Should I measure the old door or the opening?

Both help, but the opening decides the new door; the old door may have been trimmed to fit.

What size is a standard front door?

Many are 36 by 80 inches, but custom and older houses vary widely, which is why a custom door is built to the opening.

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How to Measure for a Custom Front Door

Measure the opening's width at the top, middle and bottom and its height at both sides and the middle, then note the jamb depth, which way the door swings, and the rise of any arch. We measure again on site before building.

St. Pete Custom Doors builds and installs hand-carved and custom wood doors in St. Petersburg, FL. Short answer: Measure the opening's width at the top, middle and bottom and its height at both sides and the middle, then note the jamb depth, which way the door swings, and the rise of any arch. We measure again on site before building.

The Five Measurements

Width at the top, middle and bottom; use the smallest.
Height at the left, middle and right; use the smallest.
Jamb depth, wall face to wall face, so the frame fits the wall.
Swing and handing: in or out, hinges on the left or right as you stand outside.
Arch rise: from the springing line to the top of the arch.

Why a Tape Measure Isn't the Last Word

Older openings are seldom square, and stucco hides how the framing sits. Those measurements are enough for a rough idea and a conversation; the door is built from the measurements taken at the design consultation.

FAQ

Ask Us About Measuring a Door Opening

Based in St. Petersburg · serving St. Pete, St. Pete Beach, South Tampa & Apollo Beach