Measuring & Installing Your Steel Door

Measuring: Getting the Rough Opening Right

PINKYS steel doors are built to net size, meaning the listed dimensions include the entire unit — steel frame and door slab together, not just the swinging portion of the door. Because of this, the rough opening in the wall needs to be built slightly larger than the door size ordered.

The rule: your rough opening should be 1 inch wider and 1 inch taller than the net door size.

• A 36" x 80" single door needs a 37" x 81" rough opening
• A 60" x 80" double door needs a 61" x 81" rough opening

That extra inch of clearance gives the installer room to level, shim, and square the unit during installation. Without it, the door can bind, fail to seal properly, or not operate smoothly.

How to measure correctly:

• Measure stud to stud, not drywall to drywall. If a door is already installed, removing the interior casing may be necessary to expose the true structural opening.
• Measure height from the subfloor (or finished floor, if already installed) up to the header at the top of the rough opening. Account for any flooring that will be added later, since it affects final clearance.
• If the existing rough opening is slightly larger than needed, installers can typically shim to fit. If it's smaller, the opening will need to be adjusted before installation.

When in doubt, confirm measurements with a contractor before placing an order — this is especially important on remodel or retrofit projects where the original framing may not match modern standard sizes.

Installing: What the Process Involves

Installing a steel door follows a consistent sequence regardless of style or configuration:

1. Confirm the hardware kit — the kit includes hinges, handle, screws, and sealant needed for installation.
2. Verify the rough opening measurement before setting the unit, using the guidance above.
3. Set and secure the frame — framing members are attached to the wall with screws driven into the studs (not just drywall) to ensure a secure structural connection.
4. Install hinges and handle — hinges are mounted on the outside of the door where they won't be visible when closed; the handle is set level so it doesn't protrude or bind.
5. Seal the perimeter — caulking around the door's edges prevents air and moisture infiltration, which matters for both energy performance and long-term durability.

A Few General Notes

• Both single and double door systems follow the same net-size and clearance rules.
• Whether a door can be installed on an existing frame versus requiring new framing depends on the condition and size of that existing opening.
• For anyone unsure about measuring or installation steps, confirming with a contractor or reaching out directly before ordering helps avoid costly resizing or reordering later.
• After ordering, customers receive a specific installation guide tailored to their exact door — including step-by-step video guides and a detailed PDF with diagrams and pictures — covering the particular configuration, size, and hardware for that unit.

This is a general overview. Specific tolerances, hardware requirements, and installation steps can vary by door style, size, and project conditions — always confirm specifics for your exact configuration before ordering or installing.