Many homeowners want to install a new exterior door for aesthetics or for security reasons. Before purchasing a new door, it is important to know how to measure for it accurately.

Start by measuring the opening width in 3 locations and use the largest measurement as your door size. Then, measure from the sill to the top trim and compare this measurement to a standard pre-hung door with brick molding trim.

Measure the Width

Before you buy a door, make sure you know the width of your existing opening. Using a pry bar or a stiff blade putty knife, remove the trim from around the one side of your frame so you can measure the width. Take the measurement at three points: top, middle and bottom, excluding brickmould. If the measurements vary, use the largest number as the width of your opening.

Next, you’ll need to understand the height of your existing doorway opening. Run your tape measure from the bottom left to the bottom right, recording each measurement. If there are variations, choose the longest dimension. This will give you a good idea of the standard door size that will fit in your space. If you’re replacing your door, add two inches to the widest and tallest dimensions so you have enough room for installation and trim. Often, older homes do not conform to standard door sizes. This is when made-to-measure doors are required.

Measure the Height

You will want to take two different measurements for the height of the door, one towards the bottom and one from the top. Again, you should not include the frame in these measurements, only the space that is built into your brick opening that will fit your new door. If you have sidelights, it is important to remember that these sit within this space and are not part of the door itself.

Measure the height in several places around the door and record the largest number as your final measurement. If you are replacing an existing door, be sure to note whether the hinges are on the left or right side of the frame and what type of floor covering is in the area.

Once you have these basic measurements, you can cross-reference them with the rough opening requirements for your new front door to ensure a proper fit. Be sure to gently remove any interior trim in order to get accurate measurements.

Measure the Thickness

There are a number of things to consider when choosing a new door for your home. In particular, you need to ensure that the new door will fit your existing frame. To do this, you will need to take a few measurements.

First, you will need to measure the width of the opening. To do this, you will need to extend your tape measure from the edge of the door jamb on one side to the adjacent wall stud. Then, you will need to repeat this measurement on the other side of the frame.

Finally, you will need to measure the height of the opening. To do this, you’ll need to extend your tape measure from the bottom of the sill up to the top of the trim on the frame. Repeat this process on the left and right sides of the frame, and take the largest measurement as your door height. This will ensure that the new exterior door fits in your brick opening.

Measure the Rough Opening

If you’re replacing an existing door, start by measuring the rough opening size. Use a tape measure that has clearly marked measurement markings. It’s best to measure with a new tape measure because the markings on old ones may have been scratched off by previous use.

This measurement should be taken between the door studs found on either side of the opening. Make sure to add in the width of any exterior casing or trim. You will need these dimensions to order a prehung door with brick mold that matches the siding of your home.

Also, you will need to know whether the door swings left or right. This is important because the doorjambs will need to be adjusted accordingly. This is because a right-hand door requires a greater gap in the frame than a left-hand door. A professional installer can take care of this for you, but if you’re going to do it yourself, you will need to measure the gap.

ITZ Construction can help with all your exterior door needs.