How to measure an opening

What you need

A tape measure, a phone for photos and a few minutes. Measure in inches, or in feet and inches.

Five steps

1. 1

   Step 1: Measure the width three times

   At the top, the middle and the bottom, from one side of the opening to the other. Write down the smallest.

2. 2

   Step 2: Measure the height three times

   At the left, the center and the right, from the floor or sill up to the underside of the header. Write down the smallest.

3. 3

   Step 3: Note what is there now

   An old storefront, a door, a window, or a wall that will be opened up. Count the doors and note which way they swing.

4. 4

   Step 4: Take photos

   One straight on, one from each side, and close-ups of the top, the bottom and the sides of the frame.

5. 5

   Step 5: Send it

   Sketch the opening with your sizes, or put them in the quote form with your photos.

Why the smallest number

Openings are rarely square. The smallest width and the smallest height are what a new frame has to fit inside, with room left around it for shims and sealant.

Before anything is ordered

We measure every opening ourselves before anything is ordered. Your sizes get you a budget number; ours go on the order.