28 inch exterior door too small?

OlJarhead · November 20, 2009, 02:18:15 PM

Opinions on door sizes appreciated.

You see, I planned for a 30" door and like a bum framed for a 28 inch door (put the cripple and stud on the wrong side of the line in a hurry).

So, should I fix it or just stick in the 28 inch door and move on? It is a cabin after all!

MountainDon · November 20, 2009, 02:30:12 PM

It's your call. Current IRC code calls for the entry/egress door to be a minimum width of 36" with a 6'8" minimum height. . I have no idea if that's what your state calls for, so it's your call.

November 20, 2009, 02:34:03 PM

Quote from: MountainDon on November 20, 2009, 02:30:12 PM
It's your call. Current IRC code calls for the entry/egress door to be a minimum width of 36" with a 6'8" minimum height. . I have no idea if that's what your state calls for, so it's your call.

Wow! I never thought of that at all -- DOH!

I just looked at doors and figured a 30" door would be fine and moved on....DOH!

So, I guess I better put my thinking cap on because I should probably take a look at the space I've got and see what's there and if I can push that out another 8"....I'm sure I can.

OlJarhead · November 20, 2009, 02:53:33 PM

As I search through the codes (nonsense) I find countless references to door loads and pressure to open and whatnot...but finding a specific WAC (washington state administrative code) for door sizes is impossible.

Screw it. I'm not permitting anyway so I'll stick in a 36" door and be done with it...

I was debating the smaller one becuase I figured what's two inches going to matter but once I realized the size of a standard door (thanks to your post since I hadn't taken a tape measure to mine) I realized that maybe I better stick with wider since it's the only one!

Thanks!~

bayview · November 20, 2009, 04:04:00 PM

It would be nearly impossible to move furniture throught a 28" or 30" door . . .

/

November 20, 2009, 04:16:47 PM

I would opt to re-frame for a 36" entry. A little more work but doable.

OlJarhead · November 20, 2009, 04:21:40 PM

Quote from: Redoverfarm on November 20, 2009, 04:16:47 PM
I would opt to re-frame for a 36" entry. A little more work but doable.

Yup -- took a tape to my door at home and had a light bulb moment of sorts.

Just realized I should have done that months ago! DOH!

muldoon · November 20, 2009, 06:18:33 PM

Quote from: bayviewps on November 20, 2009, 04:04:00 PM
It would be nearly impossible to move furniture throught a 28" or 30" door . . .

or a wheelchair