Measuring Instructions for Deluxe Exterior Outdoor Solar Shades
3 minutes to measure.
What You’ll Need
- Metal tape measure
- Pen or pencil
- Paper
Inside Mount
How to Measure: Inside Mount
Let's make sure an inside mount will work for your installation! If you plan to install in between the posts of a patio, deck, pergola or similar structure, and mounting to the underside of a cross beam, then this is considered an inside mount. Using a metal tape measure, first check if you have sufficient depth:
- Measure the depth of the mounting surface from front to back. To install the brackets, the depth must be at least 2 1/4" for shades without a cassette valance and 3 1/4" for shades with a cassette valance. To have a flush mount (meaning the shade is fully recessed within the opening) the depth must be at least 3" without a cassette valance and 3 1/4" for shades with a cassette valance. If your depth is not sufficient for mounting the brackets, please see our outside mount instructions.
How to Measure:
Let's start with the Width:
- Measure inside of the opening/frame from left to right at the top of the opening to the nearest 1/8". If rounding is necessary, round down to the nearest 1/8". That is your ordering width.
Now, let's do the Height:
- Measure from the bottom of the cross beam/mounting surface down to wherever you would like the shade to stop in three places: on the left-hand side, the middle, and on the right-hand side. If the shade will go to the ground, we recommend leaving 6-12" of space for air flow and for room to install tie downs if selected. Write down all 3 measurements to the nearest 1/8" and circle the tallest. That is your ordering height.
Note: Always provide us with the actual measurement of the opening. We will make the necessary deduction of approximately 1/8" to the width of the top of the shade to accommodate the installation brackets.
The fabric portion of the shade will be approximately 7/8" – 1 3/8" narrower than the ordered width (up to 3/4" gap on each side between the window opening and the edge of the fabric).
No deductions will be made to the ordered height.
Outside Mount
How to Measure: Outside Mount
Before you start measuring, decide where you want to mount your exterior shade – this can be on the wall of your home, on a cross beam of your deck, patio or gazebo, or any location that is sturdy enough to secure the shades. You will need at least 2 1/4" of flat vertical space above the window to mount the brackets for shades without a cassette valance, or at least 3" for shades with a cassette valance. There should also be no obstructions down the entire length of the area you plan to install the shade (handrails, hooks, or other protruding elements). Follow the directions below for where you'd like to install your shade.
If you do not have sufficient vertical space for mounting the brackets, please see our inside mount instructions or consider a different installation location.
Your ordered width will be the "tip to tip" measurement, which is the widest part of the top of the shade including the brackets and cassette valance (if applicable). The fabric portion of the shade will be approximately 1" – 1 1/2" narrower than the ordered width (up to 3/4" on each side. If you wish to have the fabric cover a specific width, we recommend ordering slightly wider – just ensure that you have enough additional horizontal space to mount the shade.
Decide what option is better for you
On a Cross Beam or Above a Window (No Trim)
Width:
- Looking at your window and surrounding wall or other installation location, decide what area you would like to cover. We recommend the shade extends about 2-3" on each side of the window opening for the best light control and appearance.
- Using a metal tape measure, measure from left to right including your desired extra space on each side of the window—that is your ordering width.
Height:
- Consider how far above the window or other opening you would like to install your shade but at least starting with the minimum vertical space referenced above. Since the shade spools onto the roll, it does not need to be installed high above the window to have the shade fabric fully clear the window.
- Measure from the top of where you will mount the shade on the wall or cross beam down to where you want the bottom of the shade to be, using the same extra space below your window opening as you used above; if you have a protruding windowsill, measure down to the top of the sill. If the shade will go to the ground, we recommend leaving 6-12" of space for air flow and for room to install tie downs if selected. That is your ordering height.
Above a Window with Trim
Width:
- Looking at your window and surrounding wall, decide what area you would like to cover. We recommend the shade extends about 2-3" on either side of the window opening for the best light control and appearance.
- Using a metal tape measure, measure from left to right including any desired extra space on each side of the window—that is your ordering width.
Height:
- Consider how far above the window you would like to install your shade but at least starting with the minimum vertical space referenced above. Since the shade spools onto the roll, it does not need to be installed high above the window to have the shade fabric fully clear the window.
- Measure from the top of where you will mount the shade on the wall down to where you want the bottom of the shade to be, using the same extra space below your window opening as you used above, or to the bottom edge of the trim if you prefer; if you have a protruding windowsill, measure down to the top of the sill. That is your ordering height.
Note: The shade fabric may rub against the trim when operating. If your trim is more than 1/2" thick, consider adding shims (not included) under the brackets for additional clearance. If your trim is 3/4" or thicker, we recommend ordering the shade with the reverse roll option.
On The Window Trim
Width:
- We don't normally recommend mounting roller shades directly on the trim unless your window configuration doesn't allow for other placements. Your ordered width will be the bracket to bracket measurement which cannot exceed the width of your trim. However, the fabric portion of roller shades is always narrower than the ordered width, and will not extend to the edges of the trim.
- Confirm that the height of your trim is at least the minimum height required for installing the mounting brackets. At the top of your window, use a steel measuring tape and measure from outer edge to outer edge of the trim. That is your ordering width.
- Note that the fabric portion of the shade will be narrower than your ordered width.
Height:
- Measure from the top of your trim to the bottom of your trim or to the top of the windowsill if you have a protruding sill. That is your ordering height.
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