How to Measure

— Your First Step to a Perfect Home Project

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1. Gather Your Tools

Tape measure

Notepad

Pen or pencil

Calculator

2. Prepare the Room

Clear the room of furniture and any other obstacles to ensure an unobstructed floor space.

If the room isn’t empty, try to measure in clear areas and estimate any hidden dimensions under furniture.

3. Measure the Length & Width

Start by measuring the length of the room. Place the end of your tape measure at one end of the longest wall, and extend it to the other end. Record this measurement in your notepad.

Measure the width of the room in the same manner, from one side of the widest point to the other. Again, note this measurement.

4. Account for Extra Space

Add at least 5 cm (approximately 2 inches) to both the length and width measurements.

This extra carpet will help accommodate any uneven walls and provide some leeway for final adjustments during installation.

5. Measure Irregularities

If the room includes alcoves, bay windows, or recesses, measure these areas separately. Add these measurements to the overall dimensions to ensure enough carpet is available to cover these spaces.

Measure doorways or thresholds where the carpet will need to extend beneath door frames or transition into other rooms.

6. Check the Carpet Width

Carpets typically come in standard widths (often 4 metres, sometimes 5 metres).

Calculate if the room’s width is less than the standard carpet width to avoid seams. If seams are necessary, plan where they should be placed for the least visibility and disruption in pattern.

7. Consider the Carpet Pile Direction

Always plan to lay the carpet in the same direction across the entire room to maintain a uniform look.

Note the direction of the carpet pile, as laying it in different directions can affect the appearance and wear.

8. Draw a Diagram

Sketch a rough diagram of the room on your notepad, including all measurements and notes on where joins might be needed and the direction of the carpet pile.

This diagram will be helpful when purchasing and cutting the carpet.

9. Double-Check Measurements

Review all measurements and calculations to ensure accuracy.

It’s better to measure multiple times and buy once than to discover an error after the carpet has been cut or laid.

How to Measure a Landing/Hall

Ensure that when you measure the landing, you start from the door threshold, extend across the landing, and continue over the nosing, down to the first step. Also, make a note of the point where the stairs meet the hall.

How to Measure Stairs

Begin by counting the total number of stairs. Then, measure the length and width of one step. If all the steps are identical, meaning there are no curves, you can simply multiply these dimensions by the number of steps to determine the total width and length required.

The most cost-effective method for installing carpet on stairs is to cut strips from the carpet’s width and fit them so that they cover each step, with joins at the point where each riser meets the step. This approach reduces waste and ensures that the carpet pile runs in the same direction as it does in the hall or landing, which helps to prevent variations in shading.

Use a Professional

With precise measurements and careful planning, you can ensure that your carpet installation goes smoothly and enhances the comfort and appearance of your space.

A skilled carpet fitter can accurately measure your room, hall, stairs, and landing to reduce wastage and guarantee a professionally coordinated installation.

Please remember, the advice provided here is for guidance only and should not be used as a comprehensive installation manual. If you are unsure, it’s best to consult a professional installer.