ᐅ Minimum width for a double-leaf window or patio door?

Thank you, Michael. Yes, that's exactly how I would like it too... I like that. Yesterday, I suggested to our planner terrace doors with a width of 1.40 meters (55 inches). This results in a single-leaf opening of about 60 cm (24 inches). That should definitely be enough.

But definitely not if it is your main access to the terrace – as the other user also mentioned, these doors are occasionally used as an entrance.

That's usually the case for you, right?

Hmm... let's ask Michael again.

Is the entrance shown in the photo just a "secondary access" to the terrace that you rarely use?
And is there another wider access to the terrace that you mainly use?

Hello Steffi,

From many handed-over construction projects, I can tell you that double casement, floor-to-ceiling windows smaller than 1.51 m (5 feet) don’t make much sense if they are to be used practically. Furthermore, people are creatures of habit, so the routines from your rental apartment will likely be reflected in your own home. You will probably transfer your usual “routes/behaviors” from the rental to the new build as well. For example: if you have always opened all windows with your right hand, you will probably do the same in the new house… if you currently live on the ground floor and always go through the left window door to the terrace, you will probably do so in the new house as well. This should always be considered when arranging window placement and sizing.

If the image you posted in #5 corresponds to the later picture of the new build, I would go for 0.885 x 2.135 m (one window sash) on the right and left sides and a center window as wide as possible but at least 1.51 x 2.135 m (5 feet x 7 feet). This way, you can comfortably walk outside onto the terrace through one of the outer window doors even while carrying a tray, without having to squeeze through. The central window, fully opened and without glazing bars, will also allow you to transport bulky items.

You can maintain the illusion of a “divided” window door by using internal glazing bars if the appearance is important to you.

Best regards, Bauexperte

Hello,

this door was not originally intended by the builders as the main access to the terrace, but it is the one we use most often. So, it is effectively our main entrance. It never occurred to me that it might be too narrow. The other doors are about 10cm (4 inches) wider in total. However, even as a single-leaf door, they are still not wide enough for the drying rack. When I really need to carry something wide through the door, I open the second leaf. That is really not a problem. Single-leaf doors would probably bother me more because of the space they require inside the room.

I don’t carry very bulky items through the house to the terrace. I go around the outside for that.

Hope this helps.

Best regards,
Michael

We have an 80cm (31.5 inches) passageway when one wing is open. This allows comfortable passage with a tray and a narrow drying rack. For a fully loaded, wider drying rack, you might occasionally need to open the second door. I didn’t want to open both doors every time.