Sydney - GMA, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Northern NSW, Coffs Harbour....
Sydney - GMA, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Northern NSW, Coffs Harbour....
Getting your window sizes right is one of the most critical steps in any build or renovation. Order too small and you lose light and ventilation. Order too large and you're up for costly structural modifications. Get the terminology wrong and your custom-made windows won't fit at all.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about window sizing for homes across Queensland and New South Wales — from how to measure correctly, to understanding standard sizes, to choosing the right dimensions for each room in your home.
Before you measure anything, you need to understand the difference between two commonly confused dimensions:
Stud Opening (Rough Opening) This is the framed opening in your wall — the gap between the structural timber or steel studs. This is the measurement that matters when ordering windows. At Window & Door Supplies, all window sizes listed are stud opening dimensions for reveal-fit windows.
Window Size (Frame Size) This is the outer dimension of the window frame itself. It will always be slightly smaller than the stud opening to allow for installation tolerances and reveals.
Reveal The reveal is the timber or aluminium lining that covers the gap between the window frame and the stud opening, finishing the window off neatly on the interior. WDS has a dedicated Reveals guide to help you understand your options.
Always order based on your stud opening measurement — not the old window frame size if you're doing a replacement.
What you'll need: A steel tape measure, a notepad, and a helper for larger openings.
Step 1 — Measure the width Measure the internal width of the reveal opening at three points: top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest measurement to avoid ordering a frame that won't fit.
Step 2 — Measure the height Measure the internal height at three points: left, centre, and right. Again, use the smallest measurement.
Step 3 — Check for square Measure diagonally from corner to corner in both directions. If the two diagonal measurements differ by more than 5mm, your opening is out of square and may need correcting before installation.
Step 4 — Note the wall depth Measure the depth of the wall from the outer face to the inner face. This determines what reveal depth you'll need.
Write down all measurements as Height x Width — this is the standard format used by WDS and most Australian window suppliers.
Window & Door Supplies stocks the Carinya aluminium window range in a variety of standard sizes, making it easy to order online without a custom quote. Here's an overview of common sizes across their range:
One of the most popular choices for Queensland and NSW homes, the Carinya Sliding Window range includes:
| Height x Width | From |
|---|---|
| H600 x W600 | $335 |
| H600 x W1200 | $399 |
| H900 x W1200 | $474 |
| H1200 x W1800 | $652 |
These represent stud opening sizes. If your opening falls between standard sizes, WDS's Custom Orders service can produce a window to your exact dimensions.
WDS also stocks standard sizes across their full range including Awning Windows, Louvre Windows, Bi-Fold Windows, Fixed Windows, and Double Hungs. Browse the full Windows collection to find standard sizes that match your openings.
Window sizing isn't just about what fits — it's about what works for each space. Here's a practical guide for common rooms in Queensland and NSW homes.
The living room is where you want maximum light and connection to the outdoors. Aim for larger openings — an H1200 x W1800 sliding window or wider is a strong starting point. If the room faces north or east, consider a Bi-Fold Window that opens the entire wall to a deck or alfresco area. For west-facing living rooms, choose grey tint or Low-E glass to manage afternoon heat.
Bedrooms benefit from a balance of ventilation, privacy, and light control. An H900 x W1200 or H1200 x W1200 sliding or awning window is a practical choice for most bedroom sizes. In Queensland's climate, Awning Windows are a smart pick — they can stay open overnight during light rain without letting water in.
Ventilation is the priority here. Smaller openings work fine — an H600 x W600 or H600 x W900 awning or louvre window positioned high on the wall allows steam to escape while maintaining privacy. Louvre Windows are particularly effective in these rooms as the adjustable blades maximise airflow through a small opening.
If your kitchen faces an outdoor entertaining area, consider a Gas Strut Servery Window — typically sized around H600 x W1200 or wider, propping open to create a full indoor-outdoor servery connection. For standard kitchen windows, an H600 x W1200 awning or sliding window above the bench is a practical and popular choice.
Natural light is important but glare can be a problem. Consider a Fixed Window in combination with a smaller operable awning window above or alongside it. Fixed windows maximise light without the operational hardware, keeping the look clean and unobtrusive.
The National Construction Code (NCC) requires that habitable rooms in Australian homes have openable window area equal to at least 5% of the floor area of the room. In practice, most builders and designers aim for 10% or more to achieve comfortable natural ventilation — particularly important in Queensland and Northern NSW where passive cooling is a key strategy for reducing energy costs.
For example, in a 20m² bedroom, you'd want at least 1m² of openable window area — roughly equivalent to two H600 x W900 awning windows.
This is more common than you'd think — especially in older homes where openings were built to non-standard dimensions, or in new builds with specific architectural requirements.
WDS's Custom Orders service handles exactly this. Contact the team with your stud opening measurements and they'll quote a custom-made Carinya window to fit. Commercial-grade options from the Alspec Altitude and Proglide ranges are also available on request for larger or more demanding applications.
Custom-made aluminium windows are non-refundable once manufactured, so accurate measurement is non-negotiable. If you're unsure about anything — stud sizing, reveals, wall depth, or which size suits your room — the WDS team is available on 02 5631 1755 and can walk you through the process.
Browse standard sizes and order online at windowanddoorsupplies.com.au, with delivery across Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, and Sydney GMA.