MEASURING GUIDE

DOOR INSTALLATION GUIDE

The structure of the house wall and door.

  • This diagram illustrates the structural framing for a wall section that includes a double door.
  • The design features a double top plate for added structural stability, and a header above the door opening to distribute the load from above.
  • The rough opening width is 73 1/2 inches, accommodating a 72-inch-wide door jamb, with a 3/4-inch gap between the jamb and the studs on each side to allow for adjustments and shimming.
  • The rough opening height is 97 inches for a 96-inch-high door jamb, leaving space for flooring: 1/2 inch for concrete or tile and 1 inch for hardwood flooring.
  • The wall framing includes three studs on each side to provide strength and support for the door frame.
Door rough opening framing structure diagram

HOW TO MEASURE THE ROUGH OPENING

  • The quickest way to get an accurate door measurement is by measuring the rough opening.
  • For the most accurate rough opening size, remove the outer casing and measure from jack stud to jack stud, and from the header to the floor.
  • Please use the image below as a measurement guide.
  • Because pricing is based on size, we need the correct dimensions to provide an accurate quote.
Rough opening measurement guide

HOW TO INSTALL IRON DOORS PROPERLY

  • The installer will need to assess the structure and prepare materials for the installation process, such as studs, screws, casing, silicone, wood, and paint.
  • Your existing door will need to be demolished. If your house has brick walls, dismantling may be more difficult.
  • For large doors such as bi-fold doors, a bearing board may be needed to support the house structure during the removal process.
  • During demolition, the casing and sheetrock may get damaged, but the installer will repair and finish everything for you.
Iron door installation preparation

INSTALLATION WEIGHT AND LABOR

  • Installation requires at least two days and two experienced installers because our iron doors are very heavy.
  • For a single door, the total weight is about 400 lbs: 200 lbs for the frame and 200 lbs for the panel.
  • For a double door, the total weight is about 800 lbs: 200 lbs for the 2"x6" frame, plus 200 lbs for each panel.
  • For a four-panel door, the total weight can reach up to 1,500 lbs.
Heavy iron door installation

FRAME PREPARATION

  • The installer will remove the inside and outside casing before removing the old door.
  • After the old door is removed, the installer will check whether the house frame has load-bearing wooden beams to support the door installation.
  • If the existing support is not sufficient, the installer will need to purchase wooden beams and rebuild the frame before installing the door.
Door frame preparation

SECURING THE DOOR FRAME

  • The door frame will be attached to the wooden frame using brackets with 8mm screws to hold the door securely in place.
  • After the door is secured to the frame, there will be gaps between the door and the house frame.
  • The installer will fill these gaps with foam.
Securing the iron door frame

FINISHING WORK

  • Silicone will be applied around all four edges to create a more secure installation.
  • The installer will install casing on both the inside and outside of the house.
  • The installer will also select paint that matches your home.
  • This is a custom installation, so it requires significant effort, time, and cost.
Iron door finishing work