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Replacing a door might seem pretty straightforward, but it can be harder than it looks—especially since getting the correct measurements is the key to achieving the perfect fit.
Inaccurate measurements can lead to expensive adjustments down the road for doors that aren’t opening or closing properly.
If you find yourself frustrated by the measurement process, don’t be! This helpful guide will walk you through each step, leaving you confident with your measurements and ready to take the next steps in your build or remodeling project.
Tools for Accurate Measurements
Getting the right measurements starts with having the right equipment, and you probably have everything you need already on hand.
To get started with measuring your door, make sure you have:
- Tape measure
- Pencil and paper to record measurements
Step 1: Measure the Width of the Door
Now that you’ve got all your tools handy, it’s time to start measuring. To kick things off, open the door all the way. Make sure you can easily access both the front and back sides of the door panel.
Measure the width of the door panel at three points: the top, middle, and bottom. Having these three measurements will help you get a better idea of whether there are any irregularities making your door measure outside of a standard rectangle.
Make a note of the largest measurement—this will be your door panel width. If the measurements are slightly different from one another, go with the largest number, or the new door will be too small.
For reference, most standard door widths are usually 28, 30, 32, or 36 inches, but custom sizes are available if your door is more of an outlier.
Step 2: Measure the Height of the Door
After you’ve recorded how wide your door panel is, it’s time to measure how tall it stands.
For this step, you’ll want to take vertical measurements on both sides of the panel. Again, sometimes floors can be uneven, so measuring on both sides can give you peace of mind knowing you have the most accurate measurements.
Just like for the previous step, you’ll use the larger of the two measurements.
Traditional door heights are usually 80 inches for residential doors, but again, you can order custom sizes if your door is taller or shorter than the average.
Step 3: Measure the Depth of the Door Frame
If you’re replacing the entire door frame, you’ll also need to measure the depth of the frame. This is a must if you’re thinking of replacing your current door with a pre-hung door (a door that comes with its own frame).
Measure from the inside edge of the frame to the outside edge, so that you can make sure that your new door fits snugly against the wall.
Step 4: Final Tips for Door Replacement Success
After you’ve decided what kind of door you’ll be replacing your existing one with, you’ll want to double-check your measurements. It might seem a bit tedious, but accuracy is everything, and a second measurement can ensure that your numbers are correct and save you headaches in the long run.
You should also take note of where the hinge placements and lock-set holes are, especially if you’re going to install a slab door. Make sure that your new door will line up with the hinges and lock-set on your existing frame.
Pella of Omaha & Lincoln has professionals that will come out to your home to verify measurements to be sure that your new product will fit perfectly! This is what we recommend before ordering any product. Your local Pella sales rep will gladly walk you through the entire door replacement process to ensure that you aren’t left with any questions.
Headache-Free Door Replacements with Pella Windows & Doors of Omaha and Lincoln
Taking measurements for a door replacement doesn’t have to be a complicated process, but precision is crucial, and accuracy will save you time and money.
While carefully following these steps will help you trouble-shoot the process of measuring your home’s doors, Pella is ready to remove the guesswork completely by sending our team of highly trained professionals to measure for you, ensuring accuracy and security for your home for years to come.
At Pella Windows & Doors of Omaha and Lincoln, we have state-of-the-art doors, frames, and installation experts to help you properly replace your door in no time. And with some of the best warranties in the industry—through our Pella Care Guarantee—we make sure that your new doors are covered for years.
Schedule a free consultation today and learn more about how we can help you make the most out of your new installation with our premium selection of doors and door frames.
