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How to Measure for New Doors

When it comes to upgrading your home’s entrance, custom iron doors offer an unmatched combination of durability, security, and elegance. But remodeling can often seem like a complicated process. At Clark Hall, we strive to provide a white-glove experience from beginning to end, starting with helping you prepare for your custom iron door. A vital step in the process is learning how to measure for a new door or set of doors, ensuring a perfect fit that enhances your home’s curb appeal. For local projects in Charlotte or Raleigh, our experts at Clark Hall will always take final measurements before placing an order for your custom door. And for national projects, we will work closely with your contractor to take final measurements. Regardless of where you’re located, this guide will walk you through the important steps of measuring a rough estimate of your door, which you can bring with you to your consultation.

Our Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Gather Your Tools 
Measuring your door will be more accurate with these few essential tools: 
  • Tape measure 
  • Pen and paper, or your phone, to record your measurements 
  • Level, very important for precision
 
  1. Measure the Door Width & Height 
Start by measuring the width of your existing door three times, from the left to the right side of the door panel at the top, middle, and bottom of the door.  To find the door height, measure from the top of the door panel to the bottom on the edge of the door, taking two vertical measurements, one on each side, making note of the smallest measurement.  
  1. Measure the Door Frame 
Also known as the jamb, you’ll need to measure the surrounding structure that holds your door in place. To ensure your new door fits seamlessly into your existing frame, measure from the back of the interior trim to the back of the exterior trim.   

Adjusting the Steps to Suit Your Door

If you have double doors or doors with unique features like sidelights or a transom, you may need to repeat or adjust the steps above to fit your needs. Keep in mind that the steps above are adequate for getting a quote, however the final dimensions should always be taken by a professional. Check out our website for more information on the features and benefits of iron doors. Also, take some time to read our blog, “5 Questions to Consider Before Buying Iron Doors” to learn about quality, warranty, and lead times for our custom fabrication process. Our team is here for you—please contact us with any questions that arise during the process. We can’t wait to see what you create! 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you measure for a replacement interior door?

Using the same process as for an exterior door, measure horizontally across the door in three locations: top, middle, and bottom. Record the smallest measurement as the door width. Then, measure the vertical height of the door in two locations: left and right side. Record the smallest measurement as the door height.

Do you measure the rough opening for replacing a door?

Yes. The rough opening is the structurally-framed opening in the wall that receives the door. Your goal is to find the dimensions from header to floor, and wall to wall.   *Disclaimer: Before placing an order, our experts will always need to take, verify and confirm your door’s final measurements. If you’re working with another company, we recommend asking your installer to do the same.

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