1) Measure the rough opening horizontally (left to right) at top, middle and bottom. (Refer to schematic drawing lines top, center and bottom). Rough opening is where the gate, posts, hinges, handle and lock will be installed. Use a professional grade tape measure for accuracy.
2) Always provide exact measurements. We will calculate the dimensions to allow for the gate(s), post, hinges and lock to fit in the rough opening.
NOTE: We use the smallest measurement to fabricate the gate if larger measurement is used, the gate will not fit.
3) Measure the height of the gate (top to bottom). Refer to schematic drawing line height. You will leave 1 1/2″ from the bottom of the gate in order the gate open and close.
This is so that we can get your metal gate into the opening. It is better for the door unit to be slightly smaller than the rough opening, because that can be easily compensated for with shims. Shims are small pieces of wood used to get the jamb to fit snugly in the opening. They are commonly needed because the rough opening may not be completely the same all the way along. You may get a different measurement in the center of the opening versus the sides. This is often the case in older homes.
