How do i measure for a screen door

Measuring correctly for a screen door can be challenging. Taking your time is very important in making sure you get the right measurements for your screen door.

Before getting started, you will need the following items:

  • Tape measure
  • Paper
  • Pencil

Getting a precise screen door measurement may sound fairly simple since you are dealing with a basic rectangle, but when the screen door is custom made, your measurements can't be off even 1/8 of an inch or you will have a screen door that will not open or shut properly. On most modern homes, screen doors are standard sizes if it is a standard door size. In these cases, a standard size screen door that is pre-made or mass-produced might be the best answer. However, if you have a special opening, an extra large or smaller than normal door way, a custom door screen is the solution. Many of Window Screen Pros clients order a custom screen door for the exact look they want (frame color and type of screen used) that you will not find with pre-made screen doors found at most big box retailers like Home Depot or Lowe's.

Steps to properly measure for your screen door:

  1. First, stand on the outside of your door opening. This is where you will start to size the screen door so that it fits properly.
  2. Next, you will need to take three width measurements - Measure the width from inside to the inside of the door frame at the top, in the middle, and at the bottom of the frame. The smallest width of these three measurements is the one you will submit to Window Screen Pros. Remember to write down all three measurements on a piece of paper!
  3. Next, measure the height of your door frame by taking two measurements; one on the far right side and one on the far left side. Again, use the smaller of the two measurements and write both measurements down on the same piece of paper.
  4. Last, subtract 1/4 (or 0.25) inch from the width of your door frame measurement and subtract 1/2 (or 0.50) inch from the height of the frame measurement. These subtractions will solidify the best screen door fit into your existing door frame.

Measuring Screen Door Tip:

Most standard inside door frames have a width of either 30, 32, or 36 inches. Also, 80 inches is the standard height measurements on most door frames. When you have measurements come out to the sizes mentioned above, you are definitely on the right path and will certainly smooth out the installation process once your receive your custom screen door.

The benefits of ordering a custom screen door vs. one from a big box retailer are the options you get to choose from. You will have five (5) aluminum frame colors to choose, from, three different frame thicknesses, and multiple type of screens including pet screens, solar screens, or our standard fiberglass screens in either charcoal or traditional silver color.

A screen door is a great way to bring fresh air and light into your home. Measuring the opening for a new screen door is slightly different than measuring for an entry door. A screen door normally attaches to the exterior door trim and stops against the door jamb. When following the steps for how to measure for a screen door, make sure that your measuring from the door trim (the pieces along the sides and top that cover the edges.) It is also sometimes called brick molding.

How to Measure for a Screen Door Replacement

  1. To measure door width, place the tape measure tip on the inside trim edge and extend across the door to the inside trim edge on the opposite side.
  2. Take 3 width measurements from the top, middle, and lower portions of the door opening.
    1. Write down all 3 measurements.
  3. If the measurement figures for the width vary, keep the longest width measurement on your paper.
  4. To measure door height, start on the left side of the opening.
  5. Position tape measure tip at the inside edge of the top trim.
  6. Extend tape measure to lowest part of the top of the door sill at the bottom of the door opening.
    1. Some sills slant down from the door slightly, and you should measure to the lowest part of the sloping surface.
  7. Record height measurement.
  8. Take another height measurement on the right side of the door opening.
    1. Write down second height measurement and compare to first height measurement.
    2. If the lengths vary, choose the longest one when ordering a new screen door.
  9. Measure the depth of the door trim.
    1. This dimension is important for determining the fit of door hardware.

Being shut inside with closed doors and windows when the weather is nice can feel stifling. A screen door allows the scents of spring and summer to waft through your home along with cool breezes.

If a screen door is damaged, riddled with holes and tears or simply nonexistent, then replacement or putting in a new screen door is a fairly simple solution to allow the lovely outdoors into your living spaces. Whether it’s a simple screen door replacement, tricky sliding screen door kit or other installation, sizing the door first will save you time and patience.

How to Measure for a Screen Door

You may think all screen doors are made the same: a large rectangle that nestles into the existing exterior door frame. Unfortunately, no matter what type of screen or storm door you plan to install, you need to measure the space it will live in for years to come.

Measure the door from the bottom left corner to the top right corner and then bottom right to top left corner. If the measurements are even slightly off, adjust the door or the jamb until the door frame is square.

To get the door’s height, measure from the bottom of the sill to the underside of the top of the frame.

The width needs to be measured in three places. From 6 inches from the top of the frame, measure across the door. Repeat this 6 inches from the bottom of the door frame. Finally, do this across the center of the door.

After all that measuring and calculating, you will still need to adjust the numbers to account for clearance between the frame and the door. Subtract a quarter inch from each measurement for general clearance. This will ensure an excellent fit.

Tools Needed to Size a Screen Door

Gathering all of the things that you will need will cut down on having to remeasure or start over. A good measuring tape that doesn’t stick and is at least 8 feet will allow you to easily measure a standard entryway for a screen door.

Pen and paper and a flat-head and/or Phillips screwdriver to handle any errant hardware should allow you to tackle the project quickly and easily.

Screen Door Replacement

Once you have sized the door frame, you can move on to replacing the existing screen and adjusting the fit or purchasing a new one. If you have issues with gaps between the screen door or cracked metal or plastic parts, a new screen door may fit more snugly against the door frame and keep out critters or flying pests.

Most big-box stores carry standard screen door sizes. These sizes allow for a bit of variation in the rough opening of the door frame that you have measured. For instance, a screen door that says it measures 34 inches can fit frames that measure around 33.875 inches and up to 34.375 inches on average.

Height measurements may vary a few inches as well. This means that an 81-inch door can typically fit well in a door frame that measures an inch less.

Types of Doors

Storm doors are heavier than screen doors, so make sure that the door frame can handle the weight. You may want to know what type of storm door you expect to install before measuring.

A sliding screen door kit can be installed for doorways where a swinging screen door isn’t feasible or convenient. These can be tricky to install and need to be completely level so that the door can run smoothly along the tracks.

How do I know what size screen door to buy?

You can start taking screen door measurements by first measuring the width. Measure from the edge of the trim on the left side of your door to the edge of the trim on the right side of your door. You will repeat this process three times for the top, middle, and bottom of your door.