Taking Measurements

MEASURING FOR CURTAIN HEIGHT

We recommend overall curtain heights extend:

1. Top of Curtain – From the top of your header, directly under an eave, or just below your gutter.  By placing the curtain further up (higher than just above the opening), your curtain will be out of the way when rolled up and in some cases better protected from sun & weather. However, the minimum height needed above your opening is 1.5″ or a ceiling mount will be required.
2. Bottom of Curtain – Either 1) down to the floor, or 2) 1″ below the opening or deck.

*Take height measurement at both ends (left and right) of where your curtain will be placed and note any discrepancies. If the difference in height is due to a sloped floor, go with the tallest measurement.  Any discrepancies of more than 2″ should be noted.

MEASURING FOR CURTAIN WIDTH

Standard curtains are built with a 2″ fabric overlap on each side – 4″ total.  An overlap is needed to properly secure your curtain to the porch frame when rolled down. Ideally you will order curtains 4″ wider than the opening width you’re looking to cover.

MEASURING TIP: It is a good idea to measure and mark spots 2″ wider on each side of the opening you’re planning to enclose. Then, prior to taking your final width measurement use a level to verify the outer vertical edge of your curtain will be free of obstructions when the curtain is rolled up and down (lighting, railings, trim work or even adjoining roll-up curtains).   Assuming you’re free of obstructions take your final width measurement between your two marked spots.

Obstructions: If you recognize your curtain will be unable to roll-up and down freely you have 2 options.

1. Reduce the overlap on the side with the obstruction. While a 2″ overlap is preferred on each side (4″ total), the minimum overlap required is 1″ per side.  *Take additional time with smaller overlaps to verify your vertical framework is square. It is also a good idea to double check your final width at the top and bottom of your opening to assure your overlap is adequate. 
2. Cut-Outs.  A cut-out is necessary when reducing the width of your curtain to avoid an obstruction is not a solution. To measure for a cutout, you will need a minimum of 3 measurements.
   1. Measure down from the top point where your curtains will mount to 1/2″ inch above the obstruction. If the obstruction extends to the top of your curtain specify 0″ for your first measurement.
   2. Measure down from the top point where your curtains will mount to 1/2″ below the obstruction. If the obstruction extends to the bottom of your curtain specify 0″ for your second measurement.
   3. Measure in 1/4″ beyond the obstruction from the outer width edge of your curtain.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

1. 4×4 Vertical Posts (3.5″ wide). Many porches are built using 4×4 vertical posts, which are actually 3.5″ wide.  In situations where two roll-up curtains will share a 4×4 post, the available overlap will now be 1/4″  less for each of the adjoining curtains. To measure for curtains that will share a 4×4 post, simply mark the center of your post and use this spot to measure for the final width of your curtain. If a curtain is sharing 4×4 posts on both sides, you will simply measure from center to center of both posts.
2. 2×4 Vertical Posts (1.75″ wide). If the 2×4 is against an opposing wall (side of house), change the overlap to 1.5″ so the curtain has some freedom to roll up and down. If two curtains will share a 2×4, simply make a note of this under “curtain details” as a custom is needed.
3. Covering Multiple Openings. When you want a curtain to cover multiple openings, simply ignore any middle posts and measure the opening and overlap required for the far left and right posts.
4. Curtains over 120″ are considered oversized. It’s a good idea to keep your curtains below 120″-130″ whenever possible. Oversized curtains are a bit more cumbersome to roll up – and may incur additional shipping charges when not installed by the PES team.