Measuring for internal doors is a straightforward process focusing on capturing the correct width and height within the existing door frame.
To get the accurate measurements for a new internal door, you need to carefully measure the space inside the door frame where the door will fit.
Essential Measurements
The two critical dimensions you need are the door's width and height. Taking multiple measurements for each dimension helps account for any variations in the frame or floor, ensuring the best fit.
Measuring Width
Measuring the width correctly is crucial for a door that opens and closes smoothly without binding.
- Step 1: Measure Inside the Frame: Grab a tape measure and measure inside the door frame from left to right.
- Step 2: Take Multiple Readings: Measure at the top, middle, and bottom of the frame.
- Step 3: Determine Required Width: Whichever one of these measurements is the biggest will be the door width you require.
- Replacing an Existing Door: If you are replacing an existing door, you can also measure the width of the old door itself. Take three measurements across the door (top, middle, bottom) using the exact same principles as above, and select the biggest measurement.
It's important to use the largest width measurement to ensure the door blank you purchase is wide enough. You can always trim a door down slightly to fit, but you cannot add width.
Measuring Height
Measuring the height ensures the door fits vertically within the frame and clears the flooring.
- Step 1: Measure from Frame to Floor: Measure vertically from the top of the door frame down to the finished floor covering (carpet, wood, tile, etc.).
- Step 2: Take Multiple Readings: Measure at the left, middle, and right sides of the frame opening.
- Step 3: Determine Required Height: Take the smallest of these height measurements. This accounts for any unevenness in the floor or frame head.
Taking the smallest height measurement ensures that even at the highest point of your floor or lowest point of your frame head, the door will fit without dragging, allowing for necessary clearance at the bottom (typically a few millimetres).
Summary of Measurements
Here’s a quick overview of the key measurements needed:
| Dimension | Measurement Points | Value to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Width | Inside frame (Top, Mid, Bot) OR Existing door (Top, Mid, Bot) | Take the Biggest |
| Height | Inside frame (Top, Mid, Bot, down to floor) | Take the Smallest |
By following these steps and carefully taking multiple measurements for both width and height, you can confidently order the correct size internal door.
