How to Measure for Your Garage Door
Getting the measurements right is the single most important step when ordering a new garage door. The good news is that it only takes a tape measure and a few minutes, and if you are unsure at any point our team will check everything with you before anything is made. This guide covers the basics for all door types; if you are buying a sectional door, see our sectional garage door measuring guide for the details specific to that type.
Measure the structural opening
Always measure the structural opening of your garage, not the old door or its frame. That means:
- Width: measure brick to brick, the clear distance between the brickwork (or blockwork) on either side of the opening.
- Height: measure floor to lintel, from the finished garage floor up to the underside of the lintel across the top of the opening.
Ignore any existing timber frame or door when you measure. Old frames are often not square and can hide the true size of the opening.
Measure in three places and use the smallest
Very few garage openings are perfectly square. To allow for this, take each measurement in three places:
- Width: at the top, in the middle and at the bottom of the opening.
- Height: on the left, in the middle and on the right.
Write all six figures down, then use the smallest width and the smallest height. Working from the smallest dimensions is what ensures the new door will actually fit.
Note anything in the way
Have a look around the opening and just inside the garage, and make a note of anything that could get in the way of the door, its frame or its tracks. Common examples include:
- Pipes running down the reveals or across the lintel
- Gas or electricity meters mounted near the opening
- Light switches, sockets or alarm boxes close to the frame
None of these necessarily rule anything out, but it is far better to know about them before ordering. Mention them when you send your enquiry, or include them in your photos.
Standard sizes and your written quote
Our doors are supplied in a wide range of standard sizes rather than made bespoke, and our online configurators work with standard nominal sizes. Once you send your configuration through as a quote or order request, we confirm the exact made-up size of the door in your written quote, along with the price, VAT breakdown, delivery cost and lead time. Nothing is ordered until you are happy with those details.
Not sure? Send us your measurements
If you are in any doubt, do not guess. Send us your measurements and a few photos of the opening (inside and out) and we will help you choose the right size and door type. Call us on 01926 351 060 or email [email protected], or use our contact page. You can browse up and over, side hinged, sectional and roller doors once you have your figures to hand.