Most ordering mistakes come down to four things: wrong size, wrong swing or handing, too little material, and misreading stock status. Measure twice, confirm the product details on the page, order extra flooring for cuts and waste, and inspect everything when it arrives. A few minutes of checking before you click order is far cheaper than a return or a delayed job.
What Are the Most Common Ordering Mistakes?
| Mistake | How to avoid it |
| Ordering the wrong size | Measure the rough opening, not the old door or window. Check height and width in more than one spot. |
| Wrong door swing or handing | Confirm left-hand or right-hand, and inswing or outswing, before you order. |
| Ordering too little flooring | Measure the room area and add extra for cuts and waste. |
| Confusing stock and special order | Read the stock label so your schedule matches when it ships. |
| Skipping the delivery inspection | Check for damage while the driver is there and report problems right away. |
| Not checking return terms | Custom orders are usually non-refundable, so read the policy first. |
How Do You Avoid Sizing Mistakes?
Measure the rough opening, which is the framed hole in the wall, rather than the door or window you are replacing. Measure width at the top, middle, and bottom, and height on both sides. Use the smallest number. Prehung doors and windows need a little room around the frame to be set level and shimmed, so check the product's listed rough opening size on its page. See our Rough Opening Sizes 101 guide for a full walkthrough.
How Do You Get Door Swing and Handing Right?
Swing is whether the door opens into the room (inswing) or out (outswing). Handing is which side the hinges are on. A common way to check: stand on the side the door opens toward, and if the hinges are on your left it is a left-hand door, and if they are on your right it is a right-hand door. Confirm the swing options listed for the exact door you are ordering, because not every door comes in every configuration.
How Much Flooring Should You Order?
Measure the room length times width, then add extra for cuts, angles, and the occasional damaged plank. Rooms with lots of corners, diagonal layouts, or patterns need more extra than a simple rectangle. A common rule of thumb is to add roughly 5 to 10 percent, but confirm the right amount for your product and layout with our team. It is also smart to keep a few spare planks for future repairs.
What Do Stock Labels Mean?
In Stock Now items are in our DFW warehouse and typically ship in 1-2 days. Quick Ship items usually arrive in about 2 weeks. Special Order items are sourced to your order and show their lead time on the product page. Match the label to your job schedule before you commit.
What Should You Do When Your Order Arrives?
Inspect it while the delivery is still there. Check the product against your order, look for damage to packaging, frames, glass, and edges, and take photos of any problem. Report issues right away rather than days later. See our Return Policy guide for how returns and exchanges work.
What to Ask Before You Order
- Is this the right size for my measured rough opening?
- What swing and handing does this door come in?
- Is it In Stock Now, Quick Ship, or Special Order?
- How much extra flooring should I add for my layout?
- Is this item returnable, or is it custom?
- Who handles installation? (Highline supplies material only, so line up your own installer.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the most common mistake when ordering a door?
A. Ordering the wrong size or the wrong swing. Measure the rough opening and confirm handing and swing before you order.
Q. Should I measure the old door or the opening?
A. Measure the rough opening whenever you can. Old doors can be worn, warped, or trimmed down, so they are not a reliable guide.
Q. How much extra flooring should I buy?
A. Add extra for cuts and waste. A common range is about 5 to 10 percent, depending on layout, and it is wise to keep spares. Ask our team to confirm for your product.
Q. What is the difference between In Stock and Special Order?
A. In Stock Now items are in our DFW warehouse and ship quickly. Special Order items are sourced for you and take longer, so check the lead time before you plan around them.
Q. Can I return something I ordered by mistake?
A. Policies vary by product. Custom orders are non-refundable, and trim and in-stock flooring have limits, so confirm before you buy. See our Return Policy guide.
Q. Does Highline install what I buy?
A. No. Highline supplies material only, so installation is handled by your own contractor or installer.
Not sure about a measurement or option? Contact our team before you order, or browse the shop to check sizes and stock status.