Measuring a screen door is not a difficult task, but it is important to do it accurately in order to ensure that the new door will fit properly. The first step is to determine the width of the opening. To do this, measure the distance between the inside edges of the door frame, from one side to the other. Next, measure the height of the opening, from the top of the door frame to the bottom. Be sure to measure from the inside edge of the frame, not the outside edge.
Once you have the width and height of the opening, you can add a few inches to each measurement to allow for overlap. The amount of overlap you need will depend on the type of screen door you are installing, but a general rule of thumb is to add 1-2 inches to each side. For example, if the opening is 36 inches wide and 80 inches high, you would add 2 inches to each side, making the new door 38 inches wide and 82 inches high.
Finally, measure the diagonal distance from one corner of the opening to the opposite corner. This measurement will help you ensure
Determining the Width of the Opening
Measuring the width of the opening is crucial to ensure an accurate fit for your screen door. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get precise measurements:
- Locate the Jambs: Identify the vertical frames that form the sides of the door opening, known as jambs. The jambs extend down from the header (top) to the threshold (bottom) of the doorway.
- Measure Between the Jambs: Place a tape measure at the bottom of one jamb, ensuring it’s parallel to the opening. Extend the tape measure to the bottom of the opposite jamb and record the measurement. Note that you’re measuring the bottom width, not the top width.
- Check for Uniformity: Measure the width at three points along the bottom of the opening: near the header, the middle, and near the threshold. Note any discrepancies in the measurements. If the opening is not perfectly square, take the smallest measurement to ensure a snug fit.
- Subtract Trim Thickness: If there’s any trim or molding around the door opening, subtract its thickness from the width measurement you obtained in step 2. This will give you the actual opening width where the screen door will be installed.
| Item | Measurement (inches) |
|---|---|
| Bottom Width 1 (Near Header) | 36 |
| Bottom Width 2 (Middle) | 36 |
| Bottom Width 3 (Near Threshold) | 35.5 |
| Smallest Bottom Width | 35.5 |
| Trim Thickness | 0.75 |
| Actual Opening Width | 35.5 – 0.75 = 34.75 |
How to Measure a Screen Door
Measuring a screen door is a simple process that can be done in a few minutes. By following these steps, you can ensure that you get the perfect fit for your door.
1. **Measure the width of the door opening.** This is the distance between the inside edges of the door jambs.
2. **Measure the height of the door opening.** This is the distance between the top of the door jamb and the floor.
3. **Add 1/2 inch to the width and height measurements.** This will give you the overall size of the screen door.
4. **Choose a screen door that is the same size or slightly smaller than the overall size of the door opening.**
People Also Ask
How do I measure a screen door for a mobile home?
To measure a screen door for a mobile home, follow the same steps as outlined above. However, you will need to take into account the size of the door frame. The door frame is the part of the door that fits into the door opening. The door frame should be 1/2 inch smaller than the door opening on all sides.
What is the standard size of a screen door?
The standard size of a screen door is 36 inches wide by 80 inches high. However, screen doors come in a variety of sizes, so it is important to measure your door opening before purchasing one.
