Total Footprint Length for Outdoor Sofas: How to Choose Yours

How do I measure my space for a backyard sofa?

To establish your required Total Footprint Length, you must measure the actual available floor space where the sofa will sit. Use a standard metal measuring tape to record the length of the wall or floor area, ensuring you account for the physical boundaries of the space.

Accounting for clearance and walkways

The Total Footprint Length of the sofa is not the only number you need to consider. You must subtract at least 12 in to 18 in of clearance from your total available space to ensure people can walk past the furniture. If your available space is 100 in, a sofa with a 100 in Total Footprint Length will block the walkway entirely.

Finding the measurement in product details

Manufacturers usually list the Total Footprint Length in the product specifications under “Dimensions” or “Product Size.” Look for the longest side measurement, which is typically the width of the sofa. If the listing only provides “Depth” and “Height,” you must find the “Width” or “Length” to confirm the footprint.

What happens if the Total Footprint Length is wrong?

Choosing a Total Footprint Length that is too large for your space results in a sofa that obstructs movement or prevents doors from opening. If the sofa exceeds the physical limits of the patio, it may sit on a walkway, creating a tripping hazard or blocking the flow of traffic.

Once you have the length set, learn how to choose seat depth for outdoor sofas for maximum comfort.

The impact of a footprint that is too small

If the Total Footprint Length is too small for your needs, the sofa will lack the necessary seating capacity. A sofa that is too short will force people to sit too close together, which reduces comfort and makes the piece feel like a chair rather than a sofa. This often leads to a layout that feels cramped and under-sized for the intended area.

The impact of a footprint that is too large

A Total Footprint Length that is too large for the designated area creates a “cramped” feel where the furniture dominates the space. When a sofa is nearly as long as the wall it sits against, it leaves no room for side tables or decorative items. In extreme cases, a sofa that is too long will not fit through standard garden gates or doorways during delivery.

What should I do if I fall between two sizes?

If your measurements fall between two standard Total Footprint Lengths, you should prioritize the smaller of the two options. Choosing the smaller footprint ensures the sofa will fit into the space without issue, while the larger option risks being too big to move or position correctly.

Creating a safety buffer

When choosing between two sizes, aim for a “buffer zone” of at least 6 in to 10 in of extra space. If you are choosing between a 72 in and a 84 in sofa, and your space is 80 in, the 72 in option is the only viable choice. It is much easier to add a small side table to fill a gap than it is to remove a sofa that is physically too large for the patio.

Verifying access points

Before finalizing a choice based on the footprint, verify the width of your entry points. Even if the Total Footprint Length fits the final destination, the sofa must be able to pass through your gate or side door. If the sofa is delivered in one piece, the Total Footprint Length must be less than the width of your narrowest access point, unless the item is designed to be modular.

Reviewed by the Hevan editorial team. Hevan writes these guides from the 200 most-reviewed backyard sofas listings in our retail dataset, not from manufacturer copy.