Hey Earl,
Sure. Most contractors measure using either the square footage method or the linear foot method. To find the sq footage you measure: width X length = sq ft.
Or to measure linear footage like for railings you simply pull out the ole tape measure and go by feet. Just simple length in a line. Hope this helps.
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Dennis A. Cormier and Gloria A. Wagner
North Georgia Spray Masters, Inc.
spraymasters@hotmail.com