For many of us, door installation seems to be such a complicated thing that they leave it to professionals. In our article we will show that fear doubleth all and sometimes it is enough to try. Below we explain how to measure the opening for the door with frame.

Door opening and door parameters – a common mistake

Understanding terms used in manuals is often a challenge. For the average person, who does not have daily contact with specialist nomenclature, the term door size may be simply incomprehensible. Especially if you decide to install the door yourself, mistakes can cost you a lot of time, trouble and money. That’s why at the beginning it’s worth distinguishing a few basic terms. When we talk about door installation parameters, it is worth knowing that the door dimensions may refer to the door leaf, wall opening, clear opening dimension, as well as door size with the frame. So when we talk about “door 80”, which is the most common width of door installation, we mean the width of the door leaf and, consequently, the opening in the wall should be larger.

Frame types – an overview of the possibilities

The element without which the installation of a standard door is impossible is the door frame. Its dimensions must be taken into account when installing a door with a width of 80 cm. We have many types of door frames to choose from. We can choose between fixed and adjustable frames, which can also be divided into rebated and non-rebated versions.

The fixed frame is characterized by a predetermined width, which matches the standard dimensions of the wall. Its installation is relatively easy and provides an aesthetic finish. In case of an adjustable door frame, we have a possibility to adjust it to the width of the wall and finish it with strips which overlap the walls. When we decide on an adjustable door frame, we can be sure that we will be able to adjust it to our architectural requirements.

Knowing the basic concepts, you can easily select the frame. Now it’s time to find out what size of an opening should be prepared for a door 80 with a frame.

Door frame type and size of the door opening

When deciding on a specific model of internal doors, it’s worth knowing that each manufacturer determines the dimensions of the door opening or the opening in the wall for each of their frames. For example, for an adjustable frame, the opening dimension for the door leaf 80 in question is 88 cm x 206 cm. And for a fixed frame, it is 91 x 208 cm. Most construction companies, if they do not have exact guidelines, make a 90 x 210 cm opening, which should be reduced in height and optionally in width before the final installation after selecting the door.

It is important to remember that the measurements should be taken as accurately as possible, taking into account the wall thickness, width and height of the opening. When determining the width, we take into account the measurement from wall to wall from as many as six points. The height is measured in three places from the floor to the lintel. The smallest obtained dimension is taken into account and it is on it that we base the choice of the frame.

In case of doubts and difficulties, it is worth contacting the door manufacturer, who will professionally advise and dispel all doubts.