The more, the merrier is what I always say, and my sectional seating agrees!
Five years ago, when Patrick and I had just moved into the neighborhood, the house was not the local watering hole that it is now. I remember the housewarming party like it was just yesterday – even with all its embarrassing moments!
But, before I begin the story, let me say – there’s nothing worse than hosting a garden party without enough food, or enough seating.
And, that is exactly what happened on the night of the party. The caterer that I hired had muddled up the order and brought food for 24 people, instead of 34. Add this to the fact that there was not enough place for everyone to sit; a few of the guests sat on dining chairs and some were even relegated to the floor!
At the end of it all, I ordered pizza and had a wonderful night-time picnic. Nevertheless, this was an unsubtle hint that it was time to get sectional seating. I haven’t looked back ever since!
Hi! My name is Stacy Smith. And here's how I measure sectionals that fit perfectly on my porch.
How To Measure Your Space
If you are here to learn how to measure size of an outdoor sectional needed, then the first thing you need to do is measure the space where the furniture will sit.
Follow these three easy steps, and don’t forget to write down the dimensions.
Step 1: Measure Outside Space
The first thing you require is a measuring tape. Some people like to use fancy phone apps to get this done, but those usually don’t give accurate readings.
Move on to measuring the length and breadth of the area on which you will be placing your furniture. In case your outdoor space is on a deck or some other type of roofed area – measure the height as well.
Additionally, take this time to measure gates, doorways, hallways, and other spaces through which your furniture may need to be carried. If there are narrow stops along the way, go for detachable furniture that is easy to reassemble.
Step 2: Tape It Up
Now that you know how large the space is, take some painter’s tape and make an outline of the sectional seating’s dimensions. Play around with the arrangements – making sure that the furniture does not block any pathways.
On the flip side, if you haven’t picked out your furniture yet, visualize where this dream sectional will go. Simply tape around the spot where you feel it will look best – and don’t be afraid to remove and re-mark a couple of times.
Step 3: Measure Inside Space
This step is for those who have yet to pick an outdoor sectional, and have marked the floors to get an estimate of the size they need.
If you are one of them, then pick up your measuring tape once again and measure the tape markings. This will give a general idea of the dimensions you are looking for. If you are extremely lucky, a sectional seating with the exact proportions may find its way to you – though this doesn’t happen often.
How To Measure Your Sectional
Learning how to measure sectionals is a handy trick that often comes to use if you like moving furniture around. Moreover, some sellers, like independent online sellers and used furniture stores, are not really known to provide the best product specs.
In any case, measuring your sectional is not the most complicated task. Here’s how to get started.
Step 1: Measuring Overall Length
Overall length generally refers to the exterior dimensions of the arm (whether right side or left) of the sectional. While following this step, make sure you don’t leave out the dimensions of the corner seat.
Step 2: Measuring Overall Breadth
Visualize a sectional – all the components on the “backseat” of the sofa make up its overall breadth. To get this dimension, you have to combine the exterior measurements of the back of these components. Usually, these are two or three independent parts, such as a corner seat, a middle loveseat, and a chaise on the other end of the loveseat.
Step 3: Measuring Interiors
If you are planning to set up a coffee table or other furniture in front of the sectional, then measuring interiors becomes important. Whether you are buying a new centerpiece to pair it with or are yet to bring home an outdoor sectional to go with other furniture – this step should not be skipped.
- 【8 PIECE SET WITH HIDDEN STORAGE】 Our outdoor patio furniture set includes seven (7) sectional sofas with plush cushions and a tempered glass top table with a hidden storage compartment.
- 【MODERN STYLE AND EASY TO CLEAN】Contemporary design will never go out of style and is a perfect match for most outdoor venues. Thick oversized cushions are designed for easy to clean.
- 【QUALITY MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION】 Every piece is made from powder coated steel, hand wrapped in PE rattan to insure years of trouble free usage. We use only tempered safety glass and waterproof cushions. After a rain storm you can be quickly back in business!
- Sturdy Patio Furniture: This modern outdoor furniture set is made of solid powder coated steel frame, rustproof and sturdy; hand-woven resin wicker offers high tensile strength, water resistance, which is strong enough to withstand all-weather variations for long service life.
- Comfortable Outdoor Couch: Comes with 3-inch thick lofty sponge padded cushions, the modern patio sectional couch providing with extraordinary comfort while relaxing in your leisure time, suitable for entertaining your neighbors or friends. Note: cushions are not water-proof；（When you don' t use it, advise you to take cushions inside or buy a cover for longer service time）
- Easy Cleaning and Maintain: Our patio conversation set features a water proof wicker and glass top for the coffee table, easy for wipe cleaning; zippered cushion covers are made of superior fabric, fade resistant, water spill repellent and washable.
How to Measure Curved Sectional
Curved sectionals are trickier to measure, but not much. What’s more, you won’t be needing any extra tools to finish the job.
Step 1: Create A Rectangle
We suggest using masking tape to make a rectangle that fits the curved sectional – it should be the smallest rectangle possible, but it must cover all the parts.
Step 2: Measure The Rectangle
The next step is to simply measure the rectangle to get its length and breadth. When choosing a curved sectional model to be placed in this area, follow the same steps with the sectional in question. Return to the area where you wish to place the sectional and check if their dimensions correspond to each other.
As an additional tip, you may want to check the specifications in the product description of curved sectional. Usually, they provide the width and depth of the product, which refers respectively to the long and short side of the smallest rectangle that encloses it.
Final Words
Measuring sectionals may be different from measuring traditional sofas, but it is just as easy.
At the same time, the benefits that sectionals bring to your home are far greater. Now, all that’s left to do is to find your style, and order the right number of pieces that suit your needs.
As a final note, always remember to double-check furniture and room dimensions, and to never be afraid to experiment.
I hope the next time you’re reading my guide, you will be lounging in the ideal outdoor space!