French doors are the most challenging door type to measure for custom magnetic screens. Two panels, a center gap, multiple hardware points, and an architectural elegance that demands a perfect fit. This guide goes deep on everything you need to know to measure your French doors perfectly—every measurement, every detail, every potential pitfall.
Definition
French doors are the most challenging door type to measure for custom magnetic screens.
French doors aren't one door—they're two. Each panel:
This complexity means measurement errors compound. Getting the gap wrong affects the magnetic closure. Getting one panel wrong affects the whole system.
French doors are architectural features. They're chosen for their beauty. A poorly fitting screen ruins the look. A perfectly fitting magnetic screen for French doors enhances it—function and form in harmony.
French door magnetic screens must:
In-Swing French Doors (Most Common):
Out-Swing French Doors:
Active/Passive Configuration:
Both Active Configuration:
For each panel, measure width in three places:
Left Panel (Panel A):
Right Panel (Panel B):
For each panel, measure height in three places:
Left Panel (Panel A):
Right Panel (Panel B):
This is the most important measurement for French door magnetic screens.
The gap between your two panels determines how the magnetic closure will align.
Measure the gap at three points:
Average the three: ___ ⅛"
Gap width interpretation:
Measure from the front face to the back face of the frame:
Most French door frames are 1¼" to 2" deep.
Total width:
Total height:
French doors have more hardware than single doors. Document everything.
Left Panel Handle:
Right Panel Handle:
Top Bolt (if present):
Bottom Bolt (if present):
Many French doors have multi-point locking systems:
These affect screen clearance. Document them carefully.
Check if hinges protrude into the frame area:
Protruding hinges may require:
What it is:
One custom magnetic screen on each French door panel.
Best for:
How it works:
Measurements needed:
What it is:
One screen spanning the full combined width of both panels.
Best for:
How it works:
Measurements needed:
What it is:
A screen on the active panel; a fixed screen (no magnetic closure) on the passive panel.
Best for:
How it works:
If your two panels are slightly different heights:
If the gap between panels isn't consistent:
If hardware is clustered on one area:
Some French doors have glass panels extending most of the height; others have more solid construction:
Wrong: Measuring the total span from outside edge to outside edge
Right: Measure each panel separately
Why: Each panel gets its own screen or configuration. Combined width doesn't help.
Wrong: "The gap is just the crack between doors"
Right: Measure it precisely at three points
Why: The gap determines magnetic closure alignment. A poorly aligned closure won't seal.
Wrong: Measuring only the frame dimensions
Right: Document all hardware locations
Why: Handles, bolts, and locks must clear the screen. Missing hardware = installation problems.
Wrong: Measuring only the glass panel dimensions
Right: Measure the entire frame
Why: The screen attaches to the frame, not the glass. You need frame dimensions.
Wrong: "Both panels are the same, so I only need to measure one"
Right: Measure both panels independently
Why: Settled foundations and age can make panels slightly different. Measure each one.
| Measurement | Panel A (Left) | Panel B (Right) |
|---|---|---|
| Width - Top | ___ ⅛" | ___ ⅛" |
| Width - Middle | ___ ⅛" | ___ ⅛" |
| Width - Bottom | ___ ⅛" | ___ ⅛" |
| Use Width | ___ ⅛" | ___ ⅛" |
| Height - Left | ___ ⅛" | ___ ⅛" |
| Height - Center | ___ ⅛" | ___ ⅛" |
| Height - Right | ___ ⅛" | ___ ⅛" |
| Use Height | ___ ⅛" | ___ ⅛" |
| Handle Height | ___ ⅛" | ___ ⅛" |
| Handle Distance | ___ ⅛" | ___ ⅛" |
| Top Bolt Height | ___ | ___ |
| Bottom Bolt Height | ___ | ___ |
| Gap Location | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Gap - Top | ___ ⅛" |
| Gap - Middle | ___ ⅛" |
| Gap - Bottom | ___ ⅛" |
| Average Gap | ___ ⅛" |
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Frame Depth | ___ ⅛" |
Select French Doors or Double Doors
The configurator will show additional fields:
Choose your configuration:
Each has different requirements.
The configurator may ask:
Include detailed notes about:
Contact ZOORSCREEN support before ordering if:
It's better to ask than to order wrong.
Once you have your measurements:
If both panels are used equally:
If one panel is used 80% of the time:
If your doors have special features:
French door magnetic screens require more precise measurement than single doors. The dual-panel complexity, the critical gap measurement, and the hardware documentation all matter. Take your time. Measure twice. Document everything.
The payoff is a magnetic screen for French doors that fits perfectly, works flawlessly, and looks like it was always meant to be there.
Ready to measure your French doors? Visit zoorscreen.com and use the online screen door configurator. Enter your detailed measurements, choose your configuration, and get an instant quote for your custom French door magnetic screen.
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