Hey there, door aficionados! Have you ever found yourself in need of a new interior or exterior door, only to be stumped by the measuring process? Fear not, for today we’ll be tackling the exciting world of door measuring with a dash of humor and a pinch of practicality! We’re here to make sure you’re fully prepared for your door shopping adventure.
Whether it’s a stunning interior door or a robust replacement entry door, we’ve got you covered. Grab your trusty measuring tape and let’s get started! 📏
You can also, watch the video here, which should make things easier: https://youtube.com/shorts/yLnWKHv9Nt4?feature=share
Step 1: Understanding the Lingo
Before we dive in, let’s brush up on some door jargon to help you sound like a seasoned pro. The slab refers to the actual door itself, while the jamb is the frame surrounding it. Hinges are those magical metal things that help your door swing open and closed. The threshold is the horizontal strip at the bottom of the doorframe that seals the gap between the door and the floor. Got it? Great! Let’s move on.
Step 2: Sizing up the Situation
First things first, let’s determine if you have a standard door size. For interior doors, the average width is around 30 inches, while exterior doors tend to be about 36 inches wide. If your door falls within these ranges, congratulations! You can skip the rest of this article and celebrate with a door-themed party! 🥳
Step 3: Measuring the Width
Start by measuring the width of the existing door frame, from the left corner to the right corner, at the top, centre, and bottom. This horizontal measurement will help you catch any sneaky curves or warping. Jot down the smallest measurement, as this is the one you’ll need for your door shopping adventure.
Step 4: Measuring the Height
Next up, we’ll measure the height of the door. Channel your inner giant and stretch that measuring tape from the top corner to the bottom corner, on both the left and right sides of the door. Make sure to record the shorter of the two vertical measurements, because nobody wants a door that scrapes the floor, right?
Step 5: Measuring the Depth
Now it’s time to measure the depth of the door slab. Place the end of your tape measure on the inside edge of the door and extend it to the outside edge. This will give you the thickness of your door, which is essential for a smooth installation.
Step 6: Checking the Hinges and Jamb
Finally, we need to inspect the hinges and jamb. Measure the distance from the top corner of the door to the top of the first hinge, then from the bottom corner to the bottom of the second hinge. This will ensure your new door’s hinges align perfectly with the existing ones. For the jamb, measure its width from the back of the interior trim to the back of the exterior trim.
Step 7: Measuring the Door Opening
While you’ve already measured your existing door frame, it’s also important to measure the door opening. This will help you identify any discrepancies between the door frame and the opening, ensuring your new door fits seamlessly. Measure the width and height of the opening at several points, just as you did for the door frame.
Step 8: Double-Check Your Measurements
It’s always wise to double-check your measurements before you head off on your door-buying expedition. Repeating the measurement process will help you catch any errors and ensure you have the most accurate dimensions possible. Remember, measure twice, buy once!
Step 9: Consider the Swing Direction
When selecting a new door, it’s important to consider the direction in which it swings. This will ensure that your door not only fits perfectly but also functions smoothly in your space. To determine the swing direction, stand in the doorway and imagine yourself opening the door.
If the door opens towards you and the hinges are on the left side, you have a left-hand swing door. If the door opens towards you and the hinges are on the right side, you have a right-hand swing door. If the door opens away from you and the hinges are on the left side, you have a left-hand reverse swing door. Lastly, if the door opens away from you and the hinges are on the right side, you have a right-hand reverse swing door.
By considering the swing direction, you’ll be better equipped to choose the perfect door for your space, ensuring that it not only looks great but also functions seamlessly in your daily life. With this knowledge in hand, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a door-measuring expert! 🚪📏😂
In summary, by following this ultimate, hilariously handy guide for measuring any interior or exterior door, you’ll be ready to find the perfect door to fit your space. By understanding the lingo, taking precise measurements, double-checking your work, and considering the swing direction, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your door shopping adventure. Happy door hunting!
