Height X Width, Or Width X Height?

webopolis

I'm having an argument with a supplier regarding a custom order gone bad. When you order a custom item for a project, do you provide the dimensions as height x width, or width x height?

I'll refrain from stating what I believe to be the industry standard, as I don't want to influence the responses. What does everyone else think?

DavidC

Always width first. Learned that the hard way.

Good Luck
Dave

__________________
www.CookContractingLLC.com

Jason Whipple

When I order windows it's always width first. Of coarse I always make sure it's clear by telling them what the dimension is for so there is no mistakes.

__________________
Jason E Whipple, General Manager
Historic House Restoration, Cincinnati, Ohio
Facebook | Twitter

TaitINC

I agree always width x height...but to be sure i always send a fax with a picture and measurements, so if there is a mistake its on paper and on them.

Spencer

Mike Finley

Yeah baby, that's what POs are for (Purchase orders). If I don't use a PO I accept responsibility that if there is any confusion or a mis-order it's my fault because I knowingly am short-cutting the proper method of doing business for my convenience by placing an order verbally.

If you are using POs and you're not labeling things properly in the way the company you are ordering from does business, once again it's on you.

42 x 32 is not the same as 42w x 32h, nor is it the same as 42"w x 32"h.

BuiltByMAC

Gosh, if it's a custom order, I'd probably include pictures and diagrams and not rely solely on my interpretation of an "industry-standard" method. Guess I'm an idiot 'cause I don't know what the industry-standard is. I would think width goes first but I wouldn't expect everyone else in the industry to automatically think that way too.

Your fault, buddy. You were unclear, you get to eat it. Bummer, those "learning experiences", eh?

Mac

Tom M

Windows and doors width first.

Tscarborough

The easy way to remember it is "Women Have Legs". Width, Height, Length, always.

__________________
It ain't Rocket Science unless you are building rockets.

DavidC

Do I hear ZZ Top in the background?

Good Luck
Dave

__________________
www.CookContractingLLC.com

Winchester

Not just industry standard, it's practically a universal standard. Engineering, Science, Mathematics. width x height

However, like everyone else stated you should always be clear and don't expect everyone to know the standards or remember them, or even to follow them.

exactly.

__________________
Ryan

TaitINC

its seems the verdict is in...which way did you give the measurement to them? I hope the responses don't influence yours.

spencer

jcalvin

I remember it by an old math teacher I had that gave us "RC" dope and moon pies one day to illustrate how to read x and y coordinates on a graph. Rows the Columns rows are horizontal and columns are vertical.

If you don't understand the "RC dope and a Moonpie" thing, you probably call home somewhere north of the Mason Dixon line.

__________________
Cal


You hired WHO

joasis

Not only W x H, but then in doors, left and right kill people.

I like the "women have legs" deal Tscar....have one for remembering door swings? I always use left when I think it is right, and vice versa.

I have noticed a few suppliers now getting away from call outs on windows and doors.....like a 3/0-4/0, or a 3/6-4/8....now they want to use 36x48, or 42x56.....

__________________

DavidC

Never heard of that one, now I'm curious. Type reeal sloow, like yer talkin to a yankeee. :>)

Good Luck
Dave

__________________
www.CookContractingLLC.com

canuck

I always love it when one supplier uses imperial one uses metric and the architect uses both

gregj

I'm guessing your math teacher wasn't getting you all high on model airplane dope so he must have supplied you with my favorite cola when I was a youth. Royal Crown Cola. I can't remember the last time I saw one.

Tinstaafl

Really. What kills me is that some/many manufacturers use opposite terminology depending upon whether it's an interior or exterior door. I use a drawing, every time (learned the hard way).

BTW, anyone wanna buy a window I specced 10" too small in one dimension?

RizzoMaryland

How about skylight measurements?

There is also a debate over terminology when ordering interior louver doors. I use the "no see hinge side" or "no see stop side" when referring to which way I want my louvers to slope. Any others?

__________________
"An idea is salvation by imagination"
Frank LLoyd Wright

kbsparky

Open the door. Stand with your back/butt against the frame with the door hinges.

A "left-hand" door will be to your left.

A "right-hand" door will be to your right.

You can imagine doing this before ordering the door. Just hold out your arm to where the door will open, and that is the "hand" of door you need.

Joe Carola

That's the best and easiest way. "Butt to Butt".

__________________
Joe Carola