Obtaining the Right French Door Measurements
Installing French doors can transform the look and feel of a home by letting in ample natural light and creating an inviting indoor/outdoor living space. But getting accurate measurements is crucial for ensuring proper fit and flawless functionality of these elegant yet temperamental portals.
Below we'll walk through the key steps for successfully measuring to size and install French doors. Knowing the right techniques and considerations upfront will ensure your new doors fit perfectly within their opening the first time.
Determine the Ideal Location for New French Doors
Before pulling out the tape measure, decide on the optimal spot for installing your new French doors. Key factors to consider include:
- Access to outdoor space - Patios, decks, gardens, and other outdoor living areas that you want easier access to.
- Room layout and furniture placement - Make sure there's enough open floor space for the doors to fully open and furniture won't block pathways.
- Sunlight and views - Position to let in ample natural light while framing the best outdoor views.
- Potential drafts - Avoid locations with excessive cold winds that could lead to energy loss and discomfort.
Also account for door swing radius based on hinge placement so they don't collide with walls, windows, or furniture when opened fully. Don't forget to visualize both interior and exterior aesthetics to ensure the new doors complement their surroundings.
Precisely Measure the New Door Opening
Once you've settled on the perfect spot, it's time to quantify the exact opening size. This critical measurement will determine the appropriately sized doors to order later on. Be sure to:
- Use an accurate tape measure - Cloth builder's tape measures up to 25 feet long work great.
- Measure width at top, middle, and bottom - Account for potential settling.
- Measure height on left, right, and center - Check for uneven floors or walls.
- Record all numbers - Including date and exact opening location for future reference.
For the greatest accuracy, measure to 1/16th of an inch since doors come in 2 inch increments. Take multiple width and height measurements to factor in any imperfections like unlevel floors or slight tapering in the opening.
Account for Obstacles Like Trim and Uneven Walls
While measuring, note any existing architectural elements or surface irregularities that could impact installation. These include:
- Base trim - The bottom edge where floors meet walls.
- Crown molding - Top edges where walls meet ceiling.
- Chair rails - Decorative horizontal trim around midpoint of walls.
- Unplumb walls - Use several height measurements to calculate degree of slope if walls bow in or out.
- Uneven floors - Similarly, account for any significant floor height differences from one side to the other.
Make sure to measure from the actual door opening surface rather than existing trim edges. This gives the true "rough opening" size that doors must fit within. Properly accounting for uneven surfaces and decorative trim ensures you order the right French door size later on.
Understand French Door Sizing Standards
French doors come in a range of standard widths and heights dictated by common manufacturing increments and traditional style guidelines:
Standard Widths Per Door
- 30 inches
- 32 inches
- 34 inches
- 36 inches
Since French doors come in pairs, common combined sizes are:
- 60 inches (five feet)
- 72 inches (six feet)
- 80 inches (around seven feet)
Standard Heights Available
- 80 inches (six feet, eight inches) - Most popular
- 84 inches (seven feet)
- 96 inches (eight feet) - For soaring ceilings
Note that heights refer to the actual doors themselves, not the vertical rough opening space they'll occupy. More on optimal clearance in a moment.
Custom Size Options
Many manufacturers offer made-to-order French doors in custom widths and heights. This specially crafted route costs more but enables sizes like 33-inch or 74-inch doors for uniquely sized homes and openings.
Recommended Clearances
When sizing rough openings, best practice is allowing some extra vertical and horizontal space for shimming, adjustments, and weatherproofing. Recommended clearances are:
- Add 2 inches in width - So a 36-inch door requires a 38-inch wide rough opening.
- Add 2 1/2 inches in height - An 80-inch tall door needs an 82 1/2 inch opening.
This extra "wiggle room" makes for easier installation and protects against seasonal expansion/contraction and natural building "settling" over time.
Order the Precisely Sized Doors
With accurate opening measurements and door clearance guidelines in hand, you're ready to purchase correctly sized French doors. When placing the order, you'll specify:
- Exact width and height - Refer to your recorded measurements.
- Handing or hinge side - Left or right swing when viewed from the exterior.
- Jamb depth - Matches wall thickness; 4 9/16 inches is common.
- Features like grids, finishes, hardware, glass, and more to match decor.
Reputable retailers like Lowe's provide sizing guides and design visualizers to streamline the purchase process. Still, don't hesitate to call if you need advice choosing the best doors for your unique space.
Order the Correct Handle Hardware
Don't forget door handles and locksets! Measure existing knobs for backset size (midline screw hole distance from door edge). Cross or centered knob placement is also essential for proper French door aesthetics and functionality:
- Cross handles - Handles form an "X" when doors closed.
- Centered knobs - Knobs lined up in a column; alternate high and low.
There are also different handle styles like modern lever or classic crystal knob options to suit your home.
Prepare the Installation Area
While waiting for the new doors to arrive, take time to prep the installation zone for a smooth fitting process:- Remove existing doors/trim - Clear obstructions from old door unit.
- Repair and level floor - Eliminate tripping hazards.
- Square the rough opening - Make vertical edges plumb and horizontal tops/bottoms parallel.
- Install exterior trim/brick molding - Seal exterior side of rough opening against elements.
- Install interior stops - Narrow trim strips that prevent doors swinging through drywall.
Preparing a clean, square, properly trimmed/shimmed opening makes fitting and adjusting new doors much easier. It also contributes to smooth long-term operation and weather sealing.
Check Local Regulations for Fire Code Compliance
Since French doors often serve as secondary egress points alongside primary entry doors, local fire and building codes dictate specific requirements. Common specs include:
- Proper fire rating
- Impact resistant glass
- Self-closing hinges
- Required clearance widths for evacuation
Research rules early so these elements can be incorporated into your French door design upfront if mandated in your area.