When you're looking to replace an old door or add a new composite door to your home, it's essential to get the measurements right. This is especially true for composite front doors, as they are made to measure, and any errors could mean costly delays or adjustments.
View our range of doors and learn more about when and where composite doors were invented.
Composite Door Measuring Guide
How to measure for a composite door:
- Do not measure the old frame, but rather the brickwork opening. This is best done with a tape measure. Make sure the frame size is bigger than the brick opening. If you buy an Addon, it will be included with the door frame width. Measure brick to brick.
- Measure the height and width of your existing door rather than the brick opening. Again, use a tape measure and measure from the top of the frame to the bottom of the frame.
- The top light depth needs to be measured from the centre point of the frame, between the door and the top light to the top of the door frame. Doing this will get the transom drop for the top light. You must measure the height in three points (left, middle and right of the opening).
- You must deduct 10mm from the final width measurements and 10mm from the final height. By doing this, you will have a fitting allowance for the new frame, and the new frame will be able to sit plumb.
- You must measure the side panel width from the centre point of the frame, between the door and the side panel frame, to the outer edge of the side panel frame.
- If you're planning on getting a door set (a door that comes with its frame), you'll also need to measure the depth of your doorway. To do this, measure from the front face of your current doorframe to the back face of your current doorframe.
- Once you have these measurements, you can start shopping for a new composite front door. Just make sure to double-check any measurements before ordering so you have the correct size.
- Get a professional local door installer/professional door fitter in to measure (site survey) so you don't have any incorrect measurements.
FAQs
What is the standard for composite door sizes?
There is no standard front door size, as they are made-to-order. However, the most common size for a composite front door is around 80 inches by 36 inches. Composite doors can also be customisable to fit your specific needs.
Can you cut a composite door?
A composite front door can be cut down to size if necessary, but it is important to note that this will void the door's warranty. In addition, cutting the door may damage the door's weather-stripping or other features.
What is the smallest width of a composite door?
Most composite doors will have minimum width measurements of around 44mm.
Conclusion
There you have it, a step-by-step guide on how to measure for a new composite front door. By following these simple steps, you can be sure that your new bespoke composite door will fit perfectly in your doorway. If you don't want to do it yourself, get a site survey done by a professional door fitter.
When your door is installed, you are always welcome to visit our website to get advice for your composite door.
Don't forget to deduct 10mm for all final height and width measurements and get measurements of the exact brickwork opening. When you measure for a new door yourself, you will have to accept responsibility if the measurements are incorrect.
