How to measure sliding screen doors?
DIY Measuring a Sliding Screen Door
How do you measure sliding screen doors? Is one of the most asked questions we get when we get from our customers. If you are are a handy person, that knows how to use a tape measure properly. If you can use hand tools and a cordless drill. Then this is gong to be super easy for you.
Follow our measuring instructions for Patio Sliding Screen Doors. There are two ways to measure. The first being measure the old existing screen door frame, as long as it is not bent. Please see the following video on;
How to Measure a Custom Sized Sliding Screen Door
How to measure a screen door frame
Replacing a screen door is a botheration indeed. A screen door is always enjoyable during summer and springs. It allows fresh and cool air into the home while keeping the insects out of home.
In one of our video and blog we showed how to take measurement of a sliding screen door from the frame of the door. So many feedback’s we have been receiving from the viewers regarding the video instruction. A ton of request we got from our viewer is to show how to measure an existing sliding screen door. Whenever a sliding screen door going to be replaced we can easily take the measurement from it and order a new one.
There are few things you needs to make sure before taking measurements from an existing sliding screen door.
1. Make sure the frame is not bent. Measurement from a bent frame will definitely not work. It’ll make our work questionable even though its not our fault. The door will not slide smoothly on the track. Please try to notice if there is any bent on any side of the frame both width and height.
2. Make sure you measure with Stanley Fatmax tape measure. Its the primary go-to for many professionals, FatMax is probably the most accurate and durable measuring tape of its kind on the market. Always use 1 inch Stanley Fatmax tape measure which works great on large window and door opening.
Step 1: Measure the width: Measure the top or the bottom frame. Do not measure from the middle at older doors may be both.
Step 2: Measure the left or right side frame.
How to measure a sliding screen door when old door is gone
The measuring instructions on this section provides you our customer, a typical way our installers measure for patio sliding screen doors when the old door is no longer available at the property. If you have an existing frame that is not bent, we recommend to provide the existing frame size width by height. Do not include wheels in the measurement (wheels are adjustable).
The most common widths are 36″ & 48″. The most variation measuring slider screen doors and the most critical measurement is the height! Furthermore refer to the instructions below for height measuring, while making sure to use the right tool for the job.
Also, always use a heavy duty measuring tape with a blade width of minimum 1 Inch. Typical Blade Material Steel, Case Type Closed, Graduations 1/16 In. Stanley lock 25 ft. “the old diehard contractors tape” would do just fine and the way I personally use and prefer a Stanley Fat Max 25 ft!! Since it works great for large window and door openings.
Consumer takes full responsibility for measurements. Best Custom Screens is not responsible for consumer measuring mistakes.
YouTube Update on 10/12/19: Please see the diagram on this page https://bestcustomscreens.com/instructions/how-do-you-measure-sliding-screen-doors/ To see where to place your tape measure. Also like stated in the video please use a Stanly Fat Max tape measure. Why? Because it will not bend the way most tape measures can. If you even get a slight bend in the tape measure your sliding screen door your measurement could be off. We do not want this to happen because then its possible that your sliding screen door will not fit.
HOW TO DETERMINE CORRECT PATIO SCREEN HEIGHT TO FIT YOUR DOOR
This is a vertical cross sectional view of a typical patio door main frame head and sill (with patio sliding screen door also installed)
This is a vertical cross sectional view of a typical patio door main frame head and sill (with patio sliding screen door also installed) and It’s as if the door was “sliced” from top to bottom.
Add 1/4″ to this measurement to determine screen height. Measure at top of leg at sill to bottom of led at header.
Note: This method is very accurate for most cases. However, if your conditions vary from what is shown, this method may not provide correct screen height. Important: Sampling is suggested before ordering large quantities of screens, to verify fit and compatibility.
Other types of headers include Top Track and Hanging Tracking systems. Our sliding screen door program online does not offer these options. Most noteworthy, when you have a special type of sliding screen door track, make sure that your please pick up the phone and give us call for a custom quotation.
Consumer takes full responsibility for measurements. Blindandscreen.com is not responsible for consumer measuring mistakes.
Measure an Economy Sliding Screen Door
What Sizes Do Sliding Screen Doors Come In?
Sliding screen doors come in various sizes. There aren’t any standard sizes for quality screen doors. Only the adjustable sliding screen doors come in a sort of standard size, but they offer only thin fragile frames and adjuster springs that are known to fail. Custom-made to fit sliding screen doors are the best product to purchase. Common sizes typically include widths of 30, 36 or 48 inches, and heights ranging from 77 to 80 inches as well as 8 foot heights ranging from 93 to 96 inches.
How Do I Know What Size Screen Door to Buy?
- Accurate Measurements:
- Ensure you have taken accurate measurements of the height and width to get the sliding screen door frame measurement. Also note that sliding screen doors all come with ½ inch depth frame measurement.
- Consider the Door’s Mounting Style:
- Check if the door is meant to be mounted into a top channel that is shaped like a U or a T track on top that the wheels roll on. More rare is the top mounted hanging track system.
- Consult Customer Support or a Professional:
- If you’re unsure about which size to choose, consult the customer support. Alternatively, you can hire a professional to measure the door and recommend the correct size.
- Allow for Some Tolerance:
- There might be some slight variation in sizes, so it’s important to allow a small tolerance of ⅛ inch when choosing a door.
Measure twice but cut once
We all know the well-known saying in carpentry and construction: “Measure twice, cut once.” It underscores the importance of taking accurate measurements before making any cuts or alterations, as mistakes can lead to wasted materials and time. This principle applies not just to cutting materials, but to any task where precision is important, including installing fixtures, sewing, and more. In the case of measuring for a sliding screen door, it translates to “measure twice (or more) before you purchase or install,” ensuring that the product will fit properly and function as intended. Taking extra time to confirm measurements can save effort, money, and frustration in the long run.
Tips for Double-Checking Measurements:
- Use the Right Tools: Make sure you are using a reliable measuring tape and that it is straight and level when taking measurements.
- Measure Twice (or More): Don’t rely on a single measurement. Measure at least two times to confirm accuracy. If you get different measurements, measure again to identify and correct any mistakes.
- Measure in Different Places: For both height and width, measure at the top, middle, and bottom (for width) or on the left, center, and right (for height). Use the smallest measurement to ensure the screen door will fit.