How to Measure

We don’t need much information in order to provide a quote – just the linear distance of any straight runs of railings and the length and angle of any stair runs, as more fully detailed below (plus the information included in our quote request). These measurement don’t have to be overly exact;  if you can get them to the nearest inch or two, that’s close enough to provide you with accurate pricing.

Please create a sketch of the area and include it with your quote request – this template may be helpful.

It’s also VERY helpful to have photos – from as many angles as possible, and of the entire area where railings are to be installed. Photos can be attached to your quote request, or you can just email or text them separately (please include your name or the project address in the email/text).

Note that before we start making your railings, we’ll confirm precise final measurements; the information required will vary depending on the type of structure and type of railing mount (fascia or deck), but we’ll work with you to make sure we’ve covered all the bases. Final measurements generally include:

  • Exact measurements of each run of railings, to the nearest 1/16″ if possible
  • Stair angles verified by physical measurements of the rise and run of the flight of stairs
  • An understanding of the mounting locations to size the mounts and avoid any potentially overlooked mounting issues
  • Availability of anchor points near the top of railing panels on runs that terminate at a wall or other structure
  • Photos as needed
Things You'll Need
Tape Measure
Smartphone

How to use your smartphone as a level

iPhone
Android

iPhone pre-6S / pre iOS 12

Straight Level Runs

Note that measurements should be from the edge of the walking surface, not of the underlying structure, which may be set back or protrude beyond the walking surface in some instances.

Stairs

For each flight of stairs, make the following measurements as shown on the diagram below:

  1. Distance from the nose of the upper walking surface to the point on the lower walking surface in a direct line along the nose of the stairs
  2. Angle of the flight of stairs

Also include photo(s) of the stairs, ideally including one showing the profile (similar to the diagram).

To measure the angle, lay a straight object across as many of the stairs as possible, place your smartphone on the straight object, and measure the angle (as described above).

Stair angle is generally around 35 degrees, but may range from 30 – 40.

Straight Sloped Runs

If there’s a significant slope (more than the standard 1/8″ – 3/8″ per foot for drainage), we’ll need to measure both the length of the run, and the angle, as shown in the diagram below.

Use the angle measurement app on your iPhone or Android device (as described above) to measure the slope angle.

If the slope is not consistent across the entire span, measure the angle from the lowest point to the highest point. You may need to use a piece of string to determine this angle.

Curved Runs

For each curved run, we’ll need to determine the radius of the curve, and the arc length of the run. There are two ways to get these measurements:

  1. This approach is usually easier and more exact. First, measure the length of the straight line between the two ends of the curved section (the arc width or chord length). Then measure the distance from this line to the most distant point on the arc (the sagitta in geometry). With these 2 measurements, we can calculate everything else we need (arc length and radius).
  2. Alternatively, you can start by measuring the length of the straight line between the two ends of the curved section (the arc width or chord length). Next, make two lines that are perpendicular to the arc, from spots near the ends of the arc as shown in the diagram. The intersection of these two lines will be the center of the circle/arc. Then measure the distance from the center to the edge of the arc (the curved section where you want to install railing) to find the radius. This radius should be the same across the entire arc; you can check your measurement by making sure the distance from center point to the edge of the arc is the same at all points along the arc.

Note that measurements should be from the edge of the walking surface, not of the underlying structure, which may be set back or protrude beyond the walking surface in some instances.

Note that while we can produce railings for curved segments, they’re subject to a few limitations:

  1. The railings will not actually be curved – they’ll be a series of straight panels that closely matches the curvature of the structure. We generally make these panels less wide than normal panels so as to match the curve as closely as possible.
  2. Toprail options for curved runs are limited. We can either a) produce a curved railing in round tube, or b) produce a segmented handrail from straight sections that fit together to match the curve (i.e. the toprail would be comprised of straight sections that match the railing panels).

Have question or a shape that’s not covered here?

Get in Touch! We’re here to help.

Email: support@agilerailing.com

Phone: 415.827.8200