How to Measure the Offset of a Coolroom Door

August 26, 2026

What are the Essentials to Cold Storage Door Hardware

Maintaining proper temperature control in a cold storage unit (whether it be a coolroom, cold room or walk-in freezer) relies heavily on choosing the right door hardware. It is paramount in ensuring your door seals properly and gives you the accessibility you require.

There are a number of factors to consider when building or replacing door hardware, starting with a simple question: Is it a sliding or hinged door?

In hinged doors, the most critical factor is understanding whether the door is flush or offset. BNL Supply offers a range of hinges, latches and handles to suit both setups.

What is the difference between a Flush and an Offset Door?

FLUSH DOORS

To determine if your door is flush, measure the distance between the front face of the door and the front face of the door jamb, frame or panel. If there is little to no difference, it is flush.

Hardware note: Flush doors may only require a small packer and slight manual adjustment to achieve a tight closure.

OFFSET DOOR

An offset door has a distinct, physical step between the front face of the door and the door jamb, frame, or panel.

Hardware note: When replacing or installing a latch or hinge, you must know the exact offset measurement to purchase the correct hardware. It is also helpful to know the thickness of your insulated panel as some items may require specific fittings.

How To Measure a Latch Offset

To determine your latch offset, follow these steps:

Close the door completely
Measure the distance from the outside surface of the door to the surface of the external wall frame.

This distance is your offset. In latch kits, the offset measurement directly relates to the strike. Each strike is designed for a specific measurement to match a particular latch.

Safety Tip: Always consider the internal safety release component for a latch. Ensure you measure the total panel thickness so you can select the correct length for internal release rods and fittings.

How To Measure a Hinge Offset

The way you measure your hinge offset depends entirely on the type of hinge you are using.

FACE MOUNT HINGE
Close the door and measure the distance from the outside surface of the door to the surface of the frame. This distance is your offset.

EDGE MOUNT HINGE

Edge-mounted hinges are different. The required offset is highly dependent on the overall door thickness and the screw placement settings.

Note: Always consult the manufacturer's specific product guide as a final check for edge-mount configurations.

Needing extra closing assistance?

In some environments, a hydraulic door closer may be required to assist in pulling the door firmly shut and maintaining a tight seal.

Available in either 0-19mm or 22-41mm offset. Some additional considerations may be required when fitting, including angle or other spacer.

To measure the offset for a Hydraulic Door Closer, find the distance between the outside surface of the door where the main housing of the closer will sit, and the outside surface of the outside surface of the door jamb, frame or wall - or alternatively to the spacer on which the hook will be attached too.

Need assistance in finding the right hardware for you coolroom door?

BNL Supply offer a large range of premium cold storage hardware including Fermod and Kason.

For further assistance in finding the right coolroom or walk-in freezer door hardware item, visit bnl.com.au or you can contact Peter directly at peter@bnl.com.au