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When replacing your exterior door, a prehung model may be the right choice for your project. Prehung exterior doors offer a smoother installation process. They include the door and a new frame, so you're not relying on the old, possibly warped or damaged frame. When measuring for a prehung door, there are a few simple steps to help you pick the right one for your space. Home Center Outlet offers a wide variety of doors to choose from and expert support to help make your selection. 

How to Measure for a Prehung Exterior Door: Step-By-Step Guide

Follow this exterior door measurement guide to help you choose the right door in the right size and configuration. The correct measurements will ensure smooth installation and a door that works perfectly in your space. 

Step 1 – Measure the Rough Opening for the Exterior Door

The rough opening is the framed space in your wall where the door unit will go, not the old door or its frame. Here's how to take your prehung exterior door measurements: 

• Width: Measure between the wall studs at the top, middle, and bottom points. Use the smallest measurement.
• Height: Measure from the subfloor (not finished flooring) to the underside of the top stud (header).
• Depth: Measure the thickness of the wall from the inside drywall to the outside sheathing.

The rough opening should be about 2 inches wider and taller than the door to allow for the frame and shimming. When measuring exterior doors with sidelights or double prehung exterior doors, allow for extra space. 

Step 2 – Check the Door Jamb Width Measurement

The jamb is the frame that surrounds the door. The correct jamb width allows the door frame to sit flush with your interior and exterior walls, eliminating gaps or awkward trim. The jamb width should match the thickness of your wall. Measure from the interior wall surface (drywall) to the exterior wall surface (sheathing or siding). 

Step 3 – Determine Door Swing and Handing

Determine the direction the door opens (inward or outward) and which side the hinges are on (left or right). Here's how to tell door swing versus handing:

• Stand outside, facing the door. If the hinges are on your right, it's a right-hand door — if on your left, it's a left-hand door.
• Based on your home's layout and space, decide if you want the door to swing in or out.
• Don't skip this step because choosing the correct swing and handing ensures your new door works with your entryway and doesn’t block walkways or furniture.

Shop Prehung Doors From Home Center Outlet

Shop our prehung doors for excellent quality at a competitive price. We offer four retail showrooms and an extensive selection of products. Contact us online or call us at 770-946-0020 for expert advice. 

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