Measure Before You Rent: Doors, Gates, Stairs and Elevators

What to measure before renting tables, dance floors, bounce houses or a tent, from gangways and gates to stairs, elevators and where the truck can park.

November 3, 2026 · 5 min read · By the Beyond Chiavari team

A full place setting, ready to rent, is arranged along an elegantly decorated banquet table surrounded by smiling guests dining at a tented wedding reception — A full place setting, ready to rent, styled at an event

Most delivery problems are not about the item. They are about the route. A table that fits the room can still get stuck in a 30-inch gate, and a bounce house that fits the yard still has to get there. Chicago makes this a real issue. Side gangways between two-flats can be very narrow, alley gates vary, and many homes have a back stair or a basement door as the only way in. This guide covers the measuring step, and the Chicago alley delivery guide covers the alley itself.

Measure the route, not just the destination

The smallest gap on the path decides what can be carried through, not the size of the yard.

What to measure and what to write down

Spot	Measure	Why it matters
Gangway or side yard	Narrowest width, plus anything sticking out like meters or bins	Tables carry on edge, so width and height both count
Gate	Clear opening, not the frame	Latches and hinges take 2 to 3 inches
Doors	Clear width with the door open	A standard interior door is often 30 to 32 inches
Stairs	Number of steps, width, turns, railings	Crews price carries by flight and a tight turn stops long items
Elevator	Door width, inside depth, weight limit, reservation rules	Freight and passenger elevators differ in size
Ceiling height	Lowest beam or light fixture	Matters for tents, staging and bounce houses indoors
Truck stop	Where it can park and how far it is from the door	Long carries cost labor and time

Rules of thumb for common items: an 8-foot banquet table is 96 inches long and about 30 inches wide, and its legs usually fold. A 60-inch round is 5 feet across, so it must tilt on edge or fold. Dance floors often come as square panels that are easy to carry. Tent poles and bounce houses are long or heavy, so ask the company for the packed size and the number of people needed to carry them.

How to measure with a tape and a phone

1Step 1Walk the route from the truck stop to the spotDo it in the same order the crew will.
2Step 2Measure the narrowest point at each pinchTake it at hip height and at shoulder height, since walls and meters curve in.
3Step 3Count and photograph the stepsOne photo from the bottom and one from the top shows turns and rails.
4Step 4Note surfacesGravel, grass, slope and ice change how carts move.
5Step 5Send it all with the orderNumbers and photos go straight to the quote.

What most hosts find out too late

The truck may not stop where you think. Residential streets in Chicago have permit parking, hydrants, snow routes and tight alleys. Ask the company how big the truck is and where it will stop, and keep a spot clear if you can. See Chicago delivery and loading zones for parking and loading rules to check with your building or the city.

The tape measure should not be the last word on a tent or a large floor. Install crews need clear overhead room, flat ground and sometimes a utility check before staking. Your measurements start the conversation. The installer decides what is safe. See tent and grass damage for ground details.

High-rise buildings have their own rules. Many have freight elevators that must be reserved, with set hours and limits on how many items go up at once. Ask your building manager early, before the rental date is locked. Ask about the loading dock, the elevator size and whether the building needs paperwork.

If it does not fit

You have a few simple options:

Pick a smaller or folding item. Folding tables, banquet tables in place of rounds, or smaller dance floor panels.
Use a different entrance. A front door and hallway may beat a gangway.
Move the setup. A garage or a patio close to the drop point can work as the party space.
Pay for a longer carry. Sometimes the right answer is more crew time.
Ask for a site visit. For tents, stages and large floors, it is the right step.

Pinch points to measure on most routes: 4; Pinch points to measure on most routes
Heights to check: hip and shoulder: 2; Heights to check: hip and shoulder
List of numbers sent with the order: 1; List of numbers sent with the order

Frequently asked questions

How wide does a gate need to be for rental tables?

A gate of 36 inches or more clear opening is easy for most tables and chairs. Narrower gates can still work because banquet tables often carry on edge and rounds fold, but tell the company the number. They can bring the right cart and crew.

How do I measure a doorway for a delivery?

Measure the clear width between the door stop and the open door, not the frame. Do the same for height. Write down the smallest number on the whole path.

Can a rental company deliver to a second-floor apartment?

Often yes, but stairs and carries are priced and planned in advance. Give the company the number of flights and the width of the stairwell when you ask for a quote.

What if my gangway is too narrow?

Ask the company about folding items, a different route through a front hall, or staging items in a garage. If none of those work, you may need smaller table styles.

Do I need to measure for a tent?

Yes. Measure the flat area, check overhead for wires and branches, and note the route for poles and fabric. The installer will confirm the final size, anchoring and any utility checks.

Who should be home for delivery?

Someone who can open gates and doors, point to the setup spot and sign the slip. See what to expect on delivery day.

Send us the numbers

Once you have the measurements, get a quote and add your route notes, or book a free 15-minute planning call. One call covers the whole rental list, from tables to tents.

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