What Size Security Screen Do I Need for My Front Door?

Most people assume their front door is a standard 820mm x 2040mm, but between house settling and warped frames, a 'perfectly square' door almost doesn't exist. In the security world, even a 5mm gap is enough to give an intruder leverage or, worse, let the midges take over your hallway! 

Getting the size right is about more than just a snug fit; it’s about making sure the door actually stops someone from getting in. Here is the best way to check your measurements and why those 'off-the-shelf' security screens usually end up being a waste of money. 

The Short Answer: Standard Australian Door Sizes

Most Aussie homes are supposed to be built to standard sizes, but that really depends on when and how your house was put together. Here are the measurements we run into most often:

↔️ Common Widths

• 820mm: This is the standard for most modern homes around here.
• 870mm & 920mm: You’ll usually see these wider ‘pivot-style’ entries in newer builds or custom homes.

↕️ Common Heights

• 2040mm: This is the ‘classic’ height you’ll find in most established homes.
• 2100mm & 2340mm: These taller sizes are becoming the go-to for modern builds with high ceilings.

☝ Here’s the thing: Even if your door was 820mm when the house was built, frames can shift over time. If the measurements are out by even a few millimetres, a standard screen is going to rattle or leave a gap big enough for midges to get through. That’s why we always recommend a professional check-measure before you order.

How to Measure Your Door Frame

Grab a metal tape measure and spend five minutes checking these three points. Whatever you do, don't assume your door frame is perfectly square; after thousands of installs, we can tell you that they almost never are! 

↔️ Measure the Width

Measure the inside of the frame at the top, middle, and bottom. Go with the smallest number. If your frame has narrowed by even 5mm at the top, an off-the-shelf door is going to jam before it even closes.

↕️ Measure the Height

Measure from the top of the frame down to the doorsill (the track at the bottom). Check it on the left, right, and right down the middle. Write down the shortest measurement; if one side has dropped even slightly, a standard door will scrape or won't lock properly. 

📏 Check the ‘Rebate’

Look at the depth of the frame where the security door will actually sit. You generally need at least 20mm of clearance for the security door to fit flush without hitting your existing front door handle.

☝ One last thing: Double-check your numbers. It’s a lot faster to pull the tape measure out again than it is to realise your new security screen is 5mm too wide once it's already been built. 

Hinged vs. Sliding: Does the Size Matter?

The style of your door changes the game when it comes to measuring. It isn't as simple as just grabbing the height and width; how the door opens and where the tracks sit will completely change how we build the screen. 

🛡️ Hinged Security Doors

With a standard hinged door, the biggest thing we look for is clearance. We need to make sure there’s enough room for the new hinges and, more importantly, that the new security handle isn’t going to hit your existing front door handle. If those measurements are even slightly off, the door just won't latch. 

🛡️ Sliding Security Doors

Sliding doors are a different beast because of the overlap. The screen has to be wide enough to reach past the fixed glass panel so the lock actually meets the post. We also have to check your tracks; if they’re too shallow or worn down, the new door isn't going to glide like it should. 

☝ Whether it’s hinged or sliding, the end result has to be a flush fit. You want it tight enough that there’s no room for a jimmy bar to get leverage and no gaps for the mozzies to get in, either. 

Why Custom-Fit Beats Standard-Size

The trouble with those ‘standard’ off-the-shelf screens is they assume your house is perfectly square. But between the ground shifting and the house settling over the years, most door frames are actually a bit wonky. 

🚧 The Security Gap

If you install a standard door and your frame is even 5mm out of alignment, you’ve basically left the door open for a jemmy bar. An intruder only needs a tiny gap to get leverage and pry the whole thing open. Our custom screens are built to the exact millimetre of your frame, so there are zero leverage points for someone to exploit. 

🦟 The Midge Factor

In coastal areas, like Moreton Bay, we deal with more than just intruders; we deal with tiny biting midges and mozzies. A standard-size door often leaves small openings at the corners where the frame has shifted. A custom-measured door seals tight against the tracks, keeping the breeze in and the bugs out.

☝ A standard door might look the part, but without a custom fit, it’s not actually doing much to keep people out. A custom-built screen is the only way to guarantee there are no weak spots 

Choosing the Right Mesh for Your Size 

The size of your door usually decides which mesh we’ll recommend. If you’ve got a massive opening, like those 1200mm pivot doors, you need a heavy-duty mesh that isn't going to sag or wobble over time. 

🥇 SupaScreen (Stainless Steel)

This is our top-tier pick for those big, wide doors. Because it’s high-tensile steel, it won't flex or bow in the middle, and you get a crystal-clear view outside. 

🥈 IntrudaGuard (Aluminium)

A great ‘middle ground’ option. It’s tough enough for standard front doors and gives you that solid security feel without the stainless steel price point. 

🥉 Diamond Grille

The old-school classic. It’s budget-friendly and acts as a massive visual warning to anyone walking past; perfect for side doors or standard entries. 

☝ Not sure which one to go with?We can bring samples along when we do your check-measure. It’s much easier to pick the right mesh when you can actually hold it up against your frame and see how it looks. 

Ready to Get a Perfect Fit?

Stop guessing with standard sizes and make sure your home is actually protected. Give us a call at Moreton Bay Security Solutions on 0439 015 936 for a free measure and quote. We’ll head out to your place, check your frame, and help you pick the right custom-fit screen for your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fit a security door to a non-standard frame?

Yes, definitely. Since we custom-build every screen, we can handle frames that are out-of-square, extra-wide, or unusually tall. If a standard off-the-shelf door won't fit your opening, we’ll build one that does. 

What if my door has a glass sidelight?

We get this a lot. We can install matching stainless mesh or grilles over your sidelights so the whole entrance is actually secure. There’s no point having a deadlocked security door if the glass panel next to it is wide open; plus, doing the sidelights makes the whole front of the house look much better. 

Do I need a triple lock?

Honestly, we recommend triple locks on almost everything. On a larger door, they’re a must. Without those extra locking points at the top and bottom, the corners are vulnerable; a triple lock stops someone from being able to jemmy the top or bottom of the door far enough back to get a hand in.