Are you trying to add a touch of class and sophistication to your home with some French doors? If you’re looking for a way to open up your room and let in natural light, adding French doors is a great solution! Not only will they give your home more character and charm, but these beautiful doors bring elegance and convenience as well.
Measuring for the right size of French door can be tricky, though – you want them to fit snugly into their opening without being too small or too large. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on exactly how to measure for French doors!
Follow along for step-by-step advice on measuring correctly so that everything fits perfectly when the time comes to install them in your home. Keep reading if you want tips on preparing measurements based on different room layouts and sizes!
The Perks of Having a French Door
1. Add Style
French doors have been popular for centuries, and now they’re making a comeback. If you’ve ever seen them in person, then you’ll know why! Not only are these doors attractive and stylish, but they also offer plenty of practical benefits.
For starters, French doors provide better access to the outdoors than your standard hinged door would. French doors are also great for bringing in more natural light into your home and making the space appear larger and airier.
2. Save Space
If you live in a small apartment or townhouse, then you know how important every square inch of space can be. With traditional single doors, you lose valuable room due to the fact that they need to open outwards. But with French doors, you don’t have to worry about that because they open inwards instead! This means that no matter how small your space may be, you can still benefit from the convenience of these beautiful doors.
The Benefits of Measuring for French Doors
1. For a Perfect Fit
Before we start on how to measure for French doors, let’s first discuss the importance of getting your measurements right! Getting accurate measurements for French doors is essential to ensure they fit correctly into the opening you have.
Not only will this make them look good and work properly, but it’ll also help save money in the long run as well. If you get your measurements wrong, it’ll mean having to buy different-sized doors or making costly adjustments that could have been avoided.
2. Easy Installation
Getting the right measurements for French doors also makes them easier to install! If you measure correctly, the installation process will be much smoother and faster. That way, you can get your new French doors up quickly without the hassle of having to make adjustments or find different doors.
Required Items to Measure for French Doors
Here’s what you’ll need before you start measuring:
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Notepad or paper
- Laptop or smart device (optional)
10 Ways How to Measure for French Doors
Now let’s get into the details of how to measure for French doors. Depending on your room layout, there are various different measurements that you’ll need to take. We’ll discuss each method separately in more detail below.
1. In-Swing Door (Interior opening)
If your French doors are going inside the room, then you’ll need to measure the space where they’ll fit.
- Measure the width of the interior opening.
- Make sure to include any molding or trim that may be in place already!
- Hold your tape measure against the left and right sides of the frame, and record the measurements.
2. Out-Swing Door (Exterior opening)
For doors that open outwards, it’s best to measure the exterior of the opening instead.
- Measure the width of the exterior opening.
- Make sure to include any trim or molding outside as well!
- Hold your tape measure against the left and right sides of the frame, and record the measurements.
3. Narrow Openings
If you have a narrow opening that doesn’t allow for standard French doors, then there are some special considerations you’ll need to make.
- Consider whether you can extend the opening width by removing or trimming down existing walls or doors.
- Measure the new opening dimensions to make sure they’ll fit with French doors.
- Make sure to double-check that everything is structurally sound before you start making any changes.
4. Sliding Doors
If you’re looking for a way to save space, then sliding French doors may be the perfect option! Here’s what you’ll need to measure:
- Measure the width and height of the track.
- Measure the distance from the top of the track to the finished floor/threshold.
- Take into account any wall or ceiling trim, and make a note of those measurements as well.
5. Pocket Doors
If you’re considering installing a pocket door, then you’ll need to take the following measurements:
- Measure the width and height of the doorway.
- Measure the distance from the top of the doorway to the finished floor/threshold.
- Make sure to measure any existing trim or molding as well!
6. Standard French Doors
For those installing standard French doors, you’ll need to measure the following:
- Measure the width of the desired opening.
- Make sure to take into account any existing molding or trim.
- Measure from the top of the door frame to the finished floor/threshold.
7. Bi-Fold Doors
Bi-fold French doors are a great way to open up a space and make it feel larger. Here’s what you’ll need to measure:
- Measure the width of the desired opening.
- Measure from the top of the door frame to the finished floor/threshold.
- Make sure to include any existing trim or molding when measuring!
8. Specialty Doors
If you’re looking for something a bit more unique than the standard French door designs, then consider specialty doors! Here’s what you’ll need to measure:
- Measure the width of the desired opening.
- Make sure to account for existing trim or molding as well.
- Measure from the top of the door frame to the finished floor/threshold.
- Also, consider the widths and heights of any specialty glass panes or trims that may be included in your design.
9. Prehung Doors
If you’re purchasing a prehung French door, then it’s important to measure both the unit itself as well as its opening.
- Measure the width and height of the prehung door unit itself.
- Make sure to include any existing trim or molding when measuring the opening.
- Measure from the top of the door frame to the finished floor/threshold.
10. Entry Doors
Entry French doors are a great way to bring in more light and make a statement. Here’s what you’ll need to measure:
- Measure the width of the desired opening.
- Make sure to include any existing trim or molding when measuring.
- Measure from the top of the door frame to the finished floor/threshold.
- Also, take into account any transom or side lights that may be included in your design.
6 Safety Measures to Follow when Measuring for French Doors
French doors are an elegant and stylish addition to any home. While they can add a touch of sophistication to your living space, it is important to remember that measuring for them correctly is essential in order to ensure the highest quality of product. To make sure that you measure correctly and take all the necessary safety precautions, here are eight steps you should follow when measuring for new French doors:
- Make sure the area is clear before beginning. Before you start, make sure that there are no objects in the doorway or around it that could interfere with your measurements.
- Use a metal tape measure to measure the width of the door frame at its widest points from left to right and top to bottom.
- Measure the height of the door frame from the floor up to the top of the frame.
- Measure the depth of the door frame from front to back, and make sure to include any molding or other features that may affect your measurement.
- Take into account any obstructive items, such as window sills or baseboards, when taking your measurements.
- Double-check all of your measurements before ordering to make sure you have the correct size for your French doors.
Conclusion
Measuring for French doors may seem like a daunting task at first, but using the tips outlined in this blog post can make the process easier and more efficient. Taking precise measurements is critical, as it will ensure that your new doors fit perfectly and function smoothly. With careful attention to detail, you can rest assured that you chose the best door size and style for your home.
Furthermore, seeking professional advice before beginning this process could help you be sure of making an informed decision when purchasing new French doors for your home or office space.
So don’t be intimidated by measuring – just remember to take extra precautions by double-checking all calculations and asking yourself if any changes might need to be made. Then you will have no issue when calling in the help of experts to install your new French doors! Follow these tips on how to measure for french doors for a successful installation, and you’ll be sure to enjoy your new doors.
