← Guide
measure stairs for carpet treads
Step 1 of 4
Step 1 · Count Your Steps & Gather Your Tools
Your first step is to count the individual stair treads you plan to upgrade. A common point of confusion is treads vs. risers; the tread is the flat part you step on, and the riser is the vertical part. You'll always have one more riser than treads. Once you have your count, it’s time to gather your tools for this important prep work. You’ll need a rigid tape measure for accuracy, a carpenter’s square to ensure your lines are perfectly straight, a level for precision, some masking tape for temporary marking, and a trusty pencil to jot down your numbers.
Measure twice, write it down once — small errors cause costly delays during install.
Ensure your tape measure is rigid and does not bend or sag, as this can lead to inaccurate measurements.
Ensure your tape measure is rigid and does not bend or sag, as this can lead to inaccurate measurements.
General Hazard
Do not measure over old flooring, carpet, or adhesive, as this can throw off the depth measurement.
Subscribe for exclusive updates
Be the first to know about promotions, new products, and sales.