Doors

Preparing to Measure

Before diving into the details of how to measure interior doors, let’s ensure you’re fully prepared for the task. Proper preparation is key to accuracy and safety.

Tools, Safety, Assistance

Tools: You’ll need a reliable tape measure, a notepad and pencil for recording measurements, and possibly a level if you suspect your existing door or frame may not be perfectly vertical or horizontal. A small step ladder might also be necessary for reaching the top of the door comfortably.

Safety: Always prioritize your safety. If you’re using a step ladder, make sure it’s stable. If you’re removing a door or dealing with sharp edges, wear protective gloves.

Assistance: Measuring a door can sometimes require more than two hands. Having a helper can make the process smoother, especially when holding the tape measure in place or verifying level accuracy.

Types of Measurements

To measure a door accurately, you’ll need to take three main types of measurements: height, width, and thickness.

• Height: Measure from the top of the door to the bottom. For doors still in their frames, ensure you measure from the inside of the top frame to the floor or threshold.
• Width: Measure across the door from one side to the other at the widest point. It’s crucial to measure the door itself, not the door frame.

• Thickness: Measure the edge of the door to determine its thickness. This is especially important when replacing a door to ensure the new door fits snugly within the existing frame.

Standard Sizes

Understanding standard door sizes can help you contextualize your measurements and determine if you’ll need a standard door or a custom solution.

• Common Widths: Interior doors typically come in several standard widths: 24, 28, 30, 32, and 36 inches. These sizes accommodate most interior spaces, from closets to main passages.

• Heights: The most common door height is 80 inches, but 78 and 96 inches are also available for special applications or non-standard openings.

• Thickness: Most interior doors have a standard thickness of 1 3/8 inches, although 1 3/4 inches can also be found, particularly in older homes or for doors that require additional soundproofing or security.

By understanding these basics and preparing properly, you’re now ready to measure your interior doors accurately. Taking your time to measure correctly can save you from potential issues down the line. Whether you’re dealing with a standard-sized door or a unique situation requiring a custom solution, Builders Surplus is here to help with all your door needs.

Step-by-Step Guide

Measuring your interior doors doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s break it down into simple steps to ensure you get it right the first time.

Measuring Door Slab

1. Horizontal Measurements: Grab your tape measure and measure the width of your door at the top, middle, and bottom. Doors can warp over time, so it’s crucial to measure in these three spots. Use the smallest measurement as your door width. This is to ensure the new door will fit in the tightest part of the existing frame.

2. Vertical Measurements: Next, measure the height of your door on the left side, the center, and the right side. Again, use the smallest measurement as your door height for the same reasons mentioned above.

3. Thickness: Doors come in various thicknesses. Measure the edge of the door to find out how thick it is. A standard interior door is usually 1-3/4 inches thick.

4. Hinge Locations: If you’re replacing just the door slab and keeping the existing frame, you’ll need to note where the hinges are. Measure from the top of the door to the top of each hinge.

Measuring for Pre-hung Systems

1. Rough Opening: For those replacing the entire door system, including the frame, you’ll need to measure the rough opening. Start by removing the interior trim using a pry bar gently. Measure the width and height in three places, like you did with the door slab, and record the smallest measurements.

2. Jamb Width: Measure the thickness of the door jamb, too. This is important for ensuring your new pre-hung door fits snugly into place.

3. Frame Depth: Don’t forget to measure how deep the frame goes into the wall. This measurement is crucial for ensuring the new frame fits properly within the wall’s thickness.

Measuring Without Removing Trim

Sometimes, you might not want (or be able) to remove the trim around your door. Here’s how to measure in that case:

1. Jamb-to-Jamb: Measure the width from one side of the door jamb to the other, at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest measurement.

2. Top-Middle-Bottom: Similar to the other methods, measure the height of the door from the floor to the top of the door frame in three places: left, center, and right. Again, the smallest measurement is your friend.

3. Use Smallest Measurement: It bears repeating that using the smallest measurement ensures the new door or frame will fit. It’s easier to make minor adjustments to a slightly smaller door than to deal with one that’s too big.

By following these steps, measuring for your new interior door, whether it’s a slab or a pre-hung system, should be straightforward. Accuracy is key to ensuring your new door fits perfectly and functions as it should. Builders Surplus is here to assist you with all your door measurement needs, ensuring you get the perfect fit for your home.

Special Considerations

When measuring interior doors, there are several special considerations to keep in mind. These considerations ensure that your new door not only fits perfectly but also meets your specific needs and the unique characteristics of your home. Let’s dive into these considerations.

Door Swing Direction

Understanding the swing direction of your door is crucial before making a purchase. Doors can be Inswing (opening into a room) or Outswing (opening out of a room), and they can be Left Hand or Right Hand depending on the side the hinges are when facing the door.

• Inswing: This is common for interior doors as they usually open into a room.
• Outswing: Less common for interiors but might be used for doors opening onto small balconies or patios.
• Left Hand: If, when facing the door, the hinges are on your left, it’s a left-hand door.
• Right Hand: If the hinges are on your right, it’s a right-hand door.

Choosing the correct swing direction is not just about preference; it’s about functionality and space optimization within your home.

Older Homes

Older homes often present unique challenges, including non-standard door sizes. If you live in a historic or older home, you might find that standard door sizes do not fit your existing frames. This scenario calls for custom solutions:

• Non-standard Sizes: You might need to measure the existing door frame more carefully and possibly opt for a custom-sized door.
• Custom Solutions: Builders Surplus can assist in finding or creating a door that meets the unique specifications of your older home, ensuring that the integrity and aesthetic of your home are maintained.

Measuring for Special Orders

Sometimes, the perfect door for your space isn’t one that follows standard measurements or designs. In these cases, you may need to consider special orders:

• Custom Door Shop: For unique sizes or specific design features, a custom door shop can create a door that meets your exact specifications.
• Unique Sizes: Whether it’s a taller door for a grand entrance or a narrower door for a small closet, getting the measurements right is crucial for a special order.
• Modifications: Sometimes, a door might need additional modifications, such as special hinge placements or cutouts for glass panels.

Special Considerations for Custom Orders

When it’s time for a special order, getting those measurements spot on is key. You’ll want to make sure you nail the width, height, and thickness of the door just right, along with any other specifics that matter. Lucky for you, our Custom Door Shop at Builders Surplus is all set to tailor-make your order, ensuring the door you get is the perfect fit, boosting both the look and the workability of your home.

When measuring for a new interior door, whether it’s a slab or a pre-hung system, it should be straightforward, and these special considerations ensure a perfect fit and function. Accuracy is key, and Builders Surplus is here to assist you with all your door measurement needs, ensuring you get the perfect fit for your home. Whether it’s adjusting to the unique charm of an older home, deciding on the door swing direction, or navigating the complexities of a special order, we’ve got you covered.

Wrapping It Up

Congratulations! You’ve made it through the comprehensive guide on how to measure interior doors. By now, you understand that accurate measurements are the backbone of selecting the right door for your space. Whether you’re looking to replace an old door slab or install a pre-hung system, the key to success lies in precision.

Measuring might seem like a straightforward task, but as we’ve explored, it requires attention to detail and a methodical approach. From capturing the width, height, and thickness of the door to understanding the nuances of door swing direction, every step is crucial. Especially in older homes, where standard sizes might not apply, the ability to measure accurately becomes even more important.

At Builders Surplus, we pride ourselves on providing you with not just the tools and materials you need but also the knowledge to use them effectively. Our goal is to empower you to make informed decisions about your home improvement projects. With our guidance, measuring for a new door doesn’t have to be daunting. Instead, it can be an opportunity to enhance your home’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Accuracy in measurement not only ensures that your door fits perfectly but also saves you time, effort, and resources in the long run. If you ever find yourself in doubt or need further assistance, our team at Builders Surplus is always here to help. From offering advice on measurements to providing custom door solutions, we’re dedicated to making your vision a reality.

We’re excited to help transform your vision into reality with the perfect interior doors. For further assistance or to explore our collection, call us at 866-739-1636 or visit our store locator to find a Builders Surplus near you.