In our online configurator, you can plan cupboards , shelves , etc. exactly according to your desired dimensions. But the first thing to do is to determine the right size for the furniture. It is not only a matter of having the right measuring tools, but also how to use them correctly. We’ll show you how to measure any room with a tape measure, folding rule and laser. To see brand new decorative letters, please check proindustrialfans.
Measure furniture and rooms with a ruler
If you want to measure furniture or a room, it’s always about determining distances. The lengths can range from a few millimeters or centimeters to several meters – depending on whether you want to furnish an entire room or just small niches with furniture . Measuring with a ruler is easy, but there are a few things to keep in mind – not least the significant differences in quality.
High-quality folding rulers made of hornbeam, aluminum or plastic have spring joints that allow close tolerances and are therefore particularly precise. The quality of the spring joints also determines the lifespan of the folding rule. A calibration mark at the beginning of the scale provides information about the measurement tolerance.
You can measure that accurately with a folding ruler
A measurement tolerance of class III applies to calibratable folding rules. So the allowed tolerance is:
- Plus/minus 1 mm for a length of 1 m
• Plus/minus 1.4 mm for a length of 2 m
Use the folding rule correctly
Crucial for the correct measurement of rooms and furniture is not only the selection of the measuring device, but also its correct use. The joints between the links of the folding rule must always be clean and engaged. Also make sure that all links are unfolded when measuring so that the result is not falsified.
If you want to measure a large room, your folding rule may have to cover a longer distance in the air. Just twist it upside down so it doesn’t sag.
When furnishing niches with matching chests of drawers, precise measurements are a must.
Measure furniture and rooms with the tape measure
Another popular tool for measuring short distances is the tape measure. This can be placed on the floor or stretched between the measuring points. Tape measures often have a longer range than folding rules, which are traditionally only up to 2 meters long. Therefore, a tape measure is usually the more suitable device for measuring a room. In addition, measuring tapes are usually a little more precise, because they often have a class II measuring tolerance:
- Plus/minus 0.7 mm at 2 m
- Plus/minus 0.9 mm at 3 m
- Plus/minus 1.3 mm at 5 m
Use tape measure correctly
Tape measures also sag if they are pulled out too long. For longer distances – especially when measuring a room – it is therefore helpful if a second person holds the end and pulls the tape tight. Some long tape measures also have a ring at the beginning that can be hung at the measuring point, while the smaller pocket versions usually have a movable end hook.
A tape measure is useful, for example, if you want to measure the circumference of a column. As a test, you can roll out the tape measure next to a calibrated folding rule to measure the differences. If you don’t have a tape measure at hand, you can use a simple string if necessary: wrap it around the object to be measured and mark the point where the end meets the rest of the string. Then you measure the cord with a ruler.
Measuring a room with a laser
Laser range finders often have a measurement accuracy of plus/minus 2 mm. This means that the folding rule and measuring tape are more precise than the laser over shorter distances. However, this trumps over longer distances, since its measuring accuracy always remains constant. Therefore, a laser is rarely used in the construction of small pieces of furniture and other small-scale craft activities – but this device is unbeatable outdoors and when measuring rooms.
The laser measurement can help set up the space above a door.
How does a laser range finder work?
When measuring a room, the laser emits a focused beam that bounces off the surface it hits. Similar to an ultrasonic range finder, this reflected signal is evaluated. Temperature, wind and even obstacles usually do not interfere with the measurement, since the laser dot can be precisely identified at the position to be measured.
In addition to the constant measurement accuracy, a major advantage of the laser is that you can use it to carry out measurements over long distances without additional tools, for example in rooms that are difficult to access or outdoors. Thanks to built-in calculation functions, individual measurements can also be added at the push of a button.
Another special feature is that lasers are able to determine lengths through indirect measurement. To measure a space indirectly, this formula – Pythagorean theorem – is useful: ( a^{2} + b^{2} = c^{2} ). In practical terms, this means: First you determine the distance from the measuring point to the lower edge of the wall. Then you align the measuring device from the same position to the upper point and trigger the measurement. The device then calculates the third distance from the two measurements. You can use this function to determine the length of a distance that you cannot measure directly – for example with high doors and cupboards or angled rooms.
Different types of laser range finders
- Cross line laser : A cross line laser projects the laser light beams vertically and horizontally onto the wall, resulting in very precise marking lines. You can use these, for example, if you want to install wall cupboards in your kitchen unit. For this purpose, the cross line laser should be mounted on a stable tripod.
- Rotating laser : A rotating laser can radiate its laser beam in all directions. Since it always aligns itself exactly to the horizontal, it is perfect for leveling (aligning at a height). For example, walls, railings or hedges can easily be brought to an identical height.
Tip: There are now smartphone apps that give you precise instructions on how to measure the room. To do this, you hold your smartphone step by step against the various walls, and the app will present you with a floor plan of even crooked rooms – perfect for filling niches with custom-made furniture and making the best possible use of them.
Now it’s your turn! Equip yourself with a folding rule, tape measure, laser measuring device or smartphone to determine the dimensions of your home and your new, individually configured furniture. Also, don’t forget a pen and notepad to record the measurement results. Our measuring instructions will help you to take the measurements correctly.
