Measurements for a Perfect French Door Fit

French doors are a beautiful architectural detail that can really enhance the aesthetic of a home. With their large glass panes and charming design, they allow ample natural light into a space while creating an inviting indoor/outdoor feel.

However, in order to reap all these benefits, the French doors you install need to fit the opening properly. Accurate sizing and measurements are crucial when selecting new doors or replacements. Even being off by a fraction of an inch can result in doors that don't function smoothly, have unsightly gaps, or simply don't fit at all. Taking the time to precisely measure your existing door frame opening will ensure you get French doors with the perfect customized fit.

Remove Interior Trim and Molding

The first step when measuring for French doors is to take off any interior casing, trim or molding around the current door frame. This exposes the rough opening so you can get accurate measurements without any finish materials in the way. Carefully pry off or unscrew any molding, taking care not to damage the surrounding walls and flooring. Be sure to remove trim from both the top and sides of the frame.

With the molding out of the way, you'll be able to see the full rough opening, including the header across the top and the thresholds along the bottom. Having this complete view is vital for precise measurements. Make sure to measure only the rough opening itself and not the exterior dimensions of the frame and jambs. Your new doors will be sized specifically for the interior rough opening size.

Measure the Height

Now that you can see the entire rough opening, it's time to measure for the correct height. Start by measuring vertically from the very bottom of the threshold up to the header across the top. Use a steel tape measure and be precise in your measurements to the closest 1/8th inch.

The threshold is the piece you walk over at the bottom when moving through the doorway. You want to measure from the flooring surface up to the header. The header is the horizontal support across the top of the rough opening. When taking the height measurement, be sure your tape measure is level and perpendicular to the floor. Record the vertical height measurement in inches.

Measure the Width

After getting the height, you can move on to measuring the horizontal width. You'll need the total width measurement for the two French doors combined. Start on one side of the opening and measure horizontally across to the opposite side. Take the measurement along the bottom of the opening, from threshold to threshold.

Make sure your tape measure is lined up precisely parallel to the bottom. Having an accurate width measurement is key for proper door clearance on both sides. Record the total rough opening width in inches. This number should be the combined width for the two doors plus the necessary gap between them.

Check for Door Swing

One important factor to identify is whether your French doors will be inswing or outswing. Inswing doors open inward into a room, while outswing doors open outward away from a room. Consider the clearance and arrangement of both the interior and exterior spaces to determine the best swing direction.

Outswing French doors require adequate room when opened for the doors not to collide with walls, handrails, or other exterior elements. Inswing doors need sufficient space when opened to avoid hitting interior walls, furniture, or decor. Make note of the planned door swing for accurate sizing and smooth functioning.

Consider Door Clearance

When measuring for French doors, it's essential to account for ample clearance space to allow the doors to fully open without blockages. For outswing doors, make sure there is enough room for the doors to open at least 90 degrees without hitting surrounding walls, fencing, or porches.

For inswing doors, ensure furniture pieces, window trim, flooring transitions, or other interior elements won't obstruct the doors when they're opened in. Adequate clearance is necessary for effortless door operation and to prevent damage over time. Factor this into your planning and measurements.

Measure Jamb Depth

In addition to the width and height, you'll also need to measure the depth of the door jamb itself. The jamb is the frame that the French doors get installed into. Use calipers or a depth gauge to accurately measure the jamb depth in inches.

This measurement is important for proper door installation and seamless integration within the jambs. French door frames need to fit precisely into the recessed depth of the jambs. Having the exact jamb depth ensures your new doors will align flush with the surrounding walls.

Use Measurements to Order Doors

Armed with your height, width, and jamb depth measurements, you're ready to order your custom French doors! Provide these measurements to the manufacturer or supplier when selecting your doors. For width, give the total combined width needed for both doors together plus the gap between them.

Also confirm whether you need inswing or outswing doors based on your previously determined door swing. With all the proper sizing information, your doors can be built to fit your opening exactly. Some additional adjustments may be needed, but accurate initial measurements get you close.

Prepare Rough Opening

Once your new French doors arrive, you can start preparing the rough opening for installation. Make any necessary adjustments to maximize both the fit and the visual appeal of the doors. For example, you may need to reframe the opening if the existing jambs are poorly positioned or damaged.

Level and plumb the threshold for proper door functioning. The rough opening preparation is also when you would modify the framing to accommodate decorative casings or molding trim to be installed around the jambs later. Take time to get the opening ready before placing the doors.

Install New French Doors

With prepped rough opening, you're ready to install the new French doors! Follow the manufacturer's instructions precisely, using shims and screws to secure the door frames firmly into the opening. A snug fit is essential, but be careful not to overtighten, as this could warp the frames.

Adjust shims as needed until the reveal or gap between the two doors is even across the entire unit. Test operation and make sure the doors glide smoothly. Your precise rough opening measurements and custom-sized doors should now be coming together for a perfect fit.

Finish With Trims and Molding

For the final aesthetic touches, reinstall any interior trim and molding around the newly installed French doors. This casing completes the built-in look around the jambs. Carefully nail the molding back in place, mitering the corners for a seamless appearance.

Choose molding widths that complement the size of the doors and opening. caulk and putty gaps for a polished finish. Finally, install door hardware like knobs or levers to complete your exquisite new French door installation.

Achieving the perfect French door fit starts with careful measurement of your existing door frame opening. Accurately measuring and recording the height, width, jamb depth, and planned door swing are crucial first steps. Minor measurement mistakes can be fixed during installation, but accurate initial dimensions get your new doors fitting smoothly in no time.

You'll be enjoying your beautifully fitted French doors in your home, with custom doors sized to your exact specifications, some prep work, and methodical installation. Just be sure to remove any obstructions, account for clearance, and take the time to measure twice for doors that fit nice and tight.