- \n
- Use a metric tape measure <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Write down every measurement you take<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Allow for sufficient clearance for the height, width and bottom of the door so it opens fully <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check which side you would like the handle to be on (do this as you look at the door from the outside)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ensure the door is smaller than the opening <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Don’ts <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Don’t use a tape measure if you can’t read the measurements clearly <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Don’t use dressmakers tape or anything similar to this <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How To Measure For A New Composite Door <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You’re measuring the overall height and width of the door (this includes the door, frame and cill). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.timbercompositedoors.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/service-maintenance-worker-repairing-1-1-1024x683.jpg\")
(Image Source: FreePik)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.timbercompositedoors.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Screenshot-2023-07-12-at-14.56.28-1024x471.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n1 – Measuring The Width <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to measuring the width, you’ll need to measure in 3 points; the top, the middle and the bottom. Take the smallest measurement and deduct 10mm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
2 – Measuring The Height <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Again, you’ll need to measure in 3 points; the left, the centre and the right. Take the smallest measurement before deducting 10mm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember to measure to the underside of the existing cill unless it is NOT being replaced (i.e. a concrete cill). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
3 – Diagonals <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Make sure the opening is square by carefully measuring the diagonals (which is shown in red). Between each measurement, there shouldn’t be any more than a 5mm difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Most Common Type of Plan View <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The diagram below clearly shows how the existing door butts up to the internal plaster line. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.timbercompositedoors.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Screenshot-2023-07-12-at-15.22.37-1024x414.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nYou’ll need to carefully repeat the process from the inside of the door, from plasterwork to plasterwork. Don’t forget to make a note of the smallest measurement like before. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.timbercompositedoors.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Screenshot-2023-07-12-at-15.26.10.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAddon Example <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Opening internal is 800mm and external, 870mm (the external operning smallest measurement is 870mm). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
if the internal plaster reveal is large, it will be necessary to use the right frame addon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Addons available in Various Sizes <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.timbercompositedoors.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Screenshot-2023-07-12-at-15.33.52.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you have an opening width of 870mm externally, this means the manufacturing size will be 860mm. However, looking at the example above, the plaster reveal is about 35mm on each side, meaning the door hinge will foul the plaster line by 5mm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.timbercompositedoors.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Screenshot-2023-07-12-at-15.38.04-1024x487.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe overall manufacturing size of 860mm includes a 15mm add-on and 845mm door. This means the hinge will clear the plaster line, allowing the door to open correctly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure that the door outer frame still manages to clear the plaster line on the lock side and if it doesn’t, you may need to add an add-on on this side. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.timbercompositedoors.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Screenshot-2023-07-12-at-16.38.46-1024x464.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBox Sash Plane View <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
However, it may be possible that you find yourself with a box sash scenario when the reverse of the plan is shown as below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You’ll have to measure brick to brick externally and then add on 5-10mm each side (to the smallest size). This is so that the outer frame sits nicely and neatly behind the existing brickwork. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.timbercompositedoors.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Screenshot-2023-07-13-at-09.14.25.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nUsing Addon To Clear Plasterline <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
With a box sash installation, you’ll find that the Kerb of the frame can be fixed with a frame Add-on to make up the gap present. The Addons are usually available in the following sizes; 15mm, 25mm & 50mm. (You will most likely have to remove existing architrave to survey accurately)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.timbercompositedoors.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Screenshot-2023-07-13-at-09.22.40.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCills Options <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.timbercompositedoors.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Screenshot-2023-07-13-at-09.27.55.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is an open in door with an aluminium low threshold fitted on an 85mm PVC sub cill to stone\/ concrete. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nThis is an open in door with an aluminium low threshold fitted on 150mm PVC sub cill to brickwork. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nThere is no cill present here, so the open in door with an aluminium threshold is fitted on to stone\/ concrete. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.timbercompositedoors.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Screenshot-2023-07-13-at-09.34.07.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\nHere is an open in door but with PVC threshold, fitted on to an 85mm PVC sub cill to stone\/ concrete. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nHere is an open in door with a PVC threshold fitted on to a 150mm PVC sub cill to brickwork. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nThere is no cill present here, so the open in door with a PVC threshold is fitted on to stone\/ concrete.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
So, there you have it! Some simple steps to help you measure your front door precisely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you lack confidence or want to make sure you do it as accurately as possible, it may be best to consider bringing in a professional door fitter who will be able to get the perfect measurements for your new front door. <\/p>\n\n\n\n