Use a steel tape measure
Measure carefully in millimetres. Avoid using a folding rule.
Taking accurate measurements from the start makes it easier to choose a solution, get advice and place an order. This guide explains how to measure for decking, balconies, Juliet balconies and stairs, and what information to gather before taking the next step.
To measure accurately, it's a good idea to prepare and keep a few important things in mind before you begin.
Measure carefully in millimetres. Avoid using a folding rule.
Take photos from multiple angles so we can see the whole picture.
Mark dimensions, corners, openings, and any obstacles.
Inspect the substrate and fixing options where the railing will be installed.
Where should the railing start? Are there stairs, gates, or corners?
When measuring for a balustrade on a deck or patio, first decide where it will go. Measure each continuous side and note any corners, openings, stairs or other interruptions.
Measure each side where the railing will be installed.
Measure at several points. Wood and decking are rarely perfectly straight.
Decide whether the railing should be mounted on top of the deck floor or on the outside of the deck edge.
Divide the measurements if the railing changes direction.
Mark openings, corners, and stairs.
Please note down which measurement corresponds to which side and take a quick photo or sketch. That makes it much easier to move forward with the right solution.
Mark each side separately and note any openings or changes in direction.
For a balcony, you first need to determine where the railing should be positioned in relation to the front edge and sides of the balcony. For a Juliet balcony, the opening and the mounting surface around the door are the most important things to check.
Measure the opening or the length where the railing will be installed – at several heights – and use the smallest measurement as your basis.
Decide whether the railing should be mounted on the inside or outside of the façade.
Note where there is a stable mounting surface and what material the wall is made of.
Please feel free to take photos from directly in front and from the side.
A Juliet balcony is not always measured in the same way as a standard balcony balustrade. Record the width and approximate position of the opening, and check which way the door opens.
For a balcony, the main measurement is often the length of the balustrade. For a Juliet balcony, the measurements depend on its position and fixings.
When measuring for a stair railing, it’s important to consider how the railing will follow the slope of the stairs. Start by marking where the railing will begin and end, and note whether it continues onto a landing or a flat surface.
Mark where the railing should begin and end – and whether it continues onto a landing or a flat floor.
Measure the length along the slope of the stairs – not the straight-line distance on the ground.
Measure the height and depth of one step, as well as the number of steps – this will show the staircase's slope.
Note where the railing should be attached: to the side of the stairs, on top of the steps, or to the wall.
Please feel free to take photos from the side and straight from the front.
Stairs vary greatly in slope and design. Therefore, measure the length along the slope and note the height and number of steps so that the angle is clear. Balustrade height is measured vertically from the stair nosing, not perpendicular to the slope.
Measure the length along the slope of the stairs – not the straight-line distance on the ground – and note the height and number of steps.
Once you've measured the space, it's a good idea to double-check a few extra details. This makes it easier to choose the right solution and reduces the risk of misunderstandings later in the process.
Clearly mark where the railing should begin and where it should end.
Record the measurements for each side, particularly if the balustrade turns a corner.
Mark stairs, gates, doors, or other areas where the railing should not continue.
Check whether the railing is to be mounted on top of the substrate, on the side, or against a wall.
Make sure the surface where the railing is to be attached is stable and suitable for installation.
Please feel free to include photos and a simple top-down sketch along with the measurements.
It's perfectly normal to feel unsure before ordering a made-to-measure balustrade. If you have a sketch, some photos, or approximate measurements, we can help you figure out the next steps.
Mark the sides, corners, openings, and where the railing should begin and end.
Feel free to take photos both from a distance and close to the mounting surface.
List each page separately and specify the dimensions in millimetres.
You don't need to have everything ready before you contact us. The most important thing is that we get a clear picture of the location.
Here we've compiled answers to common questions that may come up when you're measuring for railings for a patio, balcony, Juliet balcony, or staircase.
Start by marking where the railing will begin and end. Then measure each side where the railing will be installed. If the railing goes around a corner or changes direction, it’s best to write down each side separately.
Yes, especially if the railing goes around a corner, runs along multiple sides, or has openings for stairs, gate, or a passageway. Separate measurements make it easier to understand the railing’s shape and placement.
Start with the actual beginning and end points of the railing. Feel free to mark the start and end points on a simple sketch; this will make it clearer which measurements correspond to which side.
When installing a Juliet balcony, it is important to check the width, location, and mounting surface of the opening. Note whether the railing will be mounted inside the opening or on the outside of the facade, as this affects how the measurements should be interpreted.
Mark where the railing should begin and end, and measure along the side where the railing will follow the stairs. Be sure to note the number of steps, whether there is a landing, and whether the railing will continue onto a flat surface.
Pictures aren't always necessary, but they're often very helpful. Be sure to take photos of the location both from a distance and up close to the surface where the railing will be attached.
No, a detailed drawing is usually not necessary. A simple top-down sketch is often sufficient, especially if you mark the sides, corners, openings, and which dimensions correspond to which part.
Check the measurements one more time, and be sure to measure in several places if the mounting surface isn't completely straight. If you're still unsure, you can schedule a personal consultation or contact us before proceeding.
Once you have measured the space, you can use our design tool to start planning your balustrade. If you are unsure about anything, you can book a personal consultation or contact us before placing your order.
Make sure that each side is measured separately.
Note any openings, corners, stairs, and the layout.
Please have some pictures or a simple sketch handy.
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