Height X Width, Or Width X Height? | Contractor Talk

Maybe your like

Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum banner

Menu Log in Sign up

Home
Forums
General Contractors Talk Forums
General Discussion

webopolis W 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? Status Not open for further replies. #1 · Oct 22, 2008 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? Sort by Oldest first Oldest first Newest first Most reactions #2 · Oct 22, 2008 Always width first. Learned that the hard way. Good Luck Dave #3 · Oct 22, 2008 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. #4 · Oct 22, 2008 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 #5 · Oct 22, 2008 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. #6 · Oct 22, 2008

webopolis said: When you order a custom item for a project, do you provide the dimensions as height x width, or width x height? Click to expand...

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 #7 · Oct 22, 2008 Windows and doors width first. #8 · Oct 22, 2008 The easy way to remember it is "Women Have Legs". Width, Height, Length, always. #9 · Oct 22, 2008 Do I hear ZZ Top in the background? Good Luck Dave 0 Reply #10 · Oct 22, 2008 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.

Mike Finley said: 42 x 32 is not the same as 42w x 32h, nor is it the same as 42"w x 32"h Click to expand...

exactly. #11 · Oct 22, 2008 its seems the verdict is in...which way did you give the measurement to them? I hope the responses don't influence yours. spencer #12 · Oct 22, 2008 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.:thumbup: #14 · Oct 22, 2008 Never heard of that one, now I'm curious. Type reeal sloow, like yer talkin to a yankeee. :>) Good Luck Dave 1 Reply #13 · Oct 22, 2008 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..... #17 · Oct 22, 2008

joasis said: Not only W x H, but then in doors, left and right kill people. Click to expand...

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? :whistling 1 Reply #15 · Oct 22, 2008 I always love it when one supplier uses imperial one uses metric and the architect uses both #18 · Oct 23, 2008 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? #25 · Oct 23, 2008

RizzoMaryland said: How about skylight measurements? Click to expand...

Still width x height width = dist between rafters Height = dist up the roof 0 Reply #22 · Oct 23, 2008 It gets even more fun when you're ordering lever door handles... #26 · Oct 23, 2008 Seems everything I work requires like 6 measurements for each of the width and height issues. Is it the same way for a paralellagram??? #27 · Oct 23, 2008 Well, that settles it... I can't argue with this many folks. I just ate a window. Tasty. Now I get to call the supplier tomorrow and eat some crow... Thanks for the input everyone... #28 · Oct 23, 2008

webopolis said: I can't argue with this many folks. I just ate a window. Tasty. Now I get to call the supplier tomorrow and eat some crow... Thanks for the input everyone... Click to expand...

Or tell the manufacturer they sent you a slider instead of a single hung... LOL 2 Replies #29 · Oct 23, 2008 just checking #32 · Oct 23, 2008 I think we have been duped. I bet this was a weekend warrior.....and we all fell for it. Closed. Status Not open for further replies. You have insufficient privileges to reply here.

posts 3.6M members 170K Since 2003 A forum community dedicated to professional construction and remodeling contractors. Come join the discussion about the industry, trades, safety, projects, finishing, tools, machinery, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Show Less Full Forum Listing Explore Our Forums General Discussion Tools & Equipment Business Painting & Finish Work Decks & Fencing