
Iron Door Measurements Checklist: What to Measure Before You Order
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Before ordering an iron or aluminum door, measure the rough opening width and height at several points, the frame depth, and the swing direction. Note the floor type and threshold condition, then send these figures with photos so the door can be drawn and made to fit.
Why Accurate Measurements Matter
An iron or aluminum door is made to measure, so the figures you give us decide how well it fits. A few millimeters of error can mean a door that rubs on the frame, leaves a gap for drafts, or cannot be hung at all. Taking measurements carefully before you order saves time for you, your contractor and the factory.
Measure the opening itself, not the old door. Old doors are often out of square, and the wall may have shifted over the years.
Measure the Opening Width and Height
Measure the width at the top, middle and bottom of the opening, and record the smallest figure. Do the same for the height on the left, center and right. Walls in older buildings are rarely perfectly straight, so several readings give a truer picture.
- Width: top, middle, bottom
- Height: left, center, right
- Use a steel tape and write each figure down in millimeters
Check the Frame Depth and Wall Thickness
Measure how deep the frame sits in the wall, from the inner face to the outer face. This determines the depth of the door frame and how it sits against the wall finish. Also note the wall thickness if the door will be set into a thick or plastered wall.
If plaster or tiles will be added after installation, tell us so we can account for their thickness.
Decide the Opening Direction and Swing
Stand outside the door and note whether it opens toward you or away from you, whether it opens to the left or the right, and whether it swings inward or outward. Write this down clearly, because the hinges and locking side depend on it.
Also check whether the door must clear furniture, a stair landing or a neighboring door when it opens.
Note the Floor, Threshold and Surroundings
Record the floor finish inside and outside the door, such as tile, stone or concrete, and the height of any existing threshold. A new tile layer can change the clearance under the door, so measure after the floor is finished if possible.
- Floor finish on both sides
- Threshold height, if any
- Nearby obstacles such as steps or drainage
Send Photos and Notes With Your Inquiry
Photos help us understand the site quickly. Take one photo of the full opening, one close-up of the hinge side and one of the lock side. Add a sketch if you like, marking the measurements and the swing direction.
Once we receive your figures, we visit the site to confirm the measurements, prepare a drawing and a written specification, and wait for your approval before production begins.
Frequently asked questions
Should I measure the old door or the opening?
Measure the opening, because that is where the new door will sit. The old door may have been installed incorrectly or may no longer match the wall.
Do I need to measure more than once?
Yes. Taking several readings at top, middle and bottom, and at left, center and right, shows whether the opening is square and which figure to use.
What if the floor will be tiled after installation?
Tell us about the planned tiling so the threshold clearance can be planned. Measuring after the floor is finished gives the most accurate result.
Can you confirm measurements without a site visit?
Measurements from you are a good start, but we normally check them on site before drawing the door, to catch any irregularities in the wall.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common mistake is measuring from one point only and assuming the opening is square. Forgetting to note the swing direction before ordering also causes avoidable problems.
Our recommendation
Measure at three points in each direction, write every figure down, and send photos with your inquiry. Ask the installer to confirm the final floor level before the door is made.
Summary
Accurate measurements of the opening, frame depth, swing direction and floor finish are the foundation of a door that fits well. Record them carefully and share them with photos before you order.
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- Aluminum Doors for Lofts and Converted Industrial Spaces
- Key Questions to Ask a Door Supplier Before You Order
- Iron Gates for Playground and Kindergarten Perimeters
- What to Check on an Iron Door Before Signing the Contract
- Aluminum Doors for Greenhouses and Plant Nurseries
- All models in this category
Send us your measurements and photos, and we will help you p
עוד מדריכים ודפים בנושא
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- Iron Gates for Kindergarten and Playground Perimeters
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