Measuring/ Working with simple and complex shaped areas
It's important to our team, that we supply NEW customers with an accurate estimate from the get-go! By providing us with comprehensive details, we can effectively give you an approximate idea of what your project would cost (all inclusive), before coming out to conduct a FREE but mandatory onsite consultation. Part of this process, involves collecting the correct measurements from you. You may be wondering however, how do I do this properly so that I can provide Designer Deck with the correct information they require? Rest assured, its a question we're all too familiar with and here to walk you through.
Simple shaped surface areas
Most of the time surface spaces are quite simplistic; either square or rectangular in nature. These are easily calculated by taking a length by width measurement. Referring to fig.1 as an example, the dimension are shown and we recommend that when you input these measurements while submitting an inquiry for a quotation, like this (12'2" x 8') . Our representatives take measurements onsite exactly the same way, in order to calculate the total square footage of a project and finalize an estimate.
Fig.1
Irregular shaped surface areas
Sometimes we're presented with complex shapes to work with. Weather your surface area is irregular and/or has angles, its good practice to visually break up the space into simple shapes in order to identify the proper and accurate measurements. Using a surface with angles as an example (Fig.2), you might imagine a line as a means of separating this space into sections.
For instance, the dotted line that sits to the right of the measurement of 8' 5 1/2" would be an ideal division for this entire area. By visualizing this line running through the entire space, you now have a rectangle on the left with its corresponding measurements (length x width) to go by. Where angled edges occur, we recommend taking the highest point distance in order to account for off cuts during installation.
Using the same example, the measurement of 10' 5" would be the width of this line to the farthest vertex (point). In order to 'square off' this section and identify the second shape to the right, you'd simply deduct the measurement of 8' 5 1/2" from the total length of 12' 8 1/2" to determine the difference in distance and final measurement. Now that you've done this, you've achieved two distinct sections to this irregular shaped balcony with the correct dimensioning for estimation purposes. We'd recommend that when you input these measurements while submitting an inquiry for a quotation, that they appear like this (8'5 1/2" x 6'2") + (4'3"x 10'5"). Our representatives take measurements onsite exactly the same way, in order to calculate the total square footage of a project and finalize an estimate.
Fig. 2
Curved shaped surface areas?
Complex shapes can also included curved areas. These can be treated the same way as irregular or angled shapes. Its good practice to take the highest point vertex measurement at the top of an arc, in order to account for offcuts along the length of the surface area. Referring to (Fig.3) as an example, the measurement of 18' would be applicable as your width. We'd recommend that when you input these measurements while submitting an inquiry for a quotation, that they appear like this (18'x 36'3"). Our representatives take measurements onsite exactly the same way, in order to calculate the total square footage of a project and finalize an estimate.
Fig. 3
Other measurements and details to consider
While measuring you surface area, always take into consideration large obstructions such as saunas, pre-constructed planters or structures etc. that you may possibly want deducted from the overall square footage. Finding these dimensions is done the same way as outlined previously. This will affect pricing considerably (if applicable). Referring to (Fig.4) we'd recommend that when you input these measurements while submitting an inquiry for a quotation, that they clearly show a deduction like this (16'5"x 17'2 1/2") - (L x W of fireplace). Our representatives take measurements onsite exactly the same way, in order to calculate the total square footage of a project and finalize an estimate.
Other elements such as support columns & railing brackets, swing stage hooks, electrical outlets etc. must be left in during your calculations. We consider these obstructions that would otherwise be cut around, and use a small portion of material that need's to be accounted for in our estimation process.
We also advise that you consider height while inquiring about any one of our products. Our deck tiles (although low profile in nature) have differing specs that can be found on each product page, by selecting and starting here you'll find the exact dimensions and other important details:
https://www.designerdeck.com/select-a-product/
Height is particularly important with respect to provincial codes, that stipulate restrictions for measurements exceeding the difference between the floor and top of your railing as an example. It is also applicable when considering the clearance of outward swinging door(s), lips for which you want your flooring to sit underneath and many other possible obstructions which might interfere.