A 34×80 interior door measures 34 inches wide and 80 inches tall. It requires a rough opening of 36 inches wide by 82.5 inches tall. This size provides excellent wheelchair accessibility with a clear width exceeding ADA’s 32-inch minimum requirement, making it ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, and home offices.
Most homeowners face a common problem when choosing interior doors. You need a size that balances accessibility with standard framing practices. Too narrow, and you limit movement. Too wide, and you waste space and money.
The 34×80 interior door solves this problem perfectly. You get generous clearance for wheelchairs and mobility aids while working with standard construction dimensions. This guide covers everything from measuring rough openings to choosing materials and installation techniques.
What a 34×80 Door Actually Means
The numbers tell you the door’s exact dimensions. The first number (34) represents width in inches. The second number (80) represents height in inches.
In standard door nomenclature, you would see this written as 2-10 x 6-8. The 2-10 means 2 feet 10 inches (34 inches) wide. The 6-8 means 6 feet 8 inches (80 inches) tall.
This size sits between the common 32×80 and 36×80 options. It gives you 2 extra inches of width compared to a 32-inch door. You sacrifice only 2 inches compared to a 36-inch door.
Required Rough Opening for 34×80 Doors
The rough opening needs to be larger than your actual door size. This extra space allows for proper installation, shimming, and adjustments.
You should add 2 inches to the door width. You should add 2.5 inches to the door height. For a 34×80 door, your rough opening measures 36 inches wide by 82.5 inches tall.
Here’s why this extra space matters:
- Wall framing is rarely perfectly plumb and square
- Door manufacturers have slight size variations
- You need room for shims to level and square the installation
- Walls expand and contract with seasonal moisture changes
The 2-inch width allowance gives you 1 inch on each side of the door frame. The 2.5-inch height allowance accounts for 0.75 inches of jamb thickness, 1.25 inches for flooring clearance, and 0.5 inches for leveling.
If you plan to install carpet, shim the door jambs 0.375 inches off the floor. This prevents the door from rubbing on the carpet.
Wheelchair Accessibility Benefits
A 34×80 door provides exceptional wheelchair access. The door itself is 34 inches wide, but the clear opening (with the door open 90 degrees) typically measures 32.5 to 33 inches.
ADA standards require a minimum clear width of 32 inches for accessible doorways. Your 34-inch door easily meets this requirement with room to spare.
Standard manual wheelchairs measure 24 to 27 inches wide. Power wheelchairs can range from 21 to 40 inches, depending on the model. A 34-inch door accommodates the vast majority of wheelchairs comfortably.
The extra width also helps people using:
- Walkers and rollators
- Crutches or canes
- Mobility scooters (most models)
- Moving furniture or large items
Commercial spaces must make at least 60% of public entrances wheelchair accessible. Residential spaces built after March 1991 must be adaptable to accessibility standards.
Common Applications for 34×80 Doors
This door size works exceptionally well in several areas of your home.
Master Bedrooms: The wider opening creates a spacious, upscale feel. It provides easy access for anyone with mobility concerns.
Accessible Bathrooms: You get enough clearance for wheelchairs, shower chairs, and caregivers. The width exceeds ADA requirements without requiring custom framing.
Home Offices: A wider door makes the space feel more professional. It simplifies moving office furniture and equipment.
Walk-In Closets: The generous width makes it easier to carry hanging clothes or large storage bins.
Multipurpose Rooms: Spaces that might serve different functions benefit from the flexibility this size provides.
Material Options and Costs
Your material choice affects durability, sound control, weight, and price.
Hollow Core Doors cost $50 to $150. These lightweight doors work well for closets and low-traffic areas. They provide minimal sound dampening and dent easily.
Solid Wood Doors cost $200 to $500 or more. You get natural beauty, excellent durability, and superior sound control. These doors are heavy and require strong hinges.
MDF and Composite Doors cost $150 to $300. They resist moisture better than solid wood. The smooth surface takes paint exceptionally well. They weigh more than hollow core but less than solid wood.
Glass Panel Doors cost $300 to $700. They allow natural light to flow between rooms. You sacrifice some privacy. They work best for offices or rooms where light matters more than privacy.
Installation costs typically add $100 to $300, depending on your location and job complexity.
Measuring Your Space Correctly
Accurate measurements prevent costly mistakes. Measure three times before ordering your door.
For Existing Door Frames: Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the opening. Use the smallest measurement. Measure the height on both sides. Use the smallest measurement.
For Rough Openings: Measure the distance between the exposed studs for width. Measure from the subfloor to the top header for height. Verify the opening is square by measuring both diagonal corners. The measurements should match within 0.25 inches.
Check the Depth: Measure how thick your wall is. Standard interior walls are 4.5 inches thick (2×4 studs plus drywall on both sides). Your door jamb must match this depth.
Write down all measurements. Take photos of the opening. Bring both to your door supplier to verify you’re ordering the correct size.
Installation Best Practices
Proper installation ensures your door operates smoothly for years.
Start by checking that your rough opening is square and plumb. Use a level on all four sides. Maximum deviation should not exceed 0.125 to 0.25 inches.
Remove the old door and trim carefully. Inspect the jamb and frame for damage, rot, or warping. Replace any damaged components before installing the new door.
For prehung doors (door already mounted in the jamb):
- Set the entire unit in the rough opening
- Use shims to level and plumb the jamb
- Place shims behind each hinge location
- Check that the door swings freely and latches properly
- Secure the jamb to the studs with screws through the shims
- Cut excess shims flush with the jamb
- Install the casing and trim
Use at least three hinges on an 80-inch-tall door. Four hinges provide better support for heavy, solid wood doors.
Door Swing Direction Matters
You need to order the correct hand for your door. Stand in the doorway with your back to the hinges. If the door handle is on your left, you need a left-hand door. If the handle is on your right, you need a right-hand door.
Another method: Face the door from the side it opens toward. If the handle is on the left, order left-hand. If the handle is on the right, order right-hand.
Ordering the wrong hand means returning the door and waiting for a replacement. Always verify the hand before finalizing your purchase.
Where to Buy 34×80 Interior Doors
Major retailers stock this standard size, though selection varies by location.
Home Depot offers a wide range at competitive prices. You can order online or check the local store inventory. They provide installation services for an additional fee.
Lowe’s carries quality brands with good warranty coverage. Store associates can help you understand different material options. They also offer professional installation.
Local Door Suppliers often provide custom options and personalized service. You might pay slightly more, but you get expert advice. They can also handle unusual situations like non-standard wall thicknesses.
Online retailers like Wayfair offer unique designs and styles. Shipping costs can be significant for doors. You’ll need to arrange your own installation.
Compare prices across multiple retailers. Check for sales during major holidays. Ask about bulk discounts if you’re replacing multiple doors.
Maintenance and Longevity
Regular maintenance extends your door’s lifespan and keeps it looking good.
Clean painted or stained surfaces with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the finish. Dry the surface immediately after cleaning.
Check hinges twice a year. Tighten any loose screws. Apply a small amount of lubricant to squeaky hinges.
Inspect the door for scratches, dents, or chips. Sand minor damage smooth. Touch up with matching paint or stain.
Solid wood doors need more attention in humid climates. They can swell in summer and shrink in winter. Maintain consistent indoor humidity between 40% and 60% to minimize movement.
Replace weathered or damaged thresholds promptly. A high threshold (over 0.5 inches) creates a tripping hazard and violates accessibility standards.
Final Thoughts
A 34×80 interior door gives you the perfect balance of accessibility and practicality. The size exceeds ADA requirements for wheelchair access while fitting standard rough openings with minimal custom work.
You should choose this size when you need wheelchair accessibility, want a more spacious feel, or plan to age in place. The extra width costs slightly more than a 32-inch door but significantly less than custom options.
Measure your space carefully, order the correct door handle, and use proper installation techniques. Your investment will serve you well for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What rough opening do I need for a 34×80 door?
You need a 36-inch-wide by 82.5-inch-tall rough opening. This provides 1 inch of clearance on each side and 2.5 inches at the top for the jamb, flooring, and leveling.
Does a 34×80 door meet ADA requirements?
Yes. A 34-inch door provides a clear opening of approximately 32.5 to 33 inches, which exceeds the ADA minimum requirement of 32 inches for wheelchair accessibility.
How much does a 34×80 interior door cost? Prices range from $50 for basic hollow core doors to $700 for premium glass panel designs. Expect to pay $150 to $300 for quality MDF or composite doors. Installation adds $100 to $300.
Can I install a 34×80 door in a 32×80 rough opening?
No. The rough opening is too small. You would need to reframe the opening to 36 inches wide by 82.5 inches tall before installing a 34×80 door.
What’s the difference between a 34×80 and a 36×80 door?
A 36×80 door is 2 inches wider. Both exceed ADA requirements. The 34×80 uses slightly less space while still providing excellent accessibility. Choose based on your rough opening size and clearance needs.
