Buying urban outdoor furniture like a bistro set, compact sofa, or planter for your balcony or patio is exciting. However, the journey from the delivery truck to your apartment can be a challenge. A common worry is: will it fit through the door and up the stairs? Here’s a practical guide to ensure a smooth delivery.
First, know your furniture's dimensions. Before purchasing, check the product specifications for its assembled width, depth, and height. Pay special attention to the widest point, which is often the arms of a chair or the width of a table top.
Second, measure your access points. This is the most crucial step.
* Doorway: Measure the height and width of your apartment's main entrance door frame. Remember to measure the actual clear opening, not just the door itself. Don't forget interior doors or balcony doors it must pass through.
* Stairwells & Hallways: Measure the width of your stairwell and any hallways. Check for tight turns or landings. The key measurement here is the diagonal clearance when tilting the item. A piece longer than your stair length can often be tilted diagonally, but only if the stairwell is wide enough.
* Elevators: If you have one, measure the elevator's interior height, width, and depth. Measure the doorway diagonally as well.
Third, do the math and plan. Compare your furniture's dimensions with your measurements. If the furniture is wider than your door, check if legs or cushions can be removed. Always add a few inches of buffer to your measurements for maneuvering. Contact the seller or delivery company beforehand to discuss oversized items. They may have experience with your building or offer a white-glove delivery service that handles the tricky parts.
Finally, consider assembly. Many outdoor furniture pieces are shipped in flat-pack boxes designed to fit through standard doors and are assembled in your apartment. If the assembled item seems too large, verify if it's delivered unassembled. This is often the simplest solution for apartment dwellers.
By measuring carefully and planning ahead, you can avoid stressful delivery day surprises and enjoy your new urban outdoor oasis with peace of mind.