How to take measurements for building a glass or aluminum railing

Basic sketch of your patio

Before you begin, have a level, angle finder, measuring tape, pencil and graph paper ready. Draw a basic top and side view of your patio, including the staircase, so you can note the measurements in the correct spots, in inches or centimeters.

Patio railing measurements

First, make sure your deck structure is still stable and in good condition (no rot and no signs of carpenter ants) by inspecting it from all angles, including underneath. Also check that the floor is level. If your balcony needs to be rebuilt, do that before ordering your railing, especially for glass railings, as glass can crack under torsion.

Then record the following measurements:

• Your patio height, from the ground to the deck surface;
• Your patio length and width.

Some people install a gate with spring hinges on their terrace to make snow removal easier. Be sure to include that in your sketch.

Measurements for an outdoor stair railing

If your staircase has more than three risers, it must be secured with a glass or aluminum railing. Here are the measurements to take:

• The width of the stair opening;
• The stair diagonal (from the first post location on the balcony to the post on the last step);
• The stair height, from ground level to the balcony floor;
• The distance from the start of the stairs to the end of the last step;
• The stair angle.

Another option: our turnkey service

If you need help or do not have time to handle this project yourself, you can choose our turnkey service, which includes measurements, guidance on choosing the best railing for your needs, custom design, and installation.

If in doubt, let us handle the work to ensure precise installation and long-term durability.

Use our instant estimate tool to get an overview of your project cost.