Screen doors are beneficial because they provide ventilation and allow people to see who is on the other side of the door before they open it. They also keep insects and other pests out.
To measure a screen door, start by measuring the height and width of the door opening. Be sure to include any trim or molding in your measurements. The standard size is 36 inches by 80 inches, but there are also many other sizes available.
If you are ordering a door that is not a standard size, you will also need to measure the height and width of the door itself.
What Are Standard Screen Door Sizes?
There are several different standard sizes for screen doors. The most common size is 36 inches by 80 inches, but some doors are 32 inches by 78 inches and 40 inches by 84 inches.
Moreover, residential doors have generally a width of 32 inches whereas commercial and office doors widths are commonly 32, 34 or 36 inches.
Different Types of Screen Doors
There are generally three main types of screen doors: traditional, retractable, and sliding doors.
Traditional Screen Doors
Traditional screen doors are hinged doors that have a metal or wood frame and a screen mesh. They are typically used in residential homes, but can also be used in commercial settings.
Traditional screen door options include:
- Wooden frame with metal mesh
- Metal frame with metal mesh
- Wooden frame with vinyl mesh
- Metal frame with vinyl mesh
- Wooden frame with fibreglass mesh
- Metal frame with fibreglass mesh
Sliding Screen Doors
Sliding screen doors are doors that slide on a track, rather than swinging open. They are popular in residential homes, but can also be used in commercial settings.
Sliding screen door options include:
- Aluminum frame
- Vinyl frame
- Fibreglass frame
Screen mesh options include:
- Standard mesh
- Heavy-duty mesh
- Pet mesh
Retractable Screen Doors
Retractable screen doors are similar to sliding screen doors, but they have a retractable screen that rolls up into the housing when not in use. This allows you to have an open door without having a screen in the way.
Retractable screen door options include:
- Aluminum frame
- Vinyl frame
- Fibreglass frame
Screen mesh options include:
- Standard mesh
- Heavy-duty mesh
- Pet mesh
Which Type of Screen Door Is Best for Me?
That depends on your needs and preferences. Traditional doors are the most common type, and they are generally the cheapest.
Retractable and sliding doors are more expensive, but they offer more features and benefits. Retractable doors can be stored away when not in use while sliding doors are easier to open and close.
Common Screen Door Terms
Before you start to measure the size of your door be sure to know the following terms:
- Jamb – The jamb is the vertical piece of wood on each side of the door opening.
- Lintel – The lintel is the horizontal piece of wood that holds up the roof or ceiling.
- Trim or Brick Molding – Door trim or brick molding is a strip of wood or metal that is located around the door opening. It is used to decorate the door and seal the door and prevent insects and other pests from entering. It is also referred to as a door sill.
How To Measure Screen Door Size?
Below are step-by-step instructions for accurate measurements of your screen door. You can follow these simple steps with little effort.
To measure screen door size you’ll need the following supplies:
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Level
- Notebook
- Calculator (optional)
- Step ladder (optional)
Make sure you have someone to assist you while taking the measurements.
1. Measure the height of the screen door
To measure the height of a screen door, start by measuring the distance from the floor to the top of the door opening. Be sure to include any trim or molding in your measurements.
Measure the height from two places such as the left side of the door (bottom to top) and the right side (bottom to top). If the measurements vary, note down the tallest height.
Pro Tip: When measuring, always use a level to ensure your measurements are accurate.
2. Measure the width of the screen door
To measure the width of a screen door, start by measuring the distance from one side of the door opening to the other. Be sure to include any trim or molding in your measurements.
You need to measure the width at three places such as top, bottom, and center of the door. If the measurements vary, jot down the width which is the widest.
3. Adjust measurements for clearance (Optional)
Screen door clearance is the amount of space between the door and the frame of the door opening. It is important to have at least a 1/4 inch of clearance so that the door can move freely. Make sure to subtract 1/4 from the total width and height to ensure the correct clearance size.
Note: To be cautious, it's a good idea to repeat the measurements a few times to ensure you're getting everything right. Second, if the width or height measurements differ, it is best to take note of the larger value. Because, in the case of a wooden screen door, if the measurements deviate, the wood may be simply changed by time it. Otherwise, it can be really difficult.
Related Questions
Are screen doors universal?
Screen doors are not universal, but some features make them more versatile. Many have a universal height, which means they can be used indoor openings of different heights. The width of a screen door may also be adjustable, so it can fit different size door openings. Additionally, many have a standard mesh that can be used for both residential and commercial applications.
Is there a standard size for storm doors?
There is no one standard size for storm doors, but there are some common sizes. The most common storm door size is 34 inches by 80 inches. Other popular sizes are 36 inches by 80 inches and 32 inches by 82 inches.
What is the rough opening for a screen door?
The rough opening for a screen door is the opening in the wall that the door will fit into. It should be 1/4 inch larger than the size of the door. For example, if you have a 36-inch-wide screen door, the rough opening should be 36 1/4 inches wide.
How do you replace a screen door?
Replacing a screen door is a relatively easy process. You can either purchase a replacement screen door or use a kit to repair the existing one.
- The first step is to remove the screws or nails that hold the door in place.
- Next, remove the old screening and replace it with the new screening.
- Finally, reattach the door to the frame and trim off the excess (if any).
How do you measure for a retractable screen door?
To measure for a retractable screen door, start by measuring the height and width of the doorway. Then, add 3-4 inches to the height and width measurements to account for the track of the retractable screen door.
The total measurement should be slightly larger than the doorway opening. For example, if your doorway is 36 inches wide by 80 inches high, you would need a screen door that is at least 39 inches wide by 84 inches high.
What are the standard dimensions for a sliding screen door?
The standard dimensions for a sliding screen door vary depending on the manufacturer. However, most sliding screen doors are around 72-76 inches wide by 80-84 inches high.
What size sliding screen door do I need?
The size of the sliding screen door you need depends on the size of your doorway. Most sliding screen doors are around 72-76 inches wide by 80-84 inches high, so you would need a door that is at least that size.
However, it is important to check the dimensions of the specific sliding screen door you are interested in to make sure it will fit your doorway.
How do I know what size storm door to buy?
The only way to know this is to measure the size of your storm door. You can also compare the size of the storm door with standard sizes that are mostly around 34-36 inches wide by 80-82 inches high.
How big of an opening do you need for a 36-inch screen door?
The rough opening for a 36-inch screen door should be 36 1/4 inches wide.
Should the screen porch door swing in or out?
Most screen porch doors swing in, but there are some exceptions. If you are unsure which way the door should swing, consult with a qualified professional.
How do you measure for a French screen door?
Measure the height and the width of the opening and then add 1 inch to each measurement. The total measurements should be slightly larger than the French screen door you are purchasing.
For example, if you have a 36-inch-wide opening, you would need a French screen door that is at least 37 inches wide.
What is the standard size for a pet screen door?
There is no standard size for pet screen doors, but most pet screen doors are around 12-15 inches wide by 16-20 inches high.
How do you measure a metal screen door?
When measuring a metal screen door, you need to consider the size of the rough opening, as well as the size of the door itself. The rough opening should be 1/4 inch larger than the size of the door.
How do you measure a Larson retractable screen door?
When measuring a Larson retractable screen door, you need to measure the width of the opening, as well as the height of the opening. The width of the opening should be 1/4 inch narrower than the width of the screen door, and the height of the opening should be 1/4 inch taller than the height of the screen door.
How do you replace a sliding screen door?
Replacing a sliding screen door is a straightfoward process. The first step is to remove the screws or nails that hold the door in place. Next, remove the old screening and replace it with the new screening. Finally, reattach the door to the frame.
What type of glass is used in a storm door?
Most storm doors use tempered glass, which is a type of safety glass that is designed to shatter into small pieces if it is broken.
What are the different types of screen door hinges?
There are three common types of screen door hinges: butt hinges, piano hinges, and T-hinges. Butt hinges are the most common type of hinge, and T-hinges are the most secure type of hinge.
Can I put a screen door on my front door?
It is possible to put a screen door on your front door, but it is not a common practice. If you are considering adding a screen door to your front door, consult with a qualified professional.
What is the difference between a storm door and a screen door?
A storm door is a door that you can put on your front door. It is like a screen door, but it is stronger and can keep out the wind and rain. A screen door is just a door with a screen so that the bugs can’t get in. Screen doors let the air inside and are usually used in the summer. On the contrary storm doors are mostly used in the winter.
How to measure a hinged screen door?
Measuring the hinged screen door is the same as the typical screen door mentioned above. You can either take measurements from the existing door or take measurements from the door jamb.
