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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Carpentry Questions >> Part M and L external door size https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1222198539 Message started by birty on Sep 23^rd, 2008, 8:35pm

Title: Part M and L external door size
Post by birty on Sep 23^rd, 2008, 8:35pm

I have an external opening that is 3 ft 3inch wide and 6ft 11 inch high. It is a new build so has to comply with part L and M. Can anyone please tell me what size door and frame to buy. Is this a standard size opening or have I been left with a non standard size opening. :-?

Title: Re: Part M and L external door size
Post by CWatters on Sep 26^th, 2008, 12:12am

For Part M requirements See Table 2 on page 28...

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BR_PDF_ADM_2004.pdf

The min width required depends if a wheel chair can approach the door straight on or if it has to "turn in" due to the positioning of a ramp. Assuming a straight approach is possible you need a clear opening of > 800 = 31.5". This means you need a door that is at least 34" wide.

In your case you would go for a 36" or 914mm wide door which needs a rough opening around 38" (eg 1" either side). You have 39" but that should be ok. May need a bead/moulding around the door to avoid a wider than normal mastic gap.

Regarding the height... Is there a wheel chair friendly sill fitted already or do you need a door frame that includes one?

Nearest standard door height would be 6’10’/82"/2083mm leaving one inch at the top for the frame at the top... but I think 36" wide doors are normally 7 foot/84"/2134 tall. Check the door can be cut down 2" before you buy.

Title: Re: Part M and L external door size
Post by birty on Sep 26^th, 2008, 8:18am

Thanxs,
nothing fitted yet because i just have the hole!!Just needed to know what door size will fit in order to comply. will study and measure up with your info.

Title: Re: Part M and L external door size
Post by CWatters on Sep 26^th, 2008, 7:10pm

Fuller list of standard sizes here...

http://www.door-warehouse.co.uk/size_convert.htm

but not all combinations of width and height are available.

Normal proceedure to calculate the rough opening size is to add 2" to the width and 1" to the height (above the cill). The frame is 3/4" or 22 mm leaving a bit for packing to get it square. On an internal door the architrave covers the gap. External doors generally get mastic and or beading.

Title: Re: Part M and L external door size
Post by birty on Sep 27^th, 2008, 9:19am

Looks a good company/ supplier. Lots of choice. 1 quick question : Do you know if their claim that fitting an engineered door (oak veneer) is a better option than solid oak in terms of swelling etc?? Currently awaiting price for solid oak you see and unsure if it will give me grief?? >:(

Title: Re: Part M and L external door size
Post by CWatters on Sep 27^th, 2008, 9:52pm

I suspect engineered oak would be more stable (we went for engineered oak flooring over UFH) but I have these solid double doors fitted two years ago and they have been fine...

Title: Re: Part M and L external door size
Post by JerryD on Sep 28^th, 2008, 8:21pm

Classy brickwork CW. Very nice.