Measuring Your Doors

Are you planning to replace your interior or exterior doors? At Holmes Building Materials, we've got you covered. We understand that measuring doors can seem like a daunting task, but don't worry; we're here to make it easy for you. In this straightforward guide, we'll walk you through the steps required to accurately measure both interior and exterior doors. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner, you'll find this guide helpful and easy to follow.

Measuring Your Door When Replacing the Door Only

If you're replacing just the door while keeping the door frame and jamb intact, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Measure the Height

• Use a tape measure to measure the height of the door in three distinct places: near the center and near the left and right sides.
• Record the tallest measurement as the door's height, excluding the door sweep in your vertical measurements.
• Typical interior and exterior door height hovers around 79 or 80 inches.

Step 2: Measure the Width

• Measure the width of the door near the top, middle, and bottom, both inside and outside the door.
• Record the widest measurement as the door's width.
• The typical exterior door width is 36 inches or close to it.
• Interior door widths can vary throughout a home.

Step 3: Determine the Thickness

• Open the door and measure its thickness.
• The typical interior door thickness is 1⅜ inches.
• The typical exterior door thickness is 1¾ inches.

Step 4: Determine the Door Swing

• Refer to the section below to determine the door swing accurately.

Measuring Your Door When Replacing the Entire Door System

If you're opting to replace the entire door system, including the jamb and sill for exteriors or the frame for interiors, follow these comprehensive steps:

Step 1: Removing the Trim

• Employ a pry bar or a stiff blade putty knife to carefully remove the trim from one side of the door jamb or frame.

Step 2: Measure the Door Jamb Width

• Measure the width of the door jambs from the outside edge of one side jamb to the other, near the top, middle, and bottom.
• Record the largest measurement as the width of the door unit.

Step 3: Measure the Frame Depth

• Measure the depth of the frame from the inside edge to the outside edge, excluding any brick mold and trim pieces.

Step 4: Measure the Height of the Door Frame

• For exterior doors, measure from the bottom of the threshold to the top edge of the horizontal door jamb.
• For interior doors, measure from the floor to the top edge of the horizontal door jamb.

Step 5: Measure the Depth of the Side Jamb

• Measure the depth of the side jamb from the interior edge to the exterior edge, excluding any interior trim.
• This measurement should equal the wall's total thickness, not including trim or siding.

Step 6: Determine the Door Swing

• Follow the instructions below to determine the door swing accurately.

How to Determine Door Swing

Determining the door swing is crucial, and it consists of two components: left hand or right hand and inswing or outswing.

Step 1: Stand with the Door Open

• Stand with the door open and your back against the door hinges.

Step 2: Imitate the Door Swing

• Imitate the path of the way the door swings by moving your arm.
• If you open your right arm, it is a "right hand," and if you open your left arm, it is a "left hand."

Step 3: Determine Inswing or Outswing

• If your arm went into the home or room, it is an "inswing." If your arm goes outside of the room or home, it is an "outswing."

Now, combine those two components to determine your door swing, and use the examples below for reference:

Left-Hand Inswing

Right-Hand Inswing

Left-Hand Outswing

Right-Hand Outswing

With these measurements in hand, you're ready to explore our extensive range of interior and exterior doors. Your ideal door is just a few clicks away. If you have any questions or require further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can also take photos of the door open in the frame to clarify your door swing when discussing your options with us.

We're here to assist you in finding the perfect doors for your project!