Canadian Guide to Standardized Window and Door Sizes

Your home’s door and windows are one of the first things people see when they visit your house. They’re supposed to be a welcoming sight, drawing you into the home.

But before you determine exactly what style, design, colors, or other features you want out of your home’s doors or windows, you need to know exactly what sizes are available and up to code in Canada.

After all, it wouldn’t be fun to get invested in buying a door or a set of windows that just don’t fit in your home, would it?

The team at Window Mart has put together this guide on the standard sizes for windows and doors in Canada to help homeowners better understand their options when considering purchasing new or replacement windows and doors.

Standard Canadian Window Profiles

If you’re looking to refit your home with brand-new custom windows, you may want to first measure the profile you have just in case your home currently has non-standard windows.

Standard window widths range from 36” to 78”. Heights can vary from 48” to 80”, or extra-tall windows. No matter the proportions of your windows, all dimensions have to comply with square footage allowances to fit properly.

Custom windows, on the other hand, can fit nearly any special design or building architecture, as they’re fit specifically for the window space they’ll fill.

Note: A poorly measured, ill-fitting and installed window or door won’t just look awful, it will also provide substandard performance and insulation. This can reduce your property value, decrease curb appeal, and drive up your energy costs, among other things.

When looking for new windows or doors, find someone you can trust to do the job right, such as the professionals at Window Mart.

The Three Keys to Choosing the Right Windows

When choosing your new windows, there are three main things (outside of window profiles) to consider: Casing, brickmould, and jamb extensions.

Casing

The trim around your windows is known as the casing. This casing can be very plain or intricate, depending on the design.

Casing dimensions vary by manufacturer, but vinyl casing typically is 3 ⅜” or 2 ⅝”, while rounded windows are usually 2 ⅝”.

Brickmould

Your windows’ brickmould nearly literally molds your window to the bricks or siding of your home.

This helps keep your windows air-tight and improves energy efficiency. Find a brickmould with strip sizing the same size as your current windows to ensure proper fit.

Jamb Extensions

These cover any rough openings that are created when your window frame is connected to the casing.

The size of your jamb extensions depends on the width of your windows and the wall construction. Homes with 2×4 studs use a smaller jamb extension than those with 2×6 studs.

Minimums and Maximums

All custom and standard windows and doors must follow Canadian laws and any local regulations, as well as those set by the National Building Code of Canada. Each individual style has its own rules to follow, including minimum and maximum heights and widths.

Standard Door Sizing

Like Windows, doors also have recommended standard sizing. This helps you make the best decision for your home, regardless of budget or area.

Here are some standards for each style of the door:

Exterior Doors: These protect your home from the elements and are made of stronger, more weather-proof material than interior doors.

• 32″ X 80″ X 1 3/4”
  • 34″ X 80″ X 1 3/4”
  • 34″ X 82″ X 1 3/4”
  • 36″ X 80″ X 1 3/4”
  • 36″ X 84″ X 1 3/4”

Sliding Glass Doors: This help to keep your interior bright and “bring the outdoors in,” but also protect your home from the elements. They open for easy access, and are usually sized around 6’8”x6’. There are custom options in sliding glass doors in other sizes.

Interior Doors: These doors separate the individual rooms in your home from one another, offering privacy and sound barriers. Standard interior doors measure 80” high and 1 ⅜” thick. There’s a great deal of variance in widths, with some common ones listed below:

• 12″ X 80″ X 1 3/8”
  • 14″ X 80″ X 1 3/8”
  • 16″ X 80″ X 1 3/8”
  • 18″ X 80″ X 1 3/8”
  • 20″ X 80″ X 1 3/8”
  • 22″ X 80″ X 1 3/8”
  • 24″ X 80″ X 1 3/8”
  • 26″ X 80″ X 1 3/8”
  • 28″ X 80″ X 1 3/8”
  • 30″ X 80″ X 1 3/8”
  • 32″ X 80″ X 1 3/8”
  • 34″ X 80″ X 1 3/8”
  • 36″ X 80″ X 1 3/8”

High-Quality Windows and Doors in Canada

Windows and doors are both functional and beautiful, aiding to the design, style and architecture of our homes, while also providing a very utilitarian function. Those interested in learning more about window sizes, styles, designs and other options are encouraged to reach out to the professionals at Window Mart. Their team is committed to offering the highest-quality windows and doors across Canada.