How to Measure Your Patio Furniture for Outdoor Covers
Measuring correctly for your custom patio furniture covers is very important but it’s not something to worry about once you learn how to. Below, we’ll go over some easy instructions and tips to measure some of the most popular patio furniture items.
In This Guide
How to Measure Chairs, Sofas, and More
When measuring chairs, sofas, or other furniture, measure the width, depth, back height, and arm height. Some outdoor furniture manufacturers have accurate spec sheets you can send us for quoting. Just be sure to compare their measurements to yours to be safe.
- Measuring the Width
Measure the widest point from left to right. If the arms flare out, be sure to include that in the overall width. - Measuring the Depth
This is the deepest measurement from front to back. Many outdoor chairs and sectionals have backrests that are angled back. Be sure to include this in the depth and to not just measure at the base.
Tip: Using some kind of rod or stick, put it up against the back of the chair and measure from that point to the front of the item. See dotted line in illustration for example. - Measuring the Back Height
Measure from the ground up to the tallest point of your furniture. This would either be the top of the backrest or the top of your back cushion, whichever is higher.
Tip: Measure your item how you plan to cover it. If you plan on leaving your cushions up, measure from the ground up to the top of that cushion if that is the highest point. We do recommend folding your cushions down so there is less empty space underneath. This will help prevent water pooling. - Measuring the Arm Height
Simply measure from the ground to the top of the arms. If it is an armless item (armless chair, armless sofa, etc), measure up to the seat.
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How to Measure Table and Chair Sets
Measuring round, rectangular, or square outdoor dining sets, the measurements needed are generally the same. This includes the overall width and depth, width and depth of the table itself, height of the chair, width of the chairs (both the end chair and the side by side chairs), and the diagonal measurement at the corner. Many people try to send the spec sheets of the individual table and the individual chair, but we are unable to make the cover entirely off of this. Because we don’t know how far the chairs go under the table, the measurements must come from the entire set.
- Measuring the Overall Width and Depth
This is measured from end of chair to end of chair. Make sure the position of the chairs how you want them covered prior to measuring. - Measuring the Width and Depth of the Table
Measure just the top of the table. If it is round, give the diameter of the table. - Measuring the Height of the Chair
This is measuring the back height of the chair. This should be the highest point of the items. If the table sits higher, be sure to provide the height of that as well.
Tip: Because chairs typically sit higher than the table itself, this creates a big dip in the middle of the cover. This can pool water and collect snow. To avoid the pooling, we recommend buying some kind of inflatable and put it on the table to create a teepee effect. - Measuring the Width of the Chairs
For this we need both the width of the single end chair and the side chairs together. You can have 2, 3, or even 6 chairs side by side. We just need the width of all these chairs together. If this is a round table with 4 chairs equally around it, we just need the back width of a single chair. - Measuring the Diagonal
This is the measurement from the end chair to the side chair. This is needed for both rectangular dining sets and round dining sets.
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How to Measure Rectangular and Round Tables
Much simpler than measuring dining sets, tables only require 2-3 measurements.
- Measuring the Overall Width (Or Diameter)
This is measured from end to end of the table. For round tables, instead of the width a depth we will need the diameter. - Measuring the Overall DepthÂ
Measure just the top of the table. If it is round, give the diameter of the table. - Measuring the Hight
Measure from the ground to the top of the table. - Measuring the Umbrella Hole (if applicable)
For tables with an umbrella, please provide the diameter of the hole. We will add a hole in the middle with a velcro slit, this way you can put the cover on without taking the umbrella out.
Request Your Free Quote
Entering your measurements on our table covers page for a custom quote.
How to Measure Fire Pits
Measuring rectangular, square, and round firepits are very simply and straightforward. You will need the measure the width, depth, and height of the fire pit. If your firepit has a glass wind guard, see our tips below.
- Measuring the Width (or Diameter
This is the longest measurement from left to right. If the firepit is round, we will want the diameter of the fire pit and the width and depth will be the same. - Measuring the Depth
This is the shorter of the two measurements from front to back. - Measuring the Height
Measure from the ground to the top of the fire pit.
Tip: Some fire pits have glass wind guards. For this we will also need the width, depth, and height from the top of the fire pit to the top of the glass.
Have Your Measurements Ready?
Entering your measurements on our fire pit covers page for a custom quote.
How to Measure Rectangular and L-Shaped Islands
Outdoor bar islands come in many shapes and sizes and can often be custom built. The main measurements needed are the width(s), depth, and height(s). Because they came be rectangular, l-shaped, and u-shaped, there is often multiple widths needed. Bar islands can also have elevated levels, requiring multiple heights.
- Measuring the Width(s)
This is the overall measurement from left to right. Rectangular bar islands just have one width while other configurations need more like the outside and inside widths. - Measuring the Depth
This is fullest measurements from front to back. If the bar island includes some kind of overhang, include that in the depth. - Measuring the Height(s)
Measure from the ground to the top of the countertop. If there is a second level to the island, provide an additional height from the ground to the top of that point.
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Entering your measurements on our bar island covers page for a quote.
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