How do we check if a large sofa will fit through our front door?

Measure the doorframe width in three places (top, middle and bottom) and use the smallest reading as your usable width, then measure the height from floor to top-centre and the diagonal clearance from the bottom corner to the opposite top corner to check if the sofa can tilt through.

What measurements should we record beyond the front door before ordering a sofa?

Record stairwell clear width (between handrails), stairwell ceiling height at landings, lift internal width/depth and door opening, and corridor turns or narrow passages where the sofa must pass.

If a stairwell landing is too low to turn the sofa, what practical options can we try?

Try removing sofa legs or detachable cushions, remove an internal door leaf or skirting if you own the property, or ask the delivery team about disassembly options to gain a few centimetres of clearance.

When should we contact the retailer or delivery team about access concerns?

Contact the retailer before purchase if your measurements are near the sofa’s dimensions so they can advise on orientation, carry-in fees, disassembly or whether white-glove installation is available.

What delivery costs and timing should we expect for heavy sofas in South Africa?

Standard local delivery for heavy furniture commonly ranges roughly from R300-R1 200 depending on distance and service level, while white-glove or multi-storey carriage can be higher; always confirm exact fees and delivery windows with the seller to avoid re-delivery charges.

Delivery and doorway size for large sofas: measure

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Delivery and doorway size for large sofas: measure | Bash

Why doorway and delivery checks matter

We’ve helped many South African households choose sofas, and almost every delivery hiccup comes down to one thing: measurement. A sofa that looks perfect in photos can become impossible to place if doors, stairwells or lifts are too tight. Checking access early saves time, extra costs and the stress of returns or re-delivery.

Quick checklist before you buy

Measure the sofa’s longest dimension (length) and deepest dimension (depth) from the product page or spec sheet.
Record doorway width, height and diagonal clearance where the sofa must pass.
Note stairwell width, ceiling height, lift internal dimensions and corridor turns.
Find out if delivery includes installation or if you’ll need to arrange carrying inside yourself.

How to measure doorways and openings

Measure in three places: top, middle and bottom of the doorframe. Old houses may have uneven frames so use the smallest reading as your usable width. For height, measure from the floor to the top of the frame at the centre. Don’t forget skirtings or thresholds - sometimes a raised sill reduces effective height.

If the sofa needs to be tilted, measure the diagonal clearance: from the bottom corner of the doorway to the top opposite corner - this tells you whether the sofa can pass on its side. This diagonal measurement is essential for long sofas and L-shaped pieces.

Include stairwells and lifts in your plan

Stairwells are where many moves stall. Measure stair width (clear between handrails), stairwell ceiling height at the landing, and the turning space on landings. For lifts, note the internal width, depth and door opening width - deliveries can be refused if the lift is too small or access is restricted.

When in a block of flats check service lift rules and delivery times; some complexes restrict large deliveries to certain hours or require advance booking.

When you’re ready to shop, browse our Couches for accurate product dimensions and delivery information: Couches.

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Practical measuring tips and common scenarios

Scenario: narrow front door but wide passage inside

Sometimes the front door is the tight point. Measure the door and the immediate entry passage. If the passage beyond is wider, you may be able to angle the sofa through the door using diagonal clearance. Take a soft tape measure and, where helpful, mark tape on the floor to visualise the turning radius.

Scenario: stairwell with low landing height

A low landing may prevent turning a long sofa. Options we recommend include removing sofa legs or detachable cushions, or removing internal doors and frames (if you own the property). Keep a small toolkit ready - removing a door leaf or skirting can add a few centimetres of clearance and avoid a failed delivery.

When to ask the retailer for help

We advise contacting the retailer or delivery team before purchase if your measurements are near the sofa’s dimensions. Many delivery teams can advise on orientation, disassembly options or carry-in fees. If you want a second opinion, look at our Furniture articles for further tips on measuring and arranging large items: Furniture articles.

Small adjustments that make a big difference

Remove sofa legs or small trim panels before moving (check warranty/returns impact).
Protect floors with moving blankets or cardboard to avoid damage during turns.
Ask if the delivery includes white-glove installation - that can remove the heavy lifting from you.

Planning the delivery: timeline, costs and what to expect

Plan delivery for a weekday when you have help, or choose a delivery option that includes assembly. In South Africa, standard delivery costs vary by distance and service level; as a rough guide, local standard delivery for heavy furniture often falls into the R300-R1 200 range, while white-glove or multi-storey carriage may be higher - always confirm the exact fee with the seller. Note that re-delivery or failed delivery due to access issues usually incurs additional charges.

A simple step-by-step plan we use

Measure all access points and take photos of doorways, stairwells and lifts.
Share measurements and photos with the seller before purchase.
Choose a delivery slot when you or someone can meet the team.
Clear a path inside and remove obstacles like lamps, rugs and small furniture.
Keep protective blankets and tools ready in case minor disassembly is needed.

If a sofa won’t fit - practical alternatives

If all options fail, consider a modular sofa that arrives in pieces, or a similar style with smaller dimensions. Modular pieces are especially handy in townhouse or flat scenarios where stairwells and lifts limit size. Explore modular and sectional choices in our Livingroom & Bar range when you want flexible layouts: Livingroom & Bar.

Consider photographing the tightest doorway from two angles and sending images to the delivery team - an image often clarifies a tricky measurement faster than numbers alone.

Final checks before the truck arrives

Re-measure the entry points the day before delivery and confirm any final instructions with the delivery team. If you’ve removed doors or handles, reinstall them after the sofa is in place. We know these small steps make moving day quieter and more certain - and that peace of mind is worth the few extra minutes of planning.

Sources

South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)
South African Government - Building regulations and standards
South African Movers Association - practical moving advice
Couches - product and dimension listings on Bash

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Delivery and doorway size for large sofas: measure once, move with confidence

Measure every opening

Why Choose Bash?

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Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Plan for diagonal clearance

Prepare for delivery

Why doorway and delivery checks matter

Quick checklist before you buy

How to measure doorways and openings

Include stairwells and lifts in your plan

Practical measuring tips and common scenarios

Scenario: narrow front door but wide passage inside

Scenario: stairwell with low landing height

When to ask the retailer for help

Small adjustments that make a big difference

Planning the delivery: timeline, costs and what to expect

A simple step-by-step plan we use

If a sofa won’t fit - practical alternatives

Final checks before the truck arrives

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