How Do you Measure for Double Swinging Doors?

Adding double swinging doors will ensure the doors can swing in both directions. These doors can use a wide variety of hardware options. Continue reading to understand how to measure for your double swinging doors now that you determine double swinging doors are the perfect fit for you what size do you need?

1. Determine the Overall Finished Door Opening Width

You will need to measure the finished door opening. We recommend the double action hinges be secured to a stud or trim board. If you are planning on using trim boards that can change the overall dimension of your opening. When purchasing from Swinging Café Doors we use your total overall door opening size, if you order trim boards still use your current overall door opening size. We will size the trim boards, doors, and hardware to fit that total door opening size listed on your order. You will need to measure at the top, middle, and bottom of the door opening. Using the smallest measurement to ensure the doors will fit. If your overall door opening measurement is not consistent in the opening, you will need to shim the doors to achieve the perfect fit.

2. Determine the Hardware for your Double Swinging Doors

Double swinging doors can hinge on a wide variety of hardware options. You will need to choose the hardware that fits your needs best.

Butt Hinges- Butt hinges are the traditional standard hinges that are common for interior doors. Butt hinges will allow the doors to swing both in one direction to 180 degrees. The doors will need to be pulled back to the center. Door stops and a jamb are required. Butt hinges come in a variety of finishes and sizes.

Single Action- Single action hinges will allow the door(s) to swing in one direction and will self-return to the center. There are gravity and spring options for single action hinges. These hinges will only swing in one direction and will require door stops and a jamb. The hinges will allow the door can to swing 90 degrees in one direction.

Double Action Hinges- Double Action hinges will allow the door(s) to swing in both directions and self-return to the center. There are gravity and spring options for double action spring hinges, most gravity offers a hold-open feature. Since the doors can swing in both directions, no door stops or jamb is required. The doors will swing up to 90 degrees in either direction.

Pivot Hinges- Pivot hinges will mount the top door to the top and bottom of the door opening. Most of these hinges require the bottom hinge to be recessed into the door(s)/floor. The hinge will then allow the doors to swing from the center, left, or right. These hinges are perfect for hidden doorways or bookcases. The swing on these hinges will vary depending on the installation location.

Select the hardware that best fit your location and ease of operation. Double action hinge and butt hinges are the most common hinges used for double doors.

3. Gaps for Hardware Required

Each hinge will require different spacing for double doors. Then determining the overall door size, make sure you are including the gap required for the hardware. Each hardware option will have different spacing. Refer to the hardware instruction or template to see the exact door size required for the hinges you selected. Templates will include how to determine double door size and single door size.

These gaps are required for the hardware to function properly.

Tips to Ensure a Proper Fit

• All measurements should start at the door opening not a previously installed door.
• Measure twice to ensure you have an accurate measurement.
• Shimming will allow for an imperfect door opening size, can still have a perfectly fit door.
• Contact hinge manufacturer for any missing hinge specs.

Double swinging doors come in a wide variety of design options. Once you have decided on door design and hardware option, then you can start the order. Double swinging doors will make beautiful interior doors, allowing you to update your space.