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How to Measure PVC Strip Curtains — Step-by-Step
Ordering the wrong size is the most common mistake when buying PVC strip curtains. Get it right first time with this step-by-step guide covering width, drop, overlap, and rail position.
Step 1: Measure the Opening Width
Measure the full clear width of the door or opening from left to right (not the frame, the actual clear opening). This is your opening width. Your rail should be ordered at or slightly wider than this measurement.
Step 2: Measure the Drop Height
Measure from where the bottom of the rail will sit (typically the header or lintel) down to the floor. This is your strip length. Add 50–100mm so strips brush the floor for a full seal.
Step 3: Choose Your Overlap
Overlap determines how much adjacent strips cover each other. More overlap = better sealing but slightly more resistance when walking through.
- 50% overlap — general purpose, low-traffic doorways
- 67% overlap — recommended for most industrial and food environments
- 80% overlap — maximum seal for temperature-critical areas like cold stores and freezers
Step 4: Calculate Number of Strips
With 200mm wide strips at 67% overlap, each strip adds 66mm of effective coverage. Divide your opening width by 66mm and round up. For example: a 2,000mm wide opening ÷ 66mm = 31 strips (rounded up).
Step 5: Choose Your Rail Type
The rail type depends on your traffic and installation requirements:
- Hook-On Rails — most common, suit standard pedestrian doorways
- Swivel Hinge Rails — strips swing clear for forklift and vehicle access
- Twin Track Rails — full curtain retraction on wide openings
- QuickMount Rails — tool-free clip-on fitting for schools and offices
Step 6: Verify the Floor Clearance
If your floor is uneven, cut strips individually so each reaches the floor across the full width. Never order all strips cut to the same length if your floor has significant variation.
Quick Reference Table
| Opening Width | Strips at 50% overlap | Strips at 67% overlap | Strips at 80% overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000mm | 10 | 15 | 25 |
| 2,000mm | 20 | 30 | 50 |
| 3,000mm | 30 | 46 | 75 |
| 4,000mm | 40 | 61 | 100 |
Based on 200mm wide strips. Figures rounded up to nearest whole strip.
Not sure what you need? Request a quote with your dimensions and we'll specify the right kit for you.