Exterior doors - measure up
Exterior doors - measure up
When you go to buy a new exterior door, avoid a major headache and measure carefully first. This buyer’s guide will explain just how to take measurements so that you’re assured a good fit.
Taking measurements is an important and essential step. It’s also not very hard to do. New construction or renovation; both will impact how you take your measurements, as will the type of exterior cladding on the house.
Measurements you need before choosing an exterior door
1. As shown in the illustration, measure the door opening at three different locations for width, height, and depth. If the three measurements are not the same, take the shortest measurement.
2. Carefully check the size of the openings between the studs. Please note that doors come in standard sizes only (30", 32", 34", 36" and 42").
3. Check whether the door is in-swing (opening in) or out-swing (opening out).
4. Check whether the door is right-handed or left-handed.
5. Choose the doorknob and lock to determine the number and location of pre-drilled holes.
6. Take the measurements of the sidelights on either side of the door.
Vinyl exterior cladding
1. Remove the interior frames.
2. As shown in the illustration, measure the door opening at three different locations for interior and exterior width, interior and exterior height, and depth. If the three measurements are not the same, take the shortest measurement.
3. Carefully check the size of the openings between the studs. Note also that doors come in standard sizes only (30", 32", 34", 36" and 42").
4. Check whether the door is in-swing or out-swing.
5. Check whether the door is right-handed or left-handed.
6. Choose the doorknob and lock to determine the number and location of pre-drilled holes.
7. Take the measurements of the sidelights on either side of the door.
1. Remove the interior frames.
2. As shown in the illustration, measure the door opening at three different locations for interior and exterior width, interior and exterior height, and depth. If the three measurements are not the same, take the shortest measurement.
3. Carefully check the size of the openings between the studs. Note also that doors come in standard sizes only (30", 32", 34", 36" and 42").
4. Check whether the door is in-swing or out-swing.
5. Check whether the door is right-handed or left-handed.
6. Choose the doorknob and lock to determine the number and location of pre-drilled holes.
7. Take the measurements of the sidelights on either side of the door.