I'm Just Researching
Learn the basics before you measure or submit your project.
Learn the Basics
Nick's Door Project Center
Start your door project with confidence.
Measure your opening, learn the door terminology, watch helpful videos, and submit your project for expert review using Nick's Door Project Wizard.
Since 1977
Custom-Sized Doors
Expert Review Available
Brickmold
Jamb
Door Slab
Threshold
What You Will Need
📏Tape Measure
📱Phone Camera
🚪Existing Door
📝Notes
⏱About 15 Minutes
Choose Your Path
Where are you in your door project?
Select the option that best matches where you are today. For most customers, Nick's Door Project Wizard is the fastest and easiest way to start.
I Need to Measure
View diagrams, videos, and tips for collecting the right measurements.
Start MeasuringI Have Measurements
Upload photos, enter your details, and send your project to Nick's for expert review.
Start Door Project WizardI Prefer Paper
Download the fillable Door Schedule PDF, complete it offline, and email it back.
Download Fillable PDF
Step 1: Measure
Door measuring diagrams
Click any image to view the larger diagram. These visuals can help clarify rough openings, masonry openings, and door components.
Exterior Doors
Reference for collecting exterior door opening measurements. Tip: measure width and height in more than one place.
Interior Doors
Reference for interior prehung door rough openings and frame measurements.
Masonry Opening
Important when brick, stone, stucco, siding, or trim surrounds the entry door.
Door Components
Helpful reference for understanding basic prehung door parts before you submit your project.
Finished measuring?
Continue in the Door Project Wizard and upload your photos and measurements for Nick's review.
Door Anatomy
Know the parts before you order.
Click any door part below to see a quick illustrated guide.
Nick's Project Review Promise
Not sure if your measurements are perfect?
That's okay. Every Door Project Wizard submission is reviewed by an experienced Nick's door specialist before a quote is prepared. If something looks unusual, we'll contact you before moving forward.
That means fewer ordering mistakes, better fit confidence, and a smoother project from the beginning.
Start Expert Review
Step 2: Watch & Learn
Watch before you measure.
Review these videos before measuring or installing your door. They are especially helpful for confirming proper measuring and installation technique.
How to Measure and Install
Overview video for understanding the measuring and installation process.
Installing an Exterior Door
Installation video for exterior door projects and replacement entry doors.
Still unsure?
Upload photos in the Door Project Wizard. Nick's can review the opening before preparing your quote.
Avoid Ordering Errors
Common measuring mistakes
A few small details can make a big difference when ordering a prehung exterior door.
Measuring trim instead of the door unit
Brickmold, trim, and casing can make the opening look larger than the actual door unit.
Only measuring one spot
Openings may be out of square. Measure width and height in multiple places.
Forgetting jamb depth
Wall thickness matters when ordering a prehung door.
Guessing the door swing
Stand outside facing the door and confirm the hinge side and swing direction.
Not taking photos
Photos help Nick's review your entry, trim, jamb, threshold, and surrounding materials.
Important: Confirm the Rough Opening and Masonry Opening
It is vital to get the rough opening measurement correct. You typically need approximately 1" of play and shim room when installing a prehung door. When measuring for a replacement door, also get the masonry opening measurement if there is existing brick, stone, stucco, wood siding, or vinyl siding around the entry door, because the surrounding material can affect proper fitment and installation.
Helpful Downloads
Prefer a guide or a fillable form?
Use the Door Project Wizard for the easiest online experience, or download the PDFs below if you prefer to work offline.
Standard Door Size Guide
Download our free Door Size Guide with standard door sizes, rough opening dimensions, and measuring tips.
Download Door Size GuideFillable Door Schedule PDF
Prefer paper or need a contractor-friendly format? Complete the fillable Door Schedule PDF and email it back to Nick's.
Download Fillable Door Schedule
Why Use the Wizard?
What happens inside Nick's Door Project Wizard?
The Wizard guides you through the details Nick's needs to review your project accurately.
Choose Door Type
Single, double, sidelites, patio, or interior.
Enter Measurements
Width, height, jamb, swing, and opening details.
Upload Photos
Send photos of the opening, trim, threshold, and exterior.
Add Project Notes
Tell us what you're replacing and what you want.
Nick's Reviews
A door specialist reviews your submission before quoting.
Ready to send your project?
The Wizard is recommended for most homeowners because it organizes photos, measurements, and project details in one place.
FAQ
Exterior door measuring questions
Do I measure the slab or the frame?
It depends on what you are ordering. The Door Project Wizard helps organize slab size, unit size, rough opening, and masonry opening information.
What is a rough opening?
The rough opening is the framed opening that allows space for the prehung unit, shimming, and adjustment.
What is brickmold?
Brickmold is exterior trim around the door unit. It is not the same as the slab size or rough opening.
What is a masonry opening?
The masonry opening is the outside opening where the door meets the home's exterior materials such as brick, stone, stucco, siding, or trim.
Can Nick's verify my measurements?
Yes. Use the Door Project Wizard to upload photos and send your project details to Nick's for review.
What if my opening is not square?
Measure in multiple places and send photos. Nick's can help review unusual or out-of-square openings.
How do I measure sidelites?
Record the quantity, width, and whether they are fixed, active, or venting. The Door Project Wizard helps organize this information.
What if I prefer not to use the Door Project Wizard?
You can download the fillable Door Schedule PDF, complete it offline, and email it back to Nick's.
Ready to Start?
Choose the easiest way to send us your project.
For most customers, the Door Project Wizard is the fastest path. The fillable PDF is available for contractors or customers who prefer a paper workflow.
