How to Measure for Furniture Delivery

Before ordering large furniture, confirm that the product and its packaging can pass safely through every doorway, hallway, elevator, stairway, and entrance along the delivery route.

Whenever available, use the packaged dimensions, as packaging may be larger than the assembled product.

1. Check the Furniture Dimensions

Record the packaged:

  • Length;
  • Width;
  • Height; and
  • Weight.

Identify the longest and widest dimensions. These will help you determine whether the item can pass through doors, elevators, and stairways.

2. Measure the Full Delivery Route

Measure every access point from the building entrance to the delivery location, including:

  • Building and unit doors;
  • Hallways and corners;
  • Elevator doors and interior space;
  • Stairways and landings; and
  • Any gates or loading areas.

Always measure the narrowest width and lowest height. Include fixed obstacles such as handrails, door handles, light fixtures, and ceiling beams.

3. Doorways and Hallways

Measure:

  • The clear width of each doorway;
  • The clear height from the floor to the lowest point of the frame;
  • The hallway width before and after each doorway; and
  • The available space around corners.

The furniture may fit through a doorway but still be unable to turn in a narrow hallway.

As a general guideline, allow at least 4 inches (10 cm) of extra clearance.

4. Elevator Measurements

Measure both the elevator entrance and the inside of the elevator.

Elevator Door

Measure the clear:

  • Door width; and
  • Door height.

The door height should generally be at least 4 inches (10 cm) greater than the longest relevant dimension of the furniture.

Elevator Interior

Top View Measurement Diagram

Measure:

  • Interior width;
  • Interior depth;
  • Interior height; and
  • The diagonal distance between opposite floor corners.

The diagonal interior depth should generally be at least 6 inches (15 cm) greater than the width of the furniture.

Also check that there is enough space outside the elevator to turn and position the item before it enters.

5. Stairway Measurements

Standard furniture delivery does not include carrying furniture up or down stairs unless this service has been confirmed in writing.

Where stair access has been approved, measure:

  • The narrowest stairway width;
  • The lowest overhead clearance;
  • The size of each landing;
  • The space around every turn; and
  • The space at the top and bottom of the stairs.

The vertical clearance should generally be at least 4 inches (10 cm) greater than the longest relevant dimension of the furniture.

For stairways with sharp turns, confirm that the landing is large enough for the furniture to be safely rotated.

6. Check Building Requirements

Before delivery, confirm whether your building requires:

  • Elevator or loading-dock reservations;
  • Building approval;
  • A certificate of insurance;
  • Delivery forms;
  • Elevator padding;
  • Parking or security access; or
  • Restricted delivery hours.

Complete all arrangements before the scheduled delivery date.

7. Customer Responsibility

Delivery is provided on the understanding that safe and reasonable access is available.

You are responsible for confirming that the product and its packaging can fit through all entrances, elevators, stairways, hallways, and other passageways leading to the delivery location.