SafetyMat Knowledge Center

How to Measure for a Custom SafetyMat and Locate the Drain

Measure the finished usable floor—not the advertised size of the shower, tub, room, or vehicle. Record the narrowest dimensions and locate the drain center from two fixed edges before approving a custom order.

Quick Answer

  • Clear the area so the entire finished floor is visible.
  • Measure length and width in more than one place.
  • Record the narrowest usable dimensions and desired edge clearance.
  • Measure to the drain center from two perpendicular fixed edges.
  • Record the drain opening diameter and shape.
  • Photograph and sketch curves, fixtures, thresholds, and changes in level.
  • Compare the worksheet, photos, sketch, orientation, and order details before approving the custom order.

Measure in Six Careful Steps

Use the same reference points on the worksheet, photos, sketch, and order approval so each measurement describes the same layout.

  • 1. Choose two fixed edges

    Choose two edges that meet at a right angle and will not move. Label them Edge A and Edge B. Do not measure from a movable door, loose object, temporary trim, or bath accessory.

  • 2. Measure the usable floor

    Measure length at the left, center, and right. Measure width at the top, center, and bottom. Record the narrowest usable dimensions and mark any area that is not square.

  • 3. Locate the drain center

    Measure from Edge A to the exact drain center, then from Edge B to that same point. Record the opening diameter and whether it is round, square, or another shape.

  • 4. Document curves and obstacles

    Mark notches, thresholds, fixtures, door swings, drains, transitions, and level changes. Add an arrow showing which direction is top or front and how the design should face.

  • 5. Keep the liner attached

    Check the proposed fit, orientation, drain alignment, and edge clearance while the adhesive liner remains in place. Do not expose adhesive while deciding the layout.

  • 6. Review before approval

    Compare the dimensions, drain measurements, photos, sketch, direction, finish, cropping, and artwork. Pause and request help when a measurement or reference point is uncertain.

For Curves, Fixtures, and Irregular Spaces

Use one straight overhead photo to show the full layout, then add angled photos and close-ups of each curve, notch, threshold, fixture, drain, transition, or change in level. Draw the same features on a simple sketch and place a tape measure in a photo when it helps confirm a critical dimension. Add an arrow for top or front so the finished orientation and any artwork direction are clear. RV, boat, outdoor, or moving applications need separate product-specific review before an order is approved.

Complete a Final Approval Check

Compare the finished dimensions, narrowest points, Edge A and Edge B drain measurements, opening diameter, edge clearance, orientation, finish, design, cropping, and artwork placement across the worksheet, sketch, photos, proof, and order details. Custom products are made from the information approved for the order. If any number, reference edge, direction, or design detail differs between those records, pause and ask for clarification before approving production.

Use Edge A and Edge B

Choose two fixed edges that meet at a right angle. From Edge A, measure to the exact center of the drain. From Edge B, measure to that same center point. Label both edges on every sketch and photo.

Measure the drain opening separately and record its diameter and shape. Repeat both center measurements before submitting them; changing a reference edge can move the cutout.

An Off-Center Drain Is Measured the Same Way

Unequal distances from Edge A and Edge B are useful information. Do not estimate, move the drain location on the sketch, or round to the nearest whole number. Record the measurements as accurately as practical and include an overhead photo that shows the drain in relation to the full floor.

Download the Printable Measuring Worksheet

Use the two-page SafetyMat Measuring & Drain Placement Guide to record multiple length and width measurements, locate the drain from Edge A and Edge B, sketch the layout, and complete the final-order checklist.

Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using the advertised shower or room size instead of the finished usable floor.
  • Taking only one length or width measurement.
  • Measuring the drain to its edge instead of its exact center.
  • Changing reference edges between the worksheet, photos, sketch, and order details.
  • Leaving out thresholds, curves, fixtures, floor transitions, or desired edge clearance.
  • Removing the adhesive liner while checking the layout or fit.
  • Guessing when a measurement, direction, or drain location is uncertain.

Keep the Adhesive Liner in Place While Measuring

Check the proposed fit, orientation, drain alignment, and edge clearance while the adhesive liner remains attached. Installation is completely dry. Do not use water, soap, or a soapy-water positioning solution beneath SafetyMat. Expose the adhesive only after the product, surface, dimensions, drain placement, and current installation instructions are confirmed.

Still Have Questions?

We’re happy to help. Email the completed worksheet, one straight overhead photo, close-ups of the surface and drain, approximate dimensions, and the product or application you are considering. We’ll help identify what can be reviewed before you approve the order.