum height of 76 inches. This is for interior and exterior doors.
- The width of a door leaf in a revolving door system is exempt from these requirements. Instead, revolving doors have their own set of IBC standards, which they must be in compliance with.
- The doors to occupant units in detention facilities must have a minimum width of 28 inches.
- All door openings in commercial buildings that are required to be accessible must have a minimum width of 31.75 inches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a commercial door does not meet IBC standards?
If a commercial door does not comply with International Building Code (IBC) standards, the building may fail inspection, leading to delays in occupancy approval or requiring costly modifications. Non-compliant doors may also increase liability risks in case of emergencies or ADA compliance issues.
How do ADA requirements affect commercial door dimensions?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has specific requirements for doors in commercial buildings, including:
- A minimum clear width of 32 inches when the door is open 90 degrees.
- A maximum threshold height of ½ inch for accessibility.
- Accessible hardware (e.g., lever handles instead of round knobs).
Failure to meet ADA requirements can lead to fines or lawsuits for non-compliance.
Can I install a custom-sized commercial door?
Yes! While IBC and ADA codes dictate minimum and maximum dimensions, businesses can install custom-sized doors as long as they meet regulatory requirements. Custom doors are common in:
- Retail storefronts with large glass doors.
- Industrial facilities that require oversized or reinforced doors.
- Medical facilities needing extra-wide doors for equipment or beds.
Are fire-rated doors required to meet specific size regulations?
Yes. Fire-rated doors must comply with IBC and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards, including:
- A minimum height of 80 inches.
- A fire-resistance rating based on material and usage.
- Properly rated fireproof seals and self-closing mechanisms.
How do I determine the right commercial door size for my building?
To choose the correct commercial door size, consider:
✔ Building type & occupancy (e.g., office, retail, medical).
✔ Egress requirements (doors along emergency exit routes must meet IBC standards).
✔ Intended use (storage room vs. main entrance doors may have different size needs).
✔ Cemetery-specific or regional code variations.
✔ ADA accessibility requirements if the door is in a public space.
Do all commercial properties require doors to be 36 inches wide?
No. While 36 inches wide by 80 inches tall is a common commercial door size, there are exceptions, including:
- Storage rooms smaller than 10 square feet (not required to meet minimum width).
- Apartment & hotel unit doors (non-egress doors may have a minimum height of 76 inches).
- Revolving doors, which have separate IBC compliance rules.
How do revolving door size requirements differ from standard commercial doors?
Revolving doors are exempt from standard IBC door width and height rules because they function differently than swinging or sliding doors. However, they must:
- Allow for proper egress clearance.
- Meet ADA accessibility standards by having an adjacent accessible entryway.
- Comply with IBC’s unique requirements for revolving door systems.
Contact Aeroseal for the Best Commercial Door Installation Services Nationwide
Aeroseal Windows & Storefront is a leader vendor-installer for doors, windows, and storefronts on commercial properties. We manage the design, sales, and installation for commercial properties in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, California, and Ohio.
Contact us today for a free consultation about your door, window or storefront installation project.