To accurately measure for French doors based on the provided reference, you need to take several key measurements within the existing opening. While fitting involves installation steps not detailed in the reference, proper measurement, as described, is the crucial first step for a flush and correct fit.
Essential Measurements for French Doors
Measuring your door opening correctly ensures you order doors that will fit properly and function smoothly. According to the reference, specific measurements are required for both the width and height of the opening, as well as the depth of the wall (jamb width). Taking measurements at multiple points helps identify any inconsistencies in the opening, ensuring the doors will fit the smallest dimension.
Measuring the Width
The width of your opening should be measured at three different points:
- Top of the frame: Measure the horizontal distance across the top of the door frame.
- Bottom of the frame: Measure the horizontal distance across the bottom of the door frame.
- Middle: Measure the horizontal distance across the middle of the door frame.
Why measure at three points? Door openings are not always perfectly square. Measuring at the top, middle, and bottom allows you to identify the narrowest point, which is the critical measurement for ordering your doors.
Measuring the Height
Similarly, the height of your opening requires measurements at three locations:
- Left hand side: Measure the vertical distance from the top to the bottom of the opening on the left side.
- Right hand side: Measure the vertical distance from the top to the bottom of the opening on the right side.
- Middle: Measure the vertical distance from the top to the bottom of the opening in the center.
Why measure at three points? Just like the width, measuring the height at multiple points helps you find the shortest vertical distance in the opening. This shortest measurement determines the maximum height your new French doors can be.
Measuring the Jamb Width
The jamb width is the depth of the wall itself where the door frame will sit. This measurement is essential for ensuring the door frame sits flush with your wall surfaces.
- Measure the jamb width: Measure from the back of the exterior trim to the back of the interior trim.
Why is jamb width important? This measurement ensures that the door frame (or "jamb") matches the thickness of your wall, allowing the door unit to be installed neatly and flush with both the inside and outside wall finishes.
By carefully taking these measurements as outlined in the reference (width at top, bottom, middle; height at left, right, middle; and jamb width from exterior trim back to interior trim back), you gather the necessary data to order French doors that are appropriately sized for your specific opening.
