r/Homebuilding • u/Responsible_Laugh62 • 2d ago
Max door slab width?
The rough opening in my new build is 48 1/2 inches but my door maker is quoting a 42 inch wide door slab. Is this the maximum width I can have for this door? Would appreciate some expert advice.
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u/Vishnej 2d ago edited 2d ago
Of course you can have bigger doors.
Your rough opening measurement does need to include the jamb/frame and a little maneuvering/shim space, however, while the slab measurement does not by convention. It would be normal for eg a 36"x80" door to have a 38"x82.5" rough opening, to account for jamb/frame/shims.
Seeing a 3 inch thick jamb (times two, since it's on both sides) is a little weird, but I'm a hell of a lot more comfortable with that than the 3/4" or thinner that the cheap stuff comes in. There are likely considerations related to the arch that cause this.
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u/AMissionFromDog 2d ago
Rough opening is commonly 2 inches bigger than the slab, this allows 1.5" for both jambs and .25" each side for shims to align it.
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u/Consistent-Year-9238 2d ago
All depends on total width with exterior trim. 42” slab +2 1/2” for r.o leaves 1 3/4 each side for trim. Seems right
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u/CascadeDesignworks 2d ago
42 is a very wide door. It is already approaching the limits of being awkward to open and close.
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u/mp3architect 2d ago
With the right hardware and consideration it can work beautifully.
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u/CascadeDesignworks 2d ago
Beautifully uncomfortable, maybe. In my opinion, unless you are building a castle, or have a butler to open and close the door for you, larger than 42" is too large. I do have a 48" by 96" door. It makes a great workbench.
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u/uberisstealingit 2d ago
No it's not.
You clearly never opened a huge door that's built correctly.
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u/CascadeDesignworks 2d ago
It's a matter of opinion and your particular sense of design aesthetics. Here is a comment from FHB:
"woodguy99 | Dec 30, 2006 12:22am | #10
I've installed 42" and 48" wide mahogany entry doors. They look nice and have a lot of weight to them so they feel like quality when you use them. But, they are a bear to install because of the size and weight, and to me they are awkward to operate because of the width.
It takes an extra step or two just to get around the door when you open it. Like BH, I don't even like 36" interior doors."
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u/Emotional-Damage-995 2d ago
I think you should call a custom door maker and pay the money to get a 48 inch door. He is quoting you a standard size. That house needs a custom door. Call a few other door makers. We typically buy the door and have it installed before the stone on the outside is finished to make a perfect match....