Replacing doors is one way to upgrade – or, as often is the case, to get rid of a rotten and broken door. Measuring right for a new door is crucial. Even more, if we are talking about your front door. If you measure all wrong, the door may not fit well. Or you may suffer from energy loss and bad performance. Since this is important, if you are not sure of your skills to measure correctly, you better entrust the job to a professional door installation contractor. If you think you can do it, let us provide guidance. Also, measure twice – at the very least.
Measuring for a new door, little things that make a big difference
Before you measure for a new door, gather your tools. You don’t need anything special other than a tape, a pencil, and a piece of paper to write your findings. It’s a good idea to use a level too, before anything else – just to be sure the door is level.
You also need to consider other improvements you may plan to make in the near future, like changing the floor. For example, if you plan to install carpet on the existing floor, it may get in the door’s way.
Also, take note of any obstructions. These could be lighting fixtures or even switches. There may also be furniture. You need to be sure the door’s swing won’t be affected by anything at all.
Speaking of the door’s swing. It’s critical to make a note of that. Do you need an inswing door or an outswing door? Since we are talking about measuring for a new swing door, are the current door’s hinges on the left- or right-hand side? Such details pinpoint the door’s swing operation and are critical details when you are shopping for a new door.
Last but not least, take into account whether you want a full door replacement – frame and everything, or just the slab replaced. It makes a difference in the way you measure – and what you are looking to find.
Now, if you want to replace the whole door system, you need to measure everything. This means that you don’t only measure the door slab, as you would do if you only wanted the slab replaced, but also measure the door’s jamb, for interior doors. For exterior doors, your measurements include the sill and frame. It’s also a good idea to make a note of the frame’s size. After all, some are narrow and some are wide.
Measuring for a new door slab
* Measure the door’s width. Measure the width of the door at three points – bottom, middle, and top. It’s best to make a note of these numbers. It’s the highest number that indicates the door’s width.
* Measure the door’s height. To understand the door’s height, you need to run the tape on both the right and left corner sides of the door, from top to bottom. Make a note of these numbers too. The longest length indicates the door’s height.
* Measure the door’s thickness. It’s important to know how thick the door is if you don’t change the frame. Otherwise, it may not fit. Write down the measure of the door’s thickness. Measure the frame rebate too (when the door is shut).
Double-check your measurements
Once you’ve taken all measurements, double-check the number, just to be sure. It’s vital to get the right door size, even if this is an interior door, let alone if you measure for a new front door.
Overall, measuring for a new door – the entire system or just the slab – may indeed be a little daunting. But if you have the right tools and pay attention, you can do it. Why don’t you give it a try?
