The definitive guide to made-to-measure custom internal doors

13 March 2024

Made-to-measure internal door

A made-to-measure door, also known as a bespoke door or custom door, is a door that is specifically manufactured to fit your exact requirements in terms of size, style, and material. Unlike standard doors online  that come in pre-determined sizes, made-to-measure doors offer greater flexibility and can be tailored to your taste and specific needs of your property.

Here are some situations where you might need a made-to-measure door:

Non-standard door openings: If you have an odd sized doorway, a standard door won't fit properly. A made-to-measure door can be created to the exact dimensions of your door opening, ensuring a perfect fit and eliminating the need for modifications to the doorway itself, which can be expensive.

Unique design: If you have a specific design in mind that isn't available in standard doors and want to personalise your doors, made-to-measure are the best option. This allows you to choose from a wider variety of designs, materials, finishes, and tailor intricate details such as the panel size, decorative beading, inlays or glazing to match your desired aesthetic.

Renovation with made-to-measure door
Period property renovations: Its important when renovating a period property to maintain the original architectural style. Made-to-measure doors can be crafted to replicate the specific design and finishes used in original doors ensure an authentic looking restoration. Any door can be tailored to fit non-standard sizes and shapes, such as angled or curved headers.

When do you need a made-to-measure door size?

Most doors are built to a range of standard door sizes that fit the majority of requirements in the UK. These sizes (heights and widths) are quoted in imperial and metric sizes. View our list of standard door sizes. If your door opening doesn’t not fit any of these, you may need a made to measure door. Many doors are constructed with timber lippings around the edges which can be trimmed on-site, however, the amount that can be trimmed is limited. A made-to-measure internal door can be manufactured and prefinished to the exact size required and does not need trimming on site, guaranteeing a quality finish and improving installation efficiency.

Made to Measure doors manufactured to a bespoke size are normally more expensive than those built to a standard size, however, they offer a better quality solution where the door opening is non-standard. 

What about thickness of a bespoke door?

To suit different applications, made to measure internal doors are available in a range of door thickness ranging from about 35mm to 55mm. Fire doors and doors in high-end residential properties are usually quite thick for a number of reasons. The thickness of the door can provide more strength and resistance making it suitable in apartments where fire and security is required, such as FD30 fire doors and PAS24 security doors. The thickness of internal and external doors also improves sound insulation and can therefore be a benefit in noisy settings. Luxury internal doors are also normally thicker than standard doors and have a solid core to provide heavy weight performance and a feeling of quality. 

Bespoke sized door

How to measure the door to ensure the perfect size

To ensure an accurate fit it’s important to take precise measurements of the opening. A recommended approach to this is: 
1. To measure the width: take three measurements inside the door frame, from the top, middle and bottom. Use the longest dimension to take account of any unevenness in the frame.
2. To measure the height: take three measurements inside the door frame, from the left, middle and right. Use the longest dimension to take account of any unevenness in the floor. Don’t forget to take into account the thickness of the floor covering e.g. carpet, so that the door doesn’t scrape against the floor when closed.

Design options with made to measure doors

Gone are the days of settling for off-the-shelf solutions that don't quite fit your vision.  Made-to-measure door options offer a gateway to a world of personalised design possibilities beyond simply a custom size, transforming doors from functional necessities into stunning focal points. So, ditch the limitations of standard sizes and delve into the exciting realm of custom door design!

Whether you're dealing with non-standard door openings or simply desire a door that seamlessly integrates with your property’s unique style, our range of internal bespoke doors offer the perfect solution. From the classic elegance of four and six panelled doors to the modern minimalism of flush panels, the options are endless. Fine detailing like bespoke decorative beading, grooves, raised panels, metal inlays, lattice work or glass features can add a touch of personality.

Designer made to measure doors           Custom veneer and Inlay

Oak to Bespoke: Custom Door Materials and finishes

Although white prime is still popular, you can choose from a huge range of custom veneers and stains, such as Oak or Walnut or add some colour by painting the door so that it blends with the aesthetics of your home's interior, integrating with other surfaces and finishes. For something really special you can even incorporate unique finishes such as liquid metal or glass, in this way the door becomes a feature itself and not just a functional item. 

The importance of ironmongery to custom doors

It cannot be overstated how important door handles and ironmongery are the finish of made to measure internal doors  The door handle or knob design and finish can dramatically affect the appearance of the door and how users feel about it. Spending a little more on a quality door handle to match the door, along with hardware in the same finish, can provide a great investment.

Tempus Bathroom Handle       Luxury centre door knob   

Conclusion: Design freedom with a bespoke internal door

Made-to-measure doors are an investment that adds value, functionality, and personality to your property.  We recommend you discuss your vision and needs with a Denleigh door specialist who can guide you through the design selection process. They will provide specifications, samples and advice to inspire you and make your dream door a reality. So, unleash your inner designer and create a door that reflects your unique vision and elevates your home to a whole new level.