Step 3 · Step 3: Measure the Width of Each Tread

Working on one tread at a time (and don't forget the landing!), measure the width from left to right. If your stairs are between two walls, measure the full wall-to-wall distance. If one or both sides are open, measure the full width of the wood tread. To achieve that classic, high-end look, our treads are designed to leave a small, elegant border of wood visible. A common practice is to leave about 1 inch on each side. So, for a 36-inch wide stair, a 34-inch tread is a perfect choice. Record the width for each step.