Stair Tread Measurement

Place your tape measure firmly against the 'riser' (the vertical part at the back of the step). Extend the tape straight out over the flat part of the tread and over the rounded front edge, which is called the 'nosing'. Crucial Tip: For a true measurement, your stairs must be bare. Measuring over old carpet, pads, or adhesive will result in treads that don't fit properly. Keep the tape measure level and record this depth measurement for each step.

Keeping your tape measure parallel to the riser, measure the width of your tread from side to side. For staircases enclosed by walls, measure from one wall to the other. If your stairs are open on one or both sides, measure the full width of the wooden tread surface. Most homeowners prefer a small, uniform border of about 1 inch on each side for a classic, finished appearance. Write down the width for every single step.

In a notebook, create a simple chart and log the depth and width for each step, numbering them from top to bottom. Don't be surprised if the sizes vary slightly—this is very common in home construction! If you find differences, use a small piece of painter's tape to label each stair with its corresponding number. We always recommend measuring twice to guarantee accuracy; this small step provides great peace of mind and ensures your custom-made treads will fit perfectly. For an extra layer of confidence, snapping a quick photo of each step can be a helpful reference.