Before you order from our planter box factory, treat your patio as a measured floor plan, not just an empty slab. Start with a bird's-eye sketch on graph paper or a simple app. Mark every fixed object: walls, railings, support posts, doors, windows, steps, downspouts, hose bibs, outlets, AC units, drains, and even the swing path of doors or gates. Then measure the patio itself at floor level, not from the top of a railing. Take the longest width and depth, then repeat at several points because patios often taper or have uneven edges. Write down both inches and centimeters, and measure twice to catch errors. Note slopes, cracks, or raised thresholds, since a planter needs a stable, level base or adjustable feet. Next, define how you want to use the space. A main walkway should usually stay at least 36 inches (about 90 cm) wide, while secondary paths can be 24–30 inches (60–75 cm). Leave enough room for chairs to pull out, doors to open fully, and people to pass without turning sideways. If you plan to eat, grill, or store items on the patio, measure those zones first and treat them as non-negotiable. Planters from our planter box factory can be custom-sized, but they still need clearance for air, cleaning, watering, and plant growth. A good rule is to leave 1–2 inches between a planter and a wall or railing, and more where you need access. Measure the planter footprint carefully. Use exterior dimensions, including trim, feet, handles, trellises, and any decorative overhang. For a rectangular box, record length, width, and height, plus the base footprint, because a tapered or lipped design may need a different floor space than its top rim suggests. Also think about the mature size of your plants. A small box today can become a crowded box after a season of growth. If you are arranging several planters, sketch each one to scale and add a 1/4–1/2 inch gap between units if they will sit side by side, so they do not rub or trap moisture. Do not forget the route into the patio. Measure the narrowest point from the street, driveway, gate, hallway, elevator, or stair turn to the final location. If planters arrive assembled, that narrowest point may decide the maximum size you can order. If they arrive as knock-down kits, you may have more flexibility. Check whether stairs, railings, or low branches will block a box being carried in. A planter that fits the patio but cannot reach it is still the wrong planter. Before you commit, make a full-size mock-up. Use cardboard, painter's tape, rope, or empty boxes to outline each planter. Walk around the layout, open doors, move chairs, and pretend to water and prune. Pay attention to views, shade, and wind. Leave space for water to drain away from walls and for hoses to reach without dragging over plants. If the patio is above ground or on a balcony, estimate the weight of wet soil, plants, and the planter itself. One cubic foot of moist soil can weigh roughly 40–60 pounds (18–27 kg), so large boxes add up quickly. Confirm your patio or balcony can handle the load, and distribute weight near supports when possible. Finally, send our planter box factory a clear measurement package. Include your sketch, photos of each corner, the patio's total dimensions, the narrowest access point, the exact planter sizes you want, and any clearance you need. State your units, your plant types, and whether you want assembled or kit delivery. Ask us to confirm the final footprint and tolerance before production. When your measurements are accurate, custom planters can follow the architecture of your patio instead of forcing your patio to work around a standard size.