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Buying new doors can be quite surprising, especially when you realize how many different sizes are available. While there are some "industry standard" sizes that most suppliers follow, these aren't always universally applicable, particularly in the UK market, where older doors tend to have irregular shapes.
It's always wise to measure your existing doors before purchasing new ones instead of relying solely on standard sizes. This ensures you're making the correct purchase and avoids unnecessary hassle later on.
We've put together a straightforward guide to help you get accurate measurements and avoid common pitfalls that often confuse beginners.
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### **Contents**
- How to Measure for New Internal Doors
- How to Measure for New External Doors
- How to Measure for Bifold Doors
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### **How to Measure for New Internal Doors**
The simplest approach when measuring for new internal doors is to measure the one you're replacing. However, if the door doesn't fit well within the Frame, there's no current door to measure, or it's a new opening without a frame, you'll need to measure the gap and make adjustments accordingly.
Regardless of your situation, you'll need to measure the width, height, and thickness of the door or the opening.
#### **Step 1: Measure the Width**
- Use a measuring tape to measure the width at three points: the top, middle, and bottom.
- Older doors and openings may not be perfectly rectangular, so take multiple measurements and use the largest number as your door width.
- Ensure you're only including the door itself and not any additional parts like weather stripping.
#### **Step 2: Measure the Height**
- Run the tape measure from the top of the door to the bottom in a straight line, measuring in a few different places to account for any variations.
- Double-check that you're not including extra door parts like a door sweep in your measurements.
#### **Step 3: Measure the Door Thickness**
- Measure the thickness of your door by running the tape measure from one edge to the other.
- Note down the number, then measure the door jamb on the frame to confirm it matches, as you may need both figures.
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### **Additional Considerations for Measuring Internal Doors**
#### **If Measuring Between the Frame**
If your opening already has a frame installed, your measurement would be "frame-to-frame."
- Measure the width from left to right but subtract 2-3mm from each side to allow for smooth operation and prevent cracking or warping during seasonal changes.
#### **If There’s No Door or Frame**
For new openings without a frame, measure the "brick-to-brick" opening. Measure the rough opening size (both width and height), and consider adjustments for framing.
- **Tip:** Once you have all three measurements, repeat the process for each door you intend to replace. Internal doors in a home are rarely uniform in size or thickness, so measure each door individually.
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### **How to Measure for a New External Door**
External doors are measured similarly to internal doors but may require additional steps to ensure a proper fit.
#### **Measuring for a New Door in an Existing Frame**
If you're installing a new door into an existing frame, it's better to measure the new frame rather than the old one for a smoother finish.
- Measure the width, height, thickness, and any side panels (if required).
#### **Replacing the Door and Frame**
When replacing both the door and frame, measure the structural opening, i.e., brick-to-brick.
- Deduct about 2 inches from the width and 2.5 inches from the height of the brick opening to accommodate the new frame.
- Don't forget to account for draft excluders, which could add up to 25mm to your height measurement.
- **Tip:** The height measurement is crucial for external doors to ensure weatherproofing fits snugly and keeps drafts out.
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### **How to Measure for Bifold Doors**
Bifold doors require precise measurements since they need to operate smoothly.
- Measure the full width and height of the opening, including the frame.
- Take width measurements at the top, middle, and bottom, using the smallest value for your order.
- Measure the height at various points and use the smallest measurement.
- Check the diagonal from corner to corner to confirm the opening is a perfect rectangle.
- Ensure the floor is level for proper sliding or folding.
For large openings, especially those with glass doors, specific UK building regulations may apply, such as safety glass requirements. Always seek professional advice if unsure.
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### **What If I Can’t Find the Right Door Size?**
If you're struggling to find the exact size or aren't entirely confident in your measurements, opt for an internal door slightly larger than your opening, which can be trimmed down to fit. For external doors, go with the smallest measurements.
Different manufacturers have varying thresholds for adjusting doors, so check this before purchasing. We've also compiled a guide on standard door sizes to help you make the right decision.
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### **Can I Just Measure the Door I'm Replacing?**
While measuring the existing door is the easiest way to get the necessary dimensions for a replacement, always verify that it fits snugly in the frame and doesn't rub against it or have excessive gaps.
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### **Shop Internal and External Doors from Leader Doors**
With your measurements in hand, you can start searching for the perfect door for your space. At Leader Doors, we offer a wide selection of internal and external doors, along with door frames, tailored to meet your needs. We even provide bespoke doors crafted to your specifications.
Feel free to call our friendly Door Experts in our sales team for advice. They can help determine the right size, discuss pricing, and check availability over the phone.
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### **Related Articles**
- How to Trim Engineered Timber Doors
- How to Fit a Door Frame
- How To Fix A Sticking Door
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Let us know if you have any questions or need further assistance!