Accurate doorway measurements are the starting point for a useful PVC door curtain quotation. The width and height matter, but they are not the only information a supplier needs. The mounting position, surrounding surface, available space and traffic pattern can also affect the final configuration.
This guide explains what to measure, what to photograph and what to confirm before ordering a custom PVC door curtain.
Important: Do not deduct material, overlap or installation allowances from your measurements unless the supplier specifically asks you to. Send the actual doorway measurements first. The production dimensions should be confirmed for the selected curtain structure.
What You Need Before Measuring
Prepare:
- a metal tape measure;
- a phone or camera;
- a notepad;
- a level, if available;
- a second person for wide or tall openings; and
- a clear unit of measurement, such as millimeters, centimeters, meters, inches or feet.
Use the same unit for every dimension. A number without a unit cannot support a reliable custom quotation.
Step 1: Decide Where the Curtain Will Be Mounted
Before measuring, identify the intended mounting position. Two common arrangements are an inside-frame mount and an outside-frame mount.
Inside-Frame Mount
An inside-frame installation places the mounting structure within the doorway opening. Check whether the frame has enough flat, secure space for the supplied hardware.
Record:
- the clear internal width;
- the clear internal height;
- the depth of the frame;
- the material of the top and side surfaces; and
- any hinges, tracks, pipes or other obstructions.
Outside-Frame Mount
An outside-frame installation places the curtain on the wall or structure around the opening. This may require measurements beyond the clear opening.
Record:
- the clear doorway width and height;
- the available wall space above the opening;
- the available wall space on both sides;
- the mounting surface material; and
- anything that prevents the curtain from covering the opening evenly.
Do not assume that an inside-frame and outside-frame installation use the same finished dimensions.
Step 2: Measure the Doorway Width
Measure the clear opening width at three positions:
- near the top;
- through the middle; and
- near the bottom.
Record all three figures. Door frames and walls are not always perfectly square. If the measurements differ, do not average them silently. Send the complete set so the difference can be reviewed.
For an outside-frame installation, also measure the usable wall or frame space on the left and right sides of the opening.
Step 3: Measure the Doorway Height
Measure the clear height at three positions:
- left side;
- center; and
- right side.
Measure from the intended top mounting position to the finished floor or threshold. Record any difference between the three positions.
If the floor slopes, has a raised threshold or changes level across the doorway, include a close photo and the separate height measurements.
Step 4: Measure the Space Above and Beside the Opening
The supplier needs to know whether the surrounding structure can accommodate the mounting arrangement.
Measure and photograph:
- flat space above the opening;
- flat space on the left and right sides;
- ceiling clearance, if relevant;
- nearby doors or shutters;
- pipes, cables, lights or signs; and
- any equipment that moves close to the doorway.
An opening can have sufficient width and height but still lack a suitable fixing position.
Step 5: Identify the Mounting Surface
State what the curtain will be fixed to, for example:
- concrete;
- brick;
- steel;
- aluminum frame;
- wood;
- insulated panel; or
- another structure.
The surface description helps identify what installation information must be confirmed. It does not automatically determine the fasteners. Final hardware should be checked for the actual installation structure and supplied product version.
Step 6: Photograph the Doorway
Measurements are more useful when accompanied by clear photographs. Take at least:
- one full frontal photo showing the complete opening;
- one photo of the top mounting area;
- one photo of each side of the frame;
- one photo of the floor or threshold; and
- close-ups of any obstruction or damaged surface.
Stand far enough back to show the relationship between the doorway and the surrounding wall. Avoid sending only close-ups that hide the overall installation area.
Step 7: Describe What Passes Through the Doorway
The same dimensions can serve very different operating conditions. Tell the supplier whether the opening is used by:
- pedestrians;
- customers;
- pets;
- hand carts;
- pallet trucks;
- forklifts; or
- mixed traffic.
Also describe how frequently the opening is used. A magnetic center-opening curtain may suit appropriate pedestrian use, but it should not automatically be treated as the same solution as an overlapping strip curtain for vehicle traffic.
For an overview of the different structures, read the PVC Door Curtain Guide.
Doorway Measurement Record
Use this checklist when sending an inquiry:
| Item | Measurement or description |
|---|---|
| Width at top | |
| Width at middle | |
| Width at bottom | |
| Height at left | |
| Height at center | |
| Height at right | |
| Measurement unit | |
| Inside-frame or outside-frame preference | |
| Space above opening | |
| Space at left and right | |
| Mounting surface | |
| Floor or threshold condition | |
| Traffic type and frequency | |
| Quantity | |
| Destination country or region |
Common Measurement Mistakes
Sending Only One Width and One Height
Measuring at several positions helps reveal an opening that is not square or a floor that is not level.
Leaving Out the Unit
Always write the unit beside the number. Do not rely on the supplier to guess whether a dimension is in millimeters, centimeters or inches.
Measuring Only the Empty Opening
The surrounding mounting area matters. Include available space above and beside the doorway.
Subtracting an Allowance Without Confirmation
Send the actual measurements. The required production allowance depends on the curtain structure and mounting method.
Hiding Obstructions Outside the Photograph
Pipes, hinges, shutters, lights and uneven surfaces can affect installation planning. Show them clearly.
Assuming Every PVC Curtain Uses the Same Measurement Method
A magnetic center-opening panel and an overlapping PVC strip curtain use different structures. Confirm the product type before final production dimensions are approved.
Harbor Lux Practical Note
In early quotation discussions, a doorway photo often explains issues that a width-and-height message cannot show. Two openings with identical clear dimensions may need different configurations because the mounting surface, surrounding space or traffic is different.
Harbor Lux therefore reviews the doorway information together: measurements, photographs, application, traffic, quantity and destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I measure in millimeters or inches?
Either can be used, but state the unit clearly and use the same unit for every measurement. Millimeters are often practical for custom production discussions.
Should I give the smallest or largest measurement?
Send all measurements taken at the different positions. Do not decide which figure should become the production size without confirming the mounting method and curtain structure.
Do I need to measure outside the door frame?
Yes, if an outside-frame installation is being considered. Measure the available space above and beside the opening as well as the clear opening itself.
Can Harbor Lux determine the size from a photograph?
No. A photograph helps explain the installation area, but it does not replace measured dimensions with units.
Is the finished curtain size the same as the doorway size?
Not necessarily. The finished configuration depends on the mounting position, curtain structure and confirmed production allowances.
What should I send for an initial quotation review?
Send the width and height measurements, units, doorway photographs, application, traffic type, quantity and destination. Include any material, packaging or compliance requirements that are already known.
Before You Request a Quote
Check that you have:
- three width measurements;
- three height measurements;
- the unit clearly stated;
- full and close-up doorway photos;
- the mounting surface description;
- the intended installation position;
- traffic type and frequency;
- quantity; and
- destination country or region.
After confirming the doorway measurements, review the Magnetic PVC Door Curtain Installation Guide. You can also review the current Transparent Magnetic PVC Door Curtain or send your doorway details to Harbor Lux.
Author and Review Block
Written by: Harbor Lux Product Team Reviewed for practical accuracy by: Harbor Lux order coordination team Last reviewed: August 12, 2026
This guide provides general measurement and quotation-preparation information. Final dimensions, allowances, materials, mounting hardware and installation requirements must be confirmed for the specific order.