How to Measure Your Balcony for a Custom Railing

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To measure a balcony for a custom railing, record the exact length of each open edge, the height from the finished floor to the top of the rail, and the position of posts, walls and slab edges. Take every measurement at least twice, note the side of any corners or obstacles, and send the sketch with photos to the workshop.

Why Accurate Measurements Matter

A custom railing is made to fit your balcony exactly, so the measurements you send are the foundation of the whole order. Small errors can mean panels that do not line up, posts that land in the wrong place, or a frame that needs rework on site.

Measuring carefully before you order saves time for you and for the installer. It also helps the workshop prepare a clear drawing and written specification that you can approve before production begins.

Tools You Will Need

You do not need professional equipment, but a few simple tools make the job much easier and more precise.

A steel measuring tape, preferably 5 meters or longer
A spirit level or a long straight batten
A notebook or your phone for sketches and notes
A helper to hold the tape at the far end
A camera to photograph each edge and corner

Measuring the Length of Each Edge

Start by measuring each open edge of the balcony where the railing will go. Measure from wall to wall or from corner to corner along the slab edge, and record each side separately. Keep the tape straight and level, and read the value at the same point on the tape each time.

If the balcony has a curve, bend, or recessed section, measure the chord length and also the sagitta, which is the depth of the curve, so the drawing can follow the true shape.

Measuring Height and Finished Floor Level

Height is measured from the finished floor level, meaning the surface you actually walk on, up to the planned top of the rail. Tiles, screed and waterproofing can change this level, so measure after the floor is complete or note what is still to come.

Check the height in two or three spots along each edge. If the floor slopes, record the highest and lowest points. The exact required heights and clearances are checked by the engineer against the Israeli railing standard SI 1142, so note your measurements and let the workshop confirm the final values.

Marking Posts, Walls and Obstacles

Mark where existing walls, columns, air conditioning units, drain outlets, lights and pipes sit along the edge. These can affect where posts can be fixed and how panels divide along the length.

Note the distance from each corner to every obstacle
Record the thickness of the slab edge or upstand
Mark the position of any door or opening

Sketching the Balcony and Sending It to the Workshop

A simple sketch with every measurement written on it is extremely helpful. Draw the balcony as a plan view and label each side, with the length, the height and the obstacles. Add photos of each edge and corner from a few steps back so the shape is clear.

Send the sketch and photos with your inquiry. The workshop will usually arrange an on-site visit to confirm the numbers before drawing and specifying the railing for your approval.

Frequently asked questions

Can I measure the balcony myself?

Yes, a careful homeowner can take the basic measurements with a tape and a helper. An on-site check by the workshop is still recommended to confirm the final dimensions before production.

Should I measure the inside or outside of the balcony?

Measure along the outer edge where the railing will be fixed, and note any wall or slab thickness separately. Tell the workshop which side each measurement refers to.

What if my balcony walls are not straight?

Record the actual shape rather than assuming it is square. Take several measurements and photograph the irregular areas so the drawing can account for them.

Do I need to measure again after tiling?

If the tiling will change the finished floor level, measure after the work is done or clearly note the planned thickness of the new floor finish.

Common mistakes to avoid

Measuring only once and forgetting the finished floor level are the two most common errors. Always confirm each number a second time and note what the floor will look like when the railing is installed.

Our recommendation

Take all measurements at the same time, write them on a sketch, and photograph every edge before you send anything. Ask the workshop to check the numbers on site before production starts.

Summary

Measure each open edge, the height from the finished floor, and every obstacle, then send a labeled sketch and photos. Accurate measurements lead to a railing that fits the first time.

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