Where To Find 30 x 74 Exterior Door?

The standard size for exterior doors is 80 x 36 inches which is 6 ft, 8 inches by 3 ft. 96 inches. However, you may find an exact replacement for a 30 x 74 exterior door in some shops. Otherwise, you can also buy a bigger door and cut it down to the required measurement. Custom-made doors are also a possible option.

Where To Find 30 x 74 Exterior Door?

30×74 inches exterior doors are a little smaller than the standard size door. Still, there are a bunch of places where you can find a 30×70 inches exterior door for replacement.

In Stock Exterior Doors

In-stock exterior doors are the easiest way of getting a new door. However, by the building code, all houses are required to have 80 inches door for some time now. So, it’s difficult to find an in-stock exterior door that’s a different size than the standard size by the building code.

It’s very unlikely but some shops may still have 30 x 74 inches exterior doors. if you are in luck, you may even find one that you like and fits your requirements.

Custom Made

Custom-made doors are the most fitted option for finding exterior doors that are different than the standard size. Most brands or shops for exterior doors produce only standard size doors. However, these days, because of the growing customers’ demands many brands are providing custom-made exterior doors.

Now, remember custom-made exterior doors are pretty expensive. It can even cost up to $1000 at times. So, make sure you are getting the measurements right before ordering the door. Measure the available space properly then order. You can also select the material and style for custom-made doors which is a big plus point.

For an even better result, make a sketch of the door. You can also pick out the entry knob and deadbolt if they have any in stock. Besides, if you want to avoid the trouble of drilling the door to fix the hardware, most shops will drill it for you. You can also order hinges that match your hardware to save you all the trouble.

Trimmed Down

It may happen that you can’t find an in-stock 30 x 74 inches exterior door and custom-made doors are too expensive for you. In that case, you can always go for the third option which is trimming down a bigger door. However, the trimming process is a little different for two main types of doors- solid and hollow.

What you need

For doing the project yourself you are going to need some tools. They are-

• Circular saw
• Clamps
• Utility knife
• Sharp saw blade labeled “For Crosscutting” or “Plywood”

For Solid Doors

Solid doors are mainly solid woods from the top to the bottom. So, they are firmer and easier to trim. However, you can’t carelessly trim down a door as it can mess up the whole structure of the door. Most manufacturers attach a piece of wood at the bottom of the door which can be trimmed.

In most cases, the attached piece of the door can be trimmed up to 1 inch. First of all, mark the line where you want to make the cut and secure the place with papers or tapes so that it doesn’t get scratched by the metal shoe of the saw. Also, get the saw to sufficiently speed up before cutting to avoid chipping the door.

While making the final cut you can use a guide to make sure that the cut is straight. It includes two clamps that hold the circular saw in place and a level that helps to make a precise cut. After you finish cutting the door, sand down the edges of the trimmed part to make it smooth. Then, it’s ready to hang at the place.

For Hollow Doors

Hollow doors are slightly harder to trim as they are not solid all the way. If you are not careful enough, you can penetrate the hollow part of the door which can potentially ruin the whole door. Some doors are not hollow all the way and have sprayed in insulation. You need to be equally careful to avoid insulation.

First, draw a line at the bottom of the door where you want to cut. If you are not sure where the hollow part of the door starts from, you can use a little trick. Make a small hole with a drill bit into the door from the bottom until it reaches the hollow part. This way you can measure how much room you have for trimming. 

In case, you don’t have enough space to make the cut without avoiding the hollow space, just cut it. Then trim the edges of the cut-off part of both the door and the bottom part. Then stick the bottom part back onto the door with nails and glue. This way the structure can’t be ruined.

What Sizes Do Exterior Doors Come In?

According to the building code, new homes are required to build standard size doors. The standard size of an exterior door is 80×30 inches. However, it can vary. The height range can be from 7ft to 8 ft while the width can range from 24 to 42 inches. Some manufacturers also produce doors of 30- and 32-inches width.

How Do I Measure An Exterior Door For Replacement?

Finding the right door size can be a tough job. But nothing is worse than going around looking for the perfect door and ending up with an ill-fitting for because you didn’t measure the door right. So, let’s take a look at the right way to measure an exterior door. 

However, remember, don’t measure the existing door while buying a replacement. Always measure the door frame. In this way, there is less chance for the measurements to be wrong.

Height

Run a measuring tape from the top corner of the door frame to the bottom. Make sure to do this on each side of the door. Then record the highest length.

Width

Similarly, use a measuring tape to measure the width of the door frame. Make sure to take 3 measurements-one at the top, one at the bottom, and one at the middle of the door frame. Record the highest width.

Thickness

For thickness, measure the existing door along the edges so that the new door fits the old door frame properly.

Frequently Asked Question

Q: How do I determine the open way of the door?

Ans: Stand in front of the door facing the outside. If the hinges are on the right side then it’s a right-hand open away door. And, left hinges mean it’s a left hand away.

Q: Can I trim a hollow core door?

Ans: Yes. You can follow the same procedure of hollow doors for hollow door cores.

Conclusion

Identifying the right 30 x 74 exterior door for your property doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Many online stores and physical locations offer an impressive array of choices, including screen doors, mobile home doors, and options for various rough opening measurements. Understand your needs, research diligently, and take advantage of the resources available to you.

Whether you’re renovating an existing space or undertaking a new construction project, your exterior door is a key part of the overall aesthetic. Screen doors and mobile home doors provide unique functions and styles, while also catering to the specific dimensions of a 30 x 74 rough opening. With the information provided in this article, you’re well on your way to finding the perfect door to enhance your home’s curb appeal and functionality.

Never compromise when it comes to your exterior doors. They offer more than just a gateway to your living space; they’re an essential aspect of your home’s character and security. So next time you’re on the hunt for a 30 x 74 exterior door, be it screen doors for that outdoor feel, mobile home doors for the perfect fit, or a door to fit a precise rough opening, remember the tips and guidelines from this article. Your perfect door is just around the corner.

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