Every carpenter of craftsman will tell you to make sure you always “measure twice, and cut once.” Obviously this rule applies to installing a door as well. It is important that your measurements are accurate because you only get one chance to cut.
Here are some things to remember and some helpful directions that will make sure you get the door right the first time. Mistakes cost time and money.
1 – Be sure that you have finished laying the floor before putting in the doors. The floor will ad another half inch or so and it will change your measurement. Not to mention the door jam and frame always need to sit on top of the door. Unless the final flooring is installed, never attempt to install a door.
2 – Make sure your door frame is level. Put a level up to the frame work. If the frame is not level, adjust the top or bottom of the frame work with a hammer. Frame must be level before the door is installed.
3 – Start by measuring the width (the space from side to side) of the door opening, be sure to take a measurement at the bottom, and at the top. If the two measurements are the same, then you know that your frame is level and straight.
4 – Repeat this step for the height of the door as well. Make sure the header (or framing right above the door) is level. It is more important for the header to be level, than it is for the floor to be level. Sometimes floors get old and they bend which will change your measurement. However, you can always cut the bottom of the door to adjust for the uneven floor, but if you header is not horizontally level, your door will always look crooked.
5 – Make sure your door is 1/2 an inch smaller in width and 1/2 and inch short in height. Once you know your measurement are correct than you are free to put the door in.
It is these first preparation steps that are most important. If you do all your planning and measuring before you put the door in, than you wont have as much to worry about. Mistakes can be so costly, especially with a product as finely made as a ITALdoors Italian Door. It is best to get it right the first time, mistakes lead can be disastrous.
If you ever need advice or tips when installing a door, be sure to call the professionals at ITALdoors. We will help you with any questions that you may have. Our only goal is to make sure we can help and that you are satisfied with out products, our knowledge, and our service.
Call ITALdoors today! 1800-615-DOOR
