How to Measure the Door Frame for Internal Doors

Accurately measuring your door frame is crucial for ensuring your new internal door fits perfectly. Follow these simple steps to get precise measurements.

Tools You Will Need

• Tape measure
• Pencil and paper
• Spirit level
• Step stool (if necessary)

Steps to Measure Your Door Frame

Step 1: Measure the Width

1. Top Width: Measure the width of the door frame at the top.
2. Middle Width: Measure the width in the middle of the frame.
3. Bottom Width: Measure the width at the bottom of the frame.
4. Record the Measurements: Write down all three measurements and use the smallest one as your door width.

Step 2: Measure the Height

1. Left Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the frame on the left side.
2. Middle Height: Measure from the floor to the top in the middle of the frame.
3. Right Height: Measure from the floor to the top on the right side.
4. Record the Measurements: Write down all three measurements and use the smallest one as your door height.

Step 3: Measure the Depth

1. Measure Depth: Measure the thickness of the door frame.
2. Record the Measurement: This is important for ensuring the new door fits snugly in the frame.

Common Measurements

Measurement Area	Points to Measure	Note
Width	Top, Middle, Bottom	Use the smallest measurement
Height	Left, Middle, Right	Use the smallest measurement
Depth	Thickness of the door frame	Ensure the door fits the frame depth

Tips for Accurate Measurement

• Use a Spirit Level: Ensure your tape measure is straight for accurate measurements.
• Double Check Measurements: Measure twice to confirm accuracy.
• Account for Floor Coverings: If you have carpets or rugs, measure the door height from the floor covering.

Example Measurement Process

Imagine you are measuring a door frame in your living room:

1. Width: You measure the top (82 cm), middle (81.5 cm), and bottom (82 cm). The smallest measurement is 81.5 cm, so you use that as the width.
2. Height: You measure the left (201 cm), middle (201.5 cm), and right (202 cm). The smallest measurement is 201 cm, so you use that as the height.
3. Depth: You measure the thickness of the frame, which is 4.5 cm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if My Door Frame is Uneven?

Solution: If your door frame is slightly uneven, use the smallest measurements to ensure the door fits. You may need to plane the door slightly during installation.

Should I Measure with the Old Door Installed?

Best Practice: Remove the old door for the most accurate measurements. If that's not possible, measure as closely as you can to the frame.

How Do I Measure for a Double Door?

Method: Measure the total width from one side of the frame to the other, then divide by two to get the width for each door. Measure the height and depth as you would for a single door.

Summary

Accurate measurements are key to a perfect door fit. Always measure the width, height, and depth at multiple points, and use the smallest measurements. Double-check your work to ensure accuracy.