Measuring Instructions for Deluxe Exterior Outdoor Solar Shades
Choose your mount type below and follow the numbered steps. Always measure to the nearest 1/8" and write down every measurement.
- 3 minutes to measure
- Inside & outside mount
What You'll Need
- Metal tape measureMore accurate than cloth tape
- Pen or pencilTo note each measurement
- PaperOr the notes app on your phone
Inside Mount
Fits inside the window frame
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
Mounts on the wall or trim
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
Need help measuring?
Our window experts can walk you through it, step by step.
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