Screen doors can serve several valuable purposes. You can install screen doors in many different ways, but it needs to fit your front door. The necessary measurements can get pretty complicated. You should know how wide a screen door is before you buy it. Whether you are installing a brand new screen door or replacing an old one, we’ve researched everything you need to find the right screen door.
The width of a typical screen door will usually range from thirty-two inches to thirty-eight inches. However, many custom variants are suited to different homes. This is because there are several measurements required to install a screen door successfully. Ultimately, the width of the screen door must fit with the trim of the accompanying front door. This means that the width of your screen door may demand unique measurements.
Although screen doors are perfect for the summer season, it’s never too soon to think about installing one. Unfortunately, installing a screen door can also be a little challenging. There are many options and methods. Also, sliding screen doors are another story altogether! But don’t worry, you can keep reading to learn about installing the perfect screen door.
How do you measure a screen door width?
This crucial step in purchasing a new screen door is likely the most intimidating. This is because there is a lot more to your front door than you probably expected.
You can always measure the height and width of the door that your screen door will be covering. You can find a standardized screen door that matches. However, this may not always be accurate enough. True, you can purchase the next size up and cut it down until it fits. But that will be a hassle, and it also demands that you use a wooden design.
To ensure that your screen door will fit, you will need to measure the accompanying door frame. The height from the bottom sill only needs to be measured twice. However, the distance between the trim will need to be measured three times. The trim is what decorates the door frame. You will likely be securing your new screen door to the trim.
It will be necessary to measure the width between the insides of the trim. However, you need to measure the width near the top, then the middle, and then the bottom. It is crucial to measure the widths in this order. Leave about six inches of space from the top or bottom when you take your measurements. These measurements may differ. In this case, use the largest measurement as your true width.
Bear in mind that you will also need to measure height and depth before installing a new screen door. You can read this post about how much a screen door should cost.
How wide is a sliding screen door?
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Naturally, sliding screen doors are typically much wider than a standard screen door. Sliding doors are usually around thirty-six or forty-eight inches wide. For unique circumstances, the width of a custom sliding screen door can accommodate smaller installations.
However, sliding screen doors are often used for specific purposes, like a balcony or porch. This means that sliding screen doors are also available in widths that will complement double doors. These screen doors are typically around seventy-two inches wide.
Can you install a screen door on any door?
Thanks to the wide variety of installation methods, screen doors can be fastened to any door. The traditional screen door is a classic metal cover with hinges. But screen doors are available in a variety of designs. Ultimately, it is the door frame that is essential. This means that even interior door frames would allow certain screen doors to function properly.
Using the right material for your screen door will allow you to carve it into the right shape, even for unusual circumstances. However, you may want to consider the aesthetic of your home. While a screen door can be used in nearly any situation, it may conflict with the existing style.
Does a screen door come with hinges?
Most people probably think of screen doors as the familiar, hinged security door. And there certainly are plenty of hinged options. However, there are a few alternatives that are easy to find. Some of these options are even simpler to install than a hinged screen door.
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For example, some screen doors are secured in place by a tension rod. A tension rod is a telescoped beam, which uses an interior spring to remain in place between two flat surfaces. As such, this option is commonly referred to as a hanging screen door. This selection is particularly easy to install. The tension rod can adapt to nearly any width and requires no hardware to install. This tension rod could make an interior screen door feel natural.
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Another alternative is the magnetic screen door. In this case, two individual panels of tough mesh are hung from the door frame. This is usually achieved through simple means, such as Velcro and the like. The titular magnets are buried inside the edges of the two mesh panels. This means that you can freely walk between the two panels and let the magnets pull them back together.
Click here to see this retractable screen door on Amazon.
There are also retractable screen doors, which operate exactly as their name suggests. The screen door itself can roll up into a compartment when not in use. This is very useful for scenes that would become very unappealing with a screen door. It allows you all of the practical advantages of a screen door without permanently sacrificing the appearance of your home.
What are the Pros and Cons of using a screen door?
Firstly, there is a distinct addition of security to any door. For example, you can check out this post about sliding door locks. Security is one of the leading purposes of installing a screen door, which is often metal. However, unlocking two sets of doors may become an annoying inconvenience. This is particularly true if you consistently need to move things in and out of your home.
Screen doors can protect the accompanying door from accidental damage or vandalism. They may also protect the accompanying door from some weather conditions, such as snow or hail. Likewise, the mesh is also useful for allowing ventilation during warmer weather. The hashed design will prevent insects and pests from getting inside. This makes screen doors an ideal way to enjoy an outside view without those pesky drawbacks.
Screen doors are available in a wide variety of materials. This means that it should be feasible enough to find a screen door that will fit your home's personality. It also ensures that the screen door will accommodate any climate and setting.
Summary
Like so many home appliances, a screen door is far more valuable than it appears. Although screen doors are commonplace, some of them can also seem a little intimidating to install. Learning the necessary width was just the beginning. But now that you know about the many available options, your door at home will have the perfect company soon enough!