How to Measure an External Door

Whether you’re looking to get the right size of door or want to know how to measure a door frame, UK homeowners can rest assured that there are ways to accomplish these. In this blog, we’ll detail when you’ll need to measure your doorway, what’s included in the measurements and importantly how to get the right measurements.

Do I need to measure for a Fully Fitted door?

• You will not need to measure your doorway for a Fully Fitted door, as our fitter will do this for you.
  
  
• If you have a specific door style in mind, we will also advise you if this is feasible due to minimum and maximum widths/heights. If it is not, we will offer alternatives.

Do I need to measure for a Supply Only door?

• For a Supply Only door, measurements are necessary and you must provide these when ordering a new door.
  
  
• If you already have an installer to fit a new door, they can take the measurements for you. Note they may charge extra for a survey.

Who should consider measuring a new door?

• Trade customers – With professional knowledge of installation, tradespeople are capable of accurately measuring for new doors.
  
  
• DIY customers – While not necessarily as skilled as a tradesperson, a confident DIY customer can measure and install their own door, but they should consider carefully why they wish to do so.

Is it cheaper to measure a door myself?

• While it may seem cheaper to cut out the fee of a tradesperson, one should not underestimate the skill involved in correctly measuring a door, which is vital to having the door properly installed.
  
  
• It may seem more expensive on the surface, but paying for a fitting service can ensure that not only measurements are taken correctly, but also your new door will be installed seamlessly without lasting repercussions.

Considerations for when you measure a new door

Composite door size guide

• When measuring the doorway, this will include the frame as well as the door slab itself.
  
  
• It’s important to note that different door styles are available in different sizes (this is inclusive of a standard frame without toplights or side panels). Generally, solid doors can be made narrow or wide, while glazed styles may be limited in maximum width or height.

UPVC door measuring tips

• This is generally the same as measuring for a composite door, i.e. the measurement is for the aperture of the doorway, including the frame as well as the door (sash and panel), and certain door styles will be available within certain sizes.
  
  
• However, if you are only looking to replace a UPVC door panel, you should use the existing panel as a guide and check its thickness as well to ensure that any new panel will fit within the sash.

How to measure a new door

For how to measure a door for replacement, UK homeowners can use our simple guide. Note that for the sizes, the frame and cill (if applicable) are included:

• Sizes should be taken from inner brickwork to inner brickwork (woodwork in the case of wooden sheds or houses).
  
  
• Width – Measure across the top, middle and bottom in millimetres. Take the shortest of these three measurements and deduct 10mm. This is your door/frame width.
  
  
• Height - Measure from top to bottom the left, middle and right in millimetres. Take the shortest of these three measurements and deduct 10mm. This is your door/frame height.

Additional items for fitting a new door

• Trim – Decorative beading that can be used to tidy up the surrounding edges of the doorway. When you order a door from us, you can also purchase trim in different lengths and matching finishes to the frame.
  
  
• Fitting kit – If you do not have these items already, we sell that includes the following:
  
  
  • Silicone – Seals up gaps between the door frame and brickwork, not only tidying the doorway but also keeping out draught.
  • Masonry screws/fixing – Used to fix the door into the brickwork. For these, a 6.5mm masonry drill is also required.
  • Packers – Small wedges used to correct irregularities in the position of the frame, as the walls or floor may not be entirely flush.

I’d like to order my new door

Whether it’s Fully Fitted or Supply Only, we’re here to help:

• Phone us – Speak to our door experts by phoning 0800 910 1122 free.
  
  
• Message us online – Either via the blue tab on the right of any page, or via our Contact Us page.
  
  
• Order your door online – View hundreds of styles and build your chosen door to your liking.

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