How to Measure Your Balcony for a Custom Railing Order

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To measure a balcony for a railing, record the exact length of each open edge, the height from the floor to the top of the railing, and the position of every wall, post, column and opening. Take each measurement at least twice, note the wall material, and send the sketch with photos to the workshop so the railing can be drawn and checked on site before production.

Why accurate measurements matter

A custom railing is made to fit one specific balcony, so small errors on paper become visible gaps or misaligned posts on the wall. Good measurements save time for everyone: the workshop can plan the drawing correctly, you avoid a second visit, and the railing sits straight and secure once it is installed.

Measuring is simple, but it is worth doing carefully and slowly. Use a steel tape measure, work with a second person if possible, and write every number down as you go rather than trusting memory.

Tools you will need

Gather a few basic items before you start:

A steel tape measure, preferably 5 meters or longer
A notebook or printed sketch of the balcony outline
A pencil, not a pen, so corrections are easy
A smartphone camera for photos of each wall and corner
A spirit level or a long straight object to check that surfaces are flat

A laser distance meter can help on long runs, but a steel tape is still the most reliable tool for checking edges.

Measuring the length of each open edge

Start by sketching the balcony as a simple plan. Mark which edges are open and which are attached to the building, then measure each open edge from one wall or corner to the next. Measure from the inside face of the wall or column, and note the exact point where the railing will start and end.

If the balcony has a corner, measure both sides of it and mark the corner angle on your sketch, whether it is a right angle or something else. Write each length next to its edge on the drawing so nothing gets mixed up later.

Measuring height and the railing line

Measure the height from the finished floor level to the point where the top rail should sit. Local practice and the Israeli railing standard SI 1142 set the requirements for railing height, and the exact values are checked with the engineer or the workshop during the design stage, so do not treat your number as final.

Measure from the floor surface, not from the concrete slab underneath if tiles or screed are present
Check the height at more than one point, since floors are rarely perfectly level
Note any step, threshold or raised edge along the line

Posts, walls, openings and fixing points

Record where the railing will be fixed. Note every wall, column, beam, and existing post, along with its width and depth. Measure the distance from each corner to the first fixing point, since the posts need solid material to anchor into.

Also mark doors, windows, air conditioning units, pipes, drains and electrical boxes. Anything that interrupts the line affects how the railing is divided into sections. Note whether the wall is concrete, brick or plaster, because the fixing method depends on the material.

Photos, sketch and what to send

Photos make a big difference. Take a wide shot of the whole balcony, plus close-up photos of each corner, fixing point and obstacle. Stand back far enough to include the full wall lines in one frame.

Send the workshop your sketch with all measurements, the photos, your floor and wall types, and any design preferences such as glass infill, metal bars or a particular finish. A clear package lets the team prepare a drawing and a written specification, which you approve before production begins in the factory.

Frequently asked questions

Should I measure the balcony twice?

Yes, always. Taking each measurement twice, and ideally with a second person, catches mistakes early and gives you confidence in the numbers you send.

Do I need to measure before or after tiling?

Measure in the final condition whenever possible. If tiles or screed will be added later, tell the workshop so the height and fixing points can be adjusted.

What if my balcony is not a perfect rectangle?

That is common. Sketch the actual shape, measure each side and any angles, and note curves or irregular walls so the railing can be planned to match.

Can I send measurements without a visit?

You can start with your own measurements and photos, but the workshop normally confirms everything with an on-site measurement before drawing the final design.

Common mistakes to avoid

Measuring from the wrong reference point, such as the outer face of a wall instead of the inside, and forgetting to note tiles or thresholds that change the height. Writing numbers without labels also leads to confusion later.

Our recommendation

Mark each measurement on a clear sketch, label the wall materials, and keep your tape measure flat and straight when reading. When in doubt, send more photos rather than fewer, because the workshop would rather confirm a detail than guess.

Summary

Measure every open edge, the railing height, and each wall, post and obstacle, then send a clear sketch with photos. Accurate measurements lead to a railing that fits the balcony the first time.

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