There are several important steps to the process of installing any new entry or other exterior door, and one key area here is measurements. The proper measurements are vital for ensuring everything from door size to installation techniques, and if you’re performing your own measurements for a new door, knowing how to do so is very important.
At Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors, we’re here to offer a variety of exterior doors to clients throughout Utah, plus will be happy to assist with your measurement needs and related concepts if needed. Here are some simple tips we generally offer in this important area.
You Don’t Have to Do it Alone
For some home or building owners, measuring for a new door will be relatively simple and straightforward. For others, however, it can be more complicated, especially if you’re not really sure what you’re doing. Perhaps you have an injury or movement concern that limits your ability to take proper measurements. Maybe you’re dealing with an oddly shaped or positioned doorway.
In any case, it’s perfectly fine to ask for help from a friend, neighbor, or professional if you need it.
If this describes you or if you would simply feel better having someone else do the measuring to avoid any potential mistakes, then please don’t hesitate to contact our team. We’ll be happy to come out and measure for you, completely free of charge and with no obligation.
If you choose to move forward on your own, however, our next few sections will offer some basic tips.
What Tools Will You Need?
You’ll need a few simple tools and materials in order to measure for your new door correctly. A good quality tape measure is the most important tool, of course, but you’ll also need something to write with so that you can take note of your numbers, plus a level to make sure everything is nice and even. A pencil or pen is fine for taking notes, while a small bubble level can usually be found in most toolboxes.
You might also want to consider having a helper on hand when you measure, as this can make things go more quickly and smoothly.
Measure in Inches
Before we get to the actual measurement areas to focus on, it’s important to mention that you’ll want to take all measurements in inches. This is the standard unit of measurement in the door industry, so it will make things much easier when it comes time to order your new door.
Now, let’s move on and talk about the areas you’ll need to focus on when measuring.
Measuring Width First
As you may have guessed, the first important measurement to take is door width. Generally speaking, the approach that’s taken by most in the industry here is to measure from corner to corner of the door frame on the hinge side.
However, in some cases this may not give you an accurate reading, especially if the door frame itself is warped or angled in some way. If this is the case, then you’ll want to measure from one side of the door frame to the other instead and use that number as your width measurement.
In addition, it’s often good to measure door width in multiple different places just to be sure you have an accurate number. We recommend taking three width measurements total, then likely going with the widest one — there may be small imperfections in your door area that you’re not aware of, and this can help account for that.
Measuring Height Second
After measuring door width, the next focus area is door height. Once again, you’ll want to measure from corner to corner on the strike side of the door frame. You can also measure from the top of the door frame to the bottom, but this may not give you as accurate of a number if the frame itself is warped or angled.
As with width measurements, it’s also a good idea to take multiple height measurements and then use the largest one. Three measurements should suffice here as well, and then you can move on to the next focus area.
Door Thickness
Another very important element to consider here is door thickness. This is critical for making sure your new door will fit properly in the existing frame, and it’s generally recommended that you use the thinnest measurement possible just to be safe.
To measure door thickness, simply place your tape measure at the very top of the door on the hinge side and then measure straight down to the bottom. Once again, you can also measure from one side of the door to the other, but this isn’t always as accurate.
Once you have your door thickness measurement, be sure to write it down so that you don’t forget it later on.
Lock and Hinge Locations
Finally, you’ll also need to take note of the locations of your door’s lockset and hinges. This information will be vital when it comes time to install your new door, so be sure you measure carefully and take note of all the details.
To start, open your door and then look at the edge of it where the hinges are located. Measure from the top of the door down to the center of the top hinge, then write this number down. You’ll need to do the same thing for the bottom hinge as well.
Now, take a look at the door’s lockset area. Measure from the center of the doorknob straight up to the top of the door, then write this number down. You’ll also need to measure from the center of the deadbolt (or keyhole, if you don’t have a deadbolt) up to the top of the door.
Once you have all of these measurements, you should have everything you need to order your new entry door. Just be sure to double-check all of your numbers before placing your order, as even a small mistake can result in an improper fit.
For more on how to measure for any new entry or exterior door, or to learn about any of our window or door services in Utah, speak to the team at Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors today.