how to measure stairs to choose the right size carpet stair treads

Before we dive into the details, let's get organized! Start by counting every single tread on your straight staircase. (A little expert tip: you'll always have one more riser than treads!) Then, gather your essential DIY toolkit: a sturdy, rigid tape measure, a trusty carpenter's square, a level for precision, some masking tape, and a pencil. Having these ready will make your measuring process smooth and stress-free, setting you up for success and a better way to tread.

Now for the depth – a critical measurement for that custom-made to fit feel. For each tread, gently place the end of your rigid tape measure against the vertical riser at the very back of the step. Carefully extend the tape straight out, right over the front rounded edge (we call this the nosing). The key here is to keep your tape perfectly flat and level across the tread's surface. A crucial safety and quality tip: always measure directly on the bare tread material. Measuring over old carpet, existing flooring, or adhesive will give you inaccurate results, compromising the perfect fit of your new treads. Take your time and record the depth for every single step.

Next, let's capture the width of each tread. Run your tape measure across the front edge, making sure it’s perfectly parallel to where the tread meets the back riser. This ensures a true, straight measurement. Is your staircase embraced by walls on both sides? Then you'll measure from wall to wall. If one side is open, measure from the outer edge of the tread to the wall, or from edge to edge if both sides are open. For that classic, refined, and design-conscious look, we typically recommend leaving about a 1-inch space on each side of your carpet tread. So, for instance, a 36-inch wide stair would beautifully frame a 34-inch wide tread. This small detail makes a big difference in achieving a professional finish.

You're almost there! Now, diligently write down both the width and depth measurements for every single step in your notebook. It's truly amazing how often steps can vary in size, even in brand new homes – this is why 'Custom-made to fit' is so important! If you discover any unique sizes, empower yourself by clearly labeling these steps with masking tape and a corresponding number. For those ordering our beautiful custom treads, we highly recommend snapping a photo of each individual step, particularly those with variations. This visual aid provides invaluable clarity for our team. Remember our golden rule for accuracy and peace of mind: 'Always measure twice and write it down once!'