Helping You Choose the Right Door the First Time
At Grand Entry Doors, our mission is to provide expert guidance, personalized service, and a curated selection of high-quality doors that meet your unique needs. Every project is different. Some are straightforward, while others involve more detailed considerations. No matter the scope, we work closely with each customer to help determine the best solution for their home and to avoid the frustration, delays, and costs that can result from incorrect orders or rework.
We strive to make the ordering process smooth and successful. Whether you contact us by phone, email, our contact form, or a quote request, we begin with a few essential questions to better understand your project and ensure we provide the right door for your situation.
Step One: Understanding Your Project Type
We start by identifying the type of project you’re working on. Most fall into one of three categories:
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New Construction
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Replacement as Part of a Remodel
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Replacement Door Only
Each has different considerations, and our recommendations are tailored accordingly.
Step Two: Determining Suitability
Once we understand your project type, we assess whether our door is the right fit. This includes reviewing factors such as:
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Whether your entryway has an adequate overhang to protect a wood door from the elements
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If your area has specific code requirements
Note: Local building codes, regulations, and ordinances vary significantly by jurisdiction. It is the sole responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that the selection, purchase, installation, use, and ongoing maintenance of any product obtained from Grand Entry Doors complies with all applicable laws, codes, and regulations in the location where the product will be used.
We strongly advise consulting with a licensed contractor and your local building department or code enforcement authority before ordering or installing any product. Grand Entry Doors does not make any representation or warranty regarding whether a product meets the specific code requirements, site conditions, or usage restrictions that may apply to your project.
Step Three: Getting the Size Right
Accurate sizing is essential to a successful project. We work with you, and often directly with your contractor, to determine whether a standard size will work, whether we can modify a standard size, or if a fully custom unit is required. Depending on the project, we may provide:
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Rough opening dimensions
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Frame size
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Outside brickmould (masonry opening) dimensions
- Door jamb width
When needed, we’ll create a detailed shop drawing for your review and approval prior to fabrication.
Common Door Measurement Terms
To help ensure clarity during the process, here are the terms we commonly reference:
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Door Size (Common Size): The actual size of the door slab(s), not including the frame (e.g., 36" x 80")
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Rough Opening: The framed space in the wall for the unit, typically larger than the frame to allow for shimming and alignment
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Frame Size: The full width and height of the unit, including the frame
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Outside Brickmould (Masonry Opening): The total width and height of the unit when the exterior brickmould casing is included
- Jamb Width: The thickness of the frame from the interior to the exterior, which should match the wall thickness for proper installation (e.g., 4-9/16", 6-9/16")
These dimensions are listed on the product page for each door, along with full product descriptions.
How We Support Each Project Type
Doors for New Construction
This is usually the most straightforward. When you request a quote, we will typically respond with all the key dimensions, including door size, frame size, rough opening, and brickmould dimensions. If we’re speaking by phone, we’ll build a quote together and then send it to you for review. We always recommend sharing all details with your contractor before placing an order.
Replacement Doors as Part of a Remodel
In these cases, an entry door is just one element in a broader home improvement project. Our quotes assume that a standard-size unit will either fit the existing opening or that the opening will be reframed. If not, we will work with you to determine whether the unit can be modified or if a custom size is needed. In either case, we will provide shop drawings to confirm dimensions. We expect the customer to review these with their contractor before approving and proceeding.
Replacement Door Only
These projects require extra care and are handled with great attention to detail. In this scenario, the door is being replaced independently, and we work closely with both the homeowner and the professional who will be installing the door. We often ask to speak directly with the installer to confirm the needed measurements and requirements.
Most commonly, we request frame size or outside brickmould dimensions from the existing unit. If the customer is experienced and plans to handle the installation themselves, we may accept their measurements. However, if a contractor has not yet been selected or the customer is unsure about how to measure, we recommend securing a professional installer before quoting or ordering. This protects our customers from the risk of ordering an incorrect size.
Once we have verified measurements, we will prepare a shop drawing for approval. After that, we can begin the fabrication process.
Our Goal: Accuracy from the Start
Our objective is always to help you and your contractor order the correct door the first time. Mistakes, returns, and delays are frustrating and costly for everyone. We treat every customer with respect, whether you’re a seasoned builder or a homeowner ordering your first entry door. Our knowledgeable team is here to walk you through the process every step of the way.
Thanks to this collaborative approach and our commitment to quality, we’ve built a strong reputation for delivering premium entry doors that fit both your space and your style.
Important Disclaimer
This information is not intended to guide novices in measuring or selecting a new door. If you are unsure about your project requirements, please have your professional installer work directly with us.
If a quote is provided for a standard unit and it is later determined that a custom size is required, we will re-quote pricing and lead times accordingly. Custom units have different costs and longer lead times.
Each door is made to order based on the specifications provided. By placing an order, you authorize Grand Entry Doors to furnish the products exactly as described in the order confirmation. Grand Entry Doors is not responsible for incorrect measurements provided by the customer. All return shipments are at the buyer’s risk and expense.
We take every measure to help you avoid this situation and we look forward to helping you complete your project with confidence.
