Installing wrought iron doors at your residential or business property is an easy way to instantly elevate the property’s aesthetic and atmosphere. Choosing custom design for iron doors allows you to express your personal style. These iron doors also increase your home’s security and are so durable that you will not have to worry about weather damage no matter the time of year.
Before you can begin the design and ordering process for your new wrought iron doors, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure they will be the correct fit. One of the most important things to do is take an accurate measurement of your doorway. This will inform not only the size and shape of your custom iron doors but also the overall style.
If you are ready to take the plunge and buy luxury iron doors for your property, keep in mind the following preparatory steps that will guarantee your new doors are perfectly measured!
WHAT YOU NEED TO GET THE SIZE OF DOORWAY
Before you start taking measurements, there are some supplies that will make the process a lot easier—and more accurate. Make sure you have the following on hand:
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Tape Measure: This is the most essential tool needed since just eying the measurements won’t cut it when it comes to ordering an expensive door. Most people find that a retractable steel tape measure is the easiest to use.
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Pencil and Paper: it’s no use taking the measurements if they are not noted down quickly to ensure you remember the exact numbers. Having paper and a pen handy will make this whole process much easier. You can even sketch out the door and label each area that you measured for optimum accuracy.
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A Friend: Many people find that taking doorway measurements is a lot easier when you have extra help. Not only will they be able to check over the numbers, but another pair of hands can make the measuring work go by a lot quicker.
Take Note of Shape
This might seem like an obvious thing to do, but you must take note of the shape of your doorway. Nearly all wrought iron doors, including custom double iron doors, fall into one of three shape categories: straight top, eyebrow top, or arched top.
However, there is also the option of placing a transom above a straight top door. Since transoms can take many shapes and contain a lot of detailed work, they are a great way to subtly add more design elements and sophistication.
Measure the ‘Rough Opening’
The ‘rough opening’ of your door extends beyond your door about 2 inches. This provides enough room for the top jamb as well as sealant and the finish flooring. Not accounting for the rough opening will result in a door that doesn’t fit correctly into the frame.
Find the Jamb Depth
The door jamb is just another word for the frame, which is essentially what the door is held to. The frame is the part of the door that is secured to the wall.
Doorstops, weather stripping, and striker plates are all parts of the door jamb as well and must be accounted for. The jamb must be strong enough to support the weight of the door via the hinges. Considering the weight of a wrought iron door, this means the jamb needs to be very strong and secure.
To measure the depth of the jamb, simply measure the thickness of your wall. These measurements should match, so it is usually one of the simplest parts of the door to measure.
How to Measure Precisely
Now we will discuss the actual process of measuring for your solid iron door, which should be done carefully and more than once to ensure precision.
The first thing you should do is measure your closed door from the inside of your home. The measurement should be from the left door jamb to the right door jamb. Typically, this will be 36 inches so if your measurement is near this, you know you are on the right track.
When measuring, take note of these three important areas: the bottom, middle, and top of the door. These three points will establish if your door frame has become warped or not. All three should be the exact same measurement. If they aren’t, then your door frame will also need to be replaced.
WHAT OTHER AREAS SHOULD BE MEASURED?
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Height: You should note down the height of your door taken from the middle of the doorway. The most accurate way to do this is to measure both sides of the door to make sure all measurements are consistent.
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Depth: The depth of your door is its thickness. Simply open the door and measure the side that has the doorknob. Take multiple measurements from different places on the door to ensure they are the same.
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Width: This measurement should be taken from outside your home. Simply measure the width of the door including the jamb.
If your door includes any decorative elements like windows, arches, or curves, measurements of these will also need to be taken. However, since some of these shapes can be tricky to measure, it might be a good idea to enlist the assistance of a door specialist. They will have a wealth of experience with taking these measurements and will guarantee accuracy.
AFTER THE MEASUREMENT
Once your door measurements have been recorded, the exciting process of designing your custom wrought iron door can begin. You will be able to work with our door specialists to create an exceptional design.
From picking out the finish and color to finally installing it on your property, our expert team will help you find the perfect iron door for your home or business.