How to Measure for Sliding Wardrobe Doors: Step-by-Step

Accurate measurements are critical for perfectly fitting sliding wardrobe doors. Even small errors can lead to gaps, operational issues, or expensive remakes. This professional guide ensures you measure correctly the first time, whether for a DIY project or providing dimensions to suppliers.

Having installed thousands of custom sliding doors across Johannesburg, Pretoria, and East Rand, Mirror Robe has developed foolproof measurement techniques. Follow this guide for professional-quality results.

Why Accurate Measurements Matter

Consequences of Measurement Errors

Too Small:

• Gaps around doors
• Light leaks
• Reduced privacy
• Unprofessional appearance
• May require complete remake

Too Large:

• Doors won't fit opening
• Binding during operation
• Installation impossible
• Expensive rectification
• Wasted time and money

Uneven:

• Doors won't close properly
• Operational issues
• Visible gaps
• Professional adjustment needed

Professional Measurement Benefits

• Perfect fit guaranteed
• Smooth operation
• Professional appearance
• No gaps or light leaks
• Optimal functionality
• Manufacturer warranties protected

Essential Measurement Tools

Required Equipment

Must-Have:

• Steel tape measure (5m+ length)
• Pencil and paper
• Calculator
• Level (spirit level, 1m+)
• Straightedge or long ruler

Helpful:

• Laser measure (for accuracy)
• Stepladder (for height)
• Assistant (makes measuring easier)
• Camera (document measurements)

Cost for Basic Kit: R300 - R800

Tool Quality Matters

Steel Tape Measure:

• Fabric tapes stretch (inaccurate)
• Steel maintains accuracy
• Locking mechanism essential
• Metric measurements (mm)

Level:

• Check walls and floor
• Ensure accurate assessment
• Critical for installation success

Pre-Measurement Preparation

Clear the Area

Remove:

• Furniture near wardrobe
• Items from wardrobe interior
• Existing doors (if replacement)
• Any obstructions

Purpose:

• Accurate measurements
• Safety
• Proper access to opening
• Identify potential issues

Assess the Opening

Check For:

Squareness:

• Are corners 90 degrees?
• Is opening rectangular?
• Any visible deviation?

Level:

• Is floor level?
• Is ceiling level?
• Wall plumb (vertical)?

Obstructions:

• Baseboards
• Crown molding
• Light switches
• Power outlets
• Pipes or ducts

Wall Condition:

• Solid walls?
• Sufficient mounting surface?
• Need reinforcement?

Standard Measurement Process

Step 1: Width Measurements

Take THREE Width Measurements:

Top Width:

1. Measure across opening at ceiling level
2. From inside edge to inside edge
3. Record in millimeters
4. Example: 2,845mm

Middle Width:

1. Measure at mid-height (approximately 1.2m from floor)
2. Inside edge to inside edge
3. Record in millimeters
4. Example: 2,850mm

Bottom Width:

1. Measure at floor level
2. Inside edge to inside edge
3. Record in millimeters
4. Example: 2,852mm

Critical:

• Use the smallest width measurement
• This ensures doors fit throughout height
• Ignoring this causes binding

Example Calculation:

• Top: 2,845mm
• Middle: 2,850mm
• Bottom: 2,852mm
• Use: 2,845mm (smallest)

Step 2: Height Measurements

Take THREE Height Measurements:

Left Side Height:

1. Measure from floor to ceiling/soffit
2. Along left side of opening
3. Record in millimeters
4. Example: 2,410mm

Center Height:

1. Measure at center of opening
2. Floor to ceiling
3. Record in millimeters
4. Example: 2,405mm

Right Side Height:

1. Measure along right side
2. Floor to ceiling
3. Record in millimeters
4. Example: 2,408mm

Critical:

• Use the smallest height measurement
• Prevents doors hitting ceiling
• Essential for proper fit

Example Calculation:

• Left: 2,410mm
• Center: 2,405mm
• Right: 2,408mm
• Use: 2,405mm (smallest)

Step 3: Depth Measurements

Measure Depth:

Why It Matters:

• Ensures adequate space for tracks
• Door panels need clearance
• Hardware requirements
• Installation space

What to Measure:

1. Depth of wardrobe opening
2. From front edge to back wall
3. Minimum depth: 550mm recommended
4. Record measurement

Typical Depths:

• Standard wardrobe: 600mm
• Walk-in wardrobe: 1,200mm+
• Shallow wardrobe: 450-550mm (special consideration)

Step 4: Document Everything

Measurement Worksheet:

Opening Dimensions:

• Top width: ______mm

• Middle width: ______mm

• Bottom width: ______mm

• Working width: ______mm (smallest)

• Left height: ______mm

• Center height: ______mm

• Right height: ______mm

• Working height: ______mm (smallest)

• Depth: ______mm

Obstructions/Notes:

• Baseboard height: ______mm
• Crown molding depth: ______mm
• Light switches: Location
• Any irregularities: Notes

Photos:

• Overall opening
• Corners
• Obstructions
• Existing conditions

Special Measurement Considerations

Uneven Floors

Problem:

• Sloped or uneven floors common
• Affects door operation
• Creates gaps

Solution:

1. Measure from highest point of floor
2. Note floor variation
3. Adjustable bottom guides compensate
4. May need floor leveling

Acceptable Variation: Up to 10mm Beyond 10mm: Leveling recommended

Uneven Ceilings

Issue:

• Ceilings rarely perfectly level
• Affects top mounting

Approach:

1. Use lowest ceiling point
2. Note variations
3. Installer will accommodate
4. Top track can follow ceiling

Protruding Baseboards

Common Scenario:

• Baseboard extends into opening
• Reduces effective width

Measurement:

1. Measure to face of baseboard
2. Not behind baseboard
3. Record baseboard height
4. May affect bottom track placement

Options:

• Notch baseboard
• Install over baseboard
• Remove baseboard section

Angled Ceilings

Sloped Ceilings:

• Attic rooms
• Cathedral ceilings
• Under stairs

Special Measurement:

1. Measure at multiple points
2. Document slope
3. Professional consultation recommended
4. Custom solutions may be needed

Existing Door Frames

If Replacing:

• Remove existing doors first
• Measure frame interior
• Check frame condition
• May reuse or replace frame

If Keeping Frame:

• Measure within frame
• Account for frame thickness
• Check frame square and level
• Ensure frame structurally sound

Common Measurement Mistakes

Mistake #1: Using Only One Measurement

Error:

• Single width measurement
• Single height measurement
• Assumes opening perfectly square

Problem:

• Misses variations
• Causes fit issues
• Professional wouldn't do this

Solution:

• Always three measurements per dimension
• Use smallest for working dimension

Mistake #2: Measuring from Outside Edge

Error:

• Measuring exterior to exterior
• Including frame thickness
• Assuming frame continues throughout

Problem:

• Doors too large
• Won't fit in opening

Solution:

• Always measure inside to inside
• Actual opening space

Mistake #3: Rounding Measurements

Error:

• Rounding to nearest centimeter
• "About" measurements
• Imprecise recording

Problem:

• Millimeters matter
• Accumulates to significant error
• Professional fit impossible

Solution:

• Record exact millimeters
• No rounding
• Precise documentation

Mistake #4: Not Checking Level/Square

Error:

• Assuming opening is square
• Not checking floor level
• Ignoring wall plumb

Problem:

• Doesn't account for irregularities
• Installation issues arise
• Doors may not operate properly

Solution:

• Use level to check
• Document variations
• Inform supplier/installer

Mistake #5: Forgetting Obstructions

Error:

• Not noting light switches
• Ignoring power outlets
• Forgetting baseboards

Problem:

• Installation conflicts
• Last-minute modifications needed
• Delays and extra costs

Solution:

• Document all obstructions
• Photograph everything
• Detailed notes

Professional vs. DIY Measurement

When DIY Measurement Sufficient

Appropriate For:

• Standard rectangular opening
• Level floors and ceiling
• No unusual features
• You're confident with tools
• Supplier provides guidance

When Professional Measurement Essential

Call Professionals For:

• Irregular openings
• Significant floor/ceiling slopes
• Very large or complex installations
• Walk-in wardrobes
• Valuable custom doors
• Uncertain about any aspect

Professional Benefits:

• Accurate to ±1mm
• Experience with problem situations
• Manufacturer warranty protection
• Installation guaranteed
• Peace of mind

Mirror Robe Free Measurement:

• On-site professional measurement
• No obligation
• Expert assessment
• Accurate quote
• Johannesburg, Pretoria, East Rand

After Measurement: What's Next?

Review Your Measurements

Double-Check:

• All measurements in millimeters
• Working dimensions identified
• Obstructions noted
• Photos taken

Calculate Door Configurations

Common Configurations:

2-Door System:

• Each door = (width ÷ 2) + overlap
• Standard overlap: 50-75mm
• Example: 2,800mm opening = 1,437.5mm per door

3-Door System:

• Each door = (width ÷ 3) + overlap
• Typical configuration for 2,400-3,600mm openings

4-Door System:

• Each door = (width ÷ 4) + overlap
• Used for wider openings (3,600mm+)

Note: Let supplier calculate exact door sizes - overlap and clearances vary by system

Provide to Supplier

Information to Include:

• Working width (smallest)
• Working height (smallest)
• Depth
• Number of doors desired
• Frame material preference
• Panel material choice (mirror, wood, glass)
• Handle preference
• Any special requirements
• Photos of opening
• Obstruction details

Measurement Checklist

Before You Start:

• ☐ Tools gathered
• ☐ Area cleared
• ☐ Assistant available (helpful)
• ☐ Worksheet prepared

During Measurement:

• ☐ Three width measurements taken
• ☐ Three height measurements taken
• ☐ Depth measured
• ☐ Level checked
• ☐ Obstructions documented
• ☐ Photos taken
• ☐ Notes detailed

After Measurement:

• ☐ Working dimensions identified
• ☐ All data recorded clearly
• ☐ Double-checked measurements
• ☐ Ready for supplier

Get Professional Help

Confident measuring is crucial, but professional expertise guarantees perfect results. Call Mirror Robe at 063 868 0510 for free professional measurement service.

Our measurement service includes:

• On-site professional assessment
• Precise measurements to ±1mm
• Problem identification and solutions
• Expert recommendations
• Accurate quote
• No obligation

Serving Johannesburg, Pretoria, and East Rand since 1997.

Don't risk expensive mistakes—let our professionals ensure your sliding doors fit perfectly. Contact us today for your free measurement service.