A 78 inch exterior door does exist, but shoppers find it less common than the standard door height exterior. They often need to special order or customize this size. Derchi Window and Door offers solutions for those who want a unique entrance. Some major retailers, like Lowe’s and Home Depot, can help with sourcing.
Customization lets homeowners match their style.
Special orders may take extra time and cost more.
Proper installation depends on the frame, threshold, seal, and rough opening. These parts make sure the door fits and works well.
Key Takeaways
A 78 inch exterior door is available but often requires special ordering or customization.
Customization allows homeowners to match their door to their unique style and needs.
Major retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot can assist in sourcing 78 inch doors, but stock may be limited.
Proper installation is crucial; it involves ensuring the right framing, thresholds, and seals for optimal performance.
Professional help is recommended for installation to avoid costly mistakes and ensure a perfect fit.
78 Inch Exterior Door Availability
Standard vs. Custom Sizes
Most homeowners see 80 inches as the standard door height exterior. Builders often use this size for new homes. Some houses feature taller doors, like 84 inches or even 96 inches, for a grand entrance. These sizes are easy to find at most stores.
A 78 inch exterior door stands out as less common. Homeowners who want this size usually need to special order or customize. Derchi Window and Door helps customers who want a unique look or need to fit an older home. They offer both standard and custom options, so buyers can match their entrance to their style.
Tip: Custom doors let people choose the exact size, frame, and finish. This helps the door fit perfectly and look great.
Where to Buy
Finding a 78 inch exterior door takes a little more effort. Major retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot sometimes list these doors, but they may not keep them in stock. Remodelers Outlet also features 78 inch exterior doors in their online catalog. Their selection includes steel, fiberglass, and wood entry doors. They even offer patio doors, storm doors, and retractable screens.
Derchi Window and Door stands out for those who want more choices. They provide custom sizing, frame systems, and color options. Customers can pick the glass style and hardware, too. This makes it easy to match the door to the rest of the home.
Prices for a 78 inch exterior door can vary. Standard models may start around $400, but custom designs often cost more. Lead times range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the level of customization and the supplier.
Note: Ordering a custom door takes patience. The wait is worth it for a perfect fit and a unique entrance.
Door Materials and Styles
Material Options
When choosing a 78 inch exterior door, homeowners often start by picking the right material. Each material brings its own benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a quick look at the most common options:
Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
Wood | Aesthetically pleasing, natural look | Can warp, requires maintenance |
Steel | Highly secure, good for humid areas | Susceptible to rust, needs repainting |
Fiberglass-Composite | Secure, rust-resistant | Lower energy efficiency, can crack in cold weather |
Derchi Window and Door offers a unique choice with their 78 Series Thermal break Aluminum Bifold Door. This product stands out for its modern look and energy efficiency.
Product Name | Description |
|---|---|
78 Series Thermal break Aluminum Bifold Door | A unique offering from Derchi Window and Door. |
Style and Finish Choices
Style matters just as much as material. Homeowners can pick from a wide range of textures, glass, and finishes to match their home’s look. Here are some popular options:
Slab textures: Oak Grain, Mahogany Grain, Fir Grain, Smooth, Brushed Smooth, Brushed Smooth Onyx
Decorative and privacy glass: Cumulus, Rain, Chinchilla, Blanca, Micro-Granite, Nouveau, Heirloom, Grace, Crosswalk, Monterey, Courtyard, Baypoint
Hardware: Schlage and Kwikset with several finishes
Pre-finished stains: Burnt Oak, Walnut, Mahogany, Cherry, Espresso, Midnight
Pre-finished paints: White, Almond, Ivory, Sandstone, Clay, Sable, Medium Bronze, Dark Bronze, Universal Brown, Forest Green, Wedgewood, Old World Blue, Tile Red, Cranberry, Burgundy, Black
Your entry door can be the final piece of the puzzle that completes the entire style of your home.
Derchi Window and Door helps customers customize every detail. They offer options like sidelites, transoms, and engineered features for durability and energy efficiency. With so many choices, anyone can find a 78 inch exterior door that fits their style and needs.
Sourcing and Custom Orders
Online and Local Retailers
Shoppers looking for a 78 inch exterior door often start their search online. Many retailers now specialize in non-standard or custom-sized exterior doors. These companies offer a wide range of models and can tailor doors to fit almost any opening. Some even provide custom wood doors in any style or size. Local home improvement stores, like Lowe’s and Home Depot, sometimes carry these doors or can help with special orders. Remodelers Outlet also lists 78 inch exterior doors in their online catalog.
Tip: When searching online, use terms like "custom exterior door" or "special size entry door" to find more options.
Visiting a local showroom can help buyers see materials and finishes in person. Staff at these stores often have experience with unique sizes and can guide customers through the ordering process. For those who want a door that matches the standard door height entrance or need a replacement for an older home, custom ordering is usually the best solution.
Customization with Derchi
Derchi Window and Door stands out for its custom ordering process. They make it easy for homeowners to get the perfect fit and style. Here’s how the process usually works:
Certified professionals visit the home to take precise measurements and check the opening.
The team holds a design consultation to discuss materials, glass, hardware, and finishes.
Customers receive a detailed proposal with technical drawings and specifications.
After approving the design, customers sign agreements and pay a deposit.
The manufacturer creates the custom door, following each detail.
The finished product is delivered and installed by professionals.
This step-by-step approach ensures that every 78 inch exterior door fits perfectly and matches the homeowner’s vision. Derchi’s team helps with every detail, from choosing the right frame to selecting the best finish. Custom ordering also means buyers can match the standard door height with frame or create a unique entrance that stands out.
Note: Custom doors may take longer to arrive, but the results are worth the wait.
Installation Considerations
Framing & Opening
Installing a 78 inch exterior door starts with the right framing. Builders need to create a rough opening that is larger than the door itself. This extra space allows for shimming and leveling, which helps the door fit snugly and operate smoothly. For a 78 inch exterior door, the rough opening height should measure 80.5 inches, and the width should be 80 inches. These measurements give room for adjustments and account for wall expansion. The wall framing must support the height of the door, so headers and jack studs need proper sizing. If the subfloor is not level or the wall is not plumb, installers may face extra challenges. Derchi Window and Door recommends checking the rough opening before ordering, especially for custom doors.
Door Size | Rough Opening Height | Rough Opening Width |
|---|---|---|
78 inches | 80.5 inches | 80 inches |
80 inches | 82.5 inches | 82 inches |
Tip: Always measure the rough opening twice to avoid costly mistakes.
Threshold & Seal
A tight threshold and seal keep out drafts, moisture, and pests. Weatherstripping is essential along the top and sides of the frame. Magnetic or compression seals work well for steel doors, while foam or fin-seal types suit fiberglass and wood. A door sweep or bottom seal closes the gap at the threshold. Insulated doors, like foam-core fiberglass or steel, offer better energy efficiency than solid wood. Storm doors can add another layer of protection, reducing heat loss and air infiltration. Derchi Window and Door provides options for high-performance thresholds and seals, helping homeowners match the standard door height entrance with energy-saving features.
Weatherstripping: Compressible seals for all sides
Door sweep: Closes the gap at the bottom
Insulated doors: Higher R-value for energy savings
Storm doors: Extra insulation and protection
Professional Help
Installing a custom-sized door, especially one that is not the standard door height exterior, often requires professional help. Contractors know how to handle framing, thresholds, and seals. They can spot issues with out-of-level floors or walls and make adjustments. The average installation cost ranges from $400 to $2,000, but custom doors may add $200 to $1,000 or more. Derchi Window and Door offers certified installation, ensuring the door fits perfectly and meets building codes. Accessibility standards require a minimum width of 32 inches, so installers must check all measurements. Homeowners who want a smooth process and a lasting result should consider hiring experts.
Note: Professional installation saves time and prevents costly errors.
A 78 inch exterior door remains rare in today’s market, as shown by the limited selection of vintage doors:
Door Description | Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|
Circa 1930’s Glazed Door | 31”W x 78”H x 1-1/2” | $195 |
Circa 1920 Mahogany Single Panel | 28” x 78” x 1-3/4” | $200 |
Circa 1830 Federal Entrance/Doorway | 40”W x 78”H x 1-3/4” | SOLD |
Five Panel Doors | 29-3/4” x 78” x 1-3/8” | SOLD |
Derchi Window and Door gives homeowners more choices for a 78 exterior door, offering custom solutions that match any style. Customization and professional installation help ensure a perfect fit, especially when dealing with non-standard door height exterior openings. For those ready to start, these steps make measuring easy:
Measure the width at three points and use the smallest number.
Measure the height on the left, center, and right, recording the smallest.
Measure the wall depth from inside trim to outside edge.
Contacting Derchi, visiting local retailers, or measuring the opening can help anyone find the right 78 inch exterior door for their home.
FAQ
Can you buy a 78 inch exterior door off the shelf?
Most stores do not stock a 78 inch exterior door. Shoppers usually need to special order or customize. Derchi Window and Door offers custom solutions for this size.
What is the standard door height exterior?
The standard door height exterior is 80 inches. Builders use this size for most new homes. A 78 inch exterior door is less common and often found in older houses.
How long does it take to get a custom 78 inch exterior door?
Lead times for a custom 78 inch exterior door range from a few weeks to several months. Derchi Window and Door provides updates during the process.
Does Derchi Window and Door install 78 inch exterior doors?
Yes, Derchi Window and Door offers professional installation. Their team measures, delivers, and installs the 78 exterior door for a perfect fit.
What materials can you choose for a 78 inch exterior door?
Homeowners can pick wood, steel, fiberglass, or aluminum. Derchi Window and Door features their 78 Series Thermal break Aluminum Bifold Door for modern style and energy savings.
