Rectangle
- Measure the width at the top, middle and bottom.
- Measure the height at the left, center and right.
- Send us the smallest width and the smallest height.
Measuring
How to measure your transom
For a free mockup, rough numbers and a photo are enough. Exact numbers matter before we cut, and we confirm the final size with you first.
Three rules for every shape.
Measure from inside, wood to wood
Measure between the edges of the frame where the panel will sit, not just the glass you can see.
Keep the smallest number
Old frames are rarely even. Measure in several places, to the nearest 1/16 inch.
Don't subtract anything
Give us the real opening. We take off the clearance the panel needs.
Use a steady ladder, and ask someone to hold the other end of the tape.
Find your shape.
Flat arch
- Measure the width along the straight bottom edge.
- Measure the height at the center, the tallest point.
- Measure the height at each side, up to where the curve starts.
- Make a paper template (see below).
Half-round or elliptical
- Measure the width along the bottom edge.
- Measure the height at the center, the tallest point.
- If the curve starts above the bottom edge, measure the height at each side too.
- Make a paper template (see below).
Divided into panes
- Measure the whole opening and the height.
- Measure each pane and the width of the bars between them.
- We will tell you if one panel can cover them all or each pane needs its own.
Is it really square?
Measure corner to corner, both ways. If the two diagonals differ by more than 1/8 inch, the opening is out of square, which is common in old houses. Then a template is more reliable than numbers.
How to make a paper template
For any arched or uneven opening.
- Tape kraft paper or poster board over the opening, tight on all sides so it can't shift.
- Run a pencil around the inside edge of the frame.
- Mark which side is the top and which faces the room, and write your house number on it.
- Cut along the line and hold it back up. It should match the frame all the way around.
- Send us a photo of it lying flat next to a tape measure, and keep it. We need the real template before we cut.
Also tell us.
The depth
Measure from the glass to the inside edge of the frame. The panel needs about 1/2 inch to sit in front of the glass.
Anything in the way
Does the transom open? Tell us about latches, hinges, door closers or anything else near the opening.
Two photos
One of the whole door from outside, one of the transom from inside with the tape measure in the frame.
Send us what you have.
Rough numbers are fine for a mockup. Not sure about something? Send a photo and we will check.