How Wide Should Your Doors and Hallways Be?

‍How Wide Should Your Doors and Hallways Be? A Guide for New Builds and Renovations

Designing your dream home or planning a renovation comes with a long list of decisions—and one you might not think about right away is how wide your doors and hallways should be.

Traditionally, many residential homes have been built to meet only the minimum code requirements. That often means 36” wide hallways and 24” wide doors. But as we shift toward homes that are more comfortable, functional, and accessible for all stages of life, those old standards start to feel a bit outdated.

Whether you're building new or updating an existing home, here's what you should consider when it comes to hallway and door widths.

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Hallways: Wider Is Better

While it’s not always possible to change hallway widths—especially in renovation projects—if you have the opportunity, going wider is almost always worth it.

Recommended widths:

• Minimum: 42”
• Ideal: 48”

A wider hallway isn’t just about accessibility for mobility devices; it’s also about overall comfort and function. You’ll notice the difference when you're:

• Carrying groceries
• Moving furniture
• Navigating with kids or pets
• Simply walking side by side with someone

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Tips for Wider Hallways

For new construction:

• Plan ahead with your designer. Even in narrow homes or small lots, a skilled designer can often find creative ways to achieve wider hallways without compromising layout.

For renovations:

• Widening existing hallways can be tricky, but it’s often possible with the right planning. Key considerations include:
   
  • Structural walls: Are the walls you're planning to move load-bearing? You may need a structural engineer’s input.
   
  • HVAC and electrical: Are there return air vents, heating registers, or electrical wiring in those walls?
   
  • Flooring: Will the change require floor patching? Matching older flooring can be challenging unless you're already planning to replace it.

Doors: Small Changes, Big Impact

A 42” front door might seem excessive—until you’re trying to move a couch through it. Wider doors make homes more livable and accessible, and even just a few extra inches can make a big difference.

Wider doors into living spaces (both interior and exterior)improve ease of movement for everyone and are especially helpful in homes designed with aging in place or accessibility in mind.

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Things to Think About When Widening Doors

• Flooring: Just like with hallways, door widening typically requires patching around the frame. Do you have extra flooring on hand? Or are you planning a larger flooring update anyway?
• Electrical considerations: Light switches often sit right next to doors and may need to be moved to accommodate a wider frame.
• Space planning: Will the new door interfere with nearby fixtures or walls? For example, will a bathroom vanity or closet wall block the swing of the new door?
• Door profiles: Older homes may have profiles that do not get made anymore.  It would be a good idea to double check availability of your door so you have a plan in place prior to taking things apart.

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Final Thoughts

Wider doors and hallways are more than just an accessibility feature—they’re a quality-of-life upgrade that benefits everyone. Whether you're designing a new home or renovating an older one, thoughtful planning around circulation space will pay off in comfort, function, and future-proofing.

If you’re considering these kinds of updates, feel free to reach out. We’d be happy to talk through the options for your specific space.

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