powered by

Define Initial Perimeter with Tape

From how to measure an L-shaped staircase for carpet stair treads · Step 3 of 3 · Video by Oak Valley Designs

Showing 0:30–0:48 of the source video.

What happens in this clip

Take painter's tape and place it along the edge where the carpet will begin on the landing. Extend this tape in a straight line, making sure it goes past any obstacles such as a newel post. Crucially, the tape must maintain a minimum distance of 2 inches from the post or any turning point. If this clearance is less than 2 inches, it can complicate the manufacturing process for the custom carpet landing.

Goal: Use painter's tape to mark the first straight edge of the carpet landing, extending it past any architectural features like a newel post, ensuring a minimum clearance of 2 inches.

What's used

Tools

  • Painter's Tape

About the full video

This video details the specialized method of accurately measuring a stair landing for carpet installation. It involves using painter's tape to define the carpet's perimeter, ensuring precise cuts and a neat finish that aligns with existing stair treads and accounts for architectural features like posts.

What's said in this clip

After you do that, you're going to take your painters tape and you're going to bring it straight out this way past your post. Make sure you clear this turn. This cannot be less than 2 in or it starts to get a little weird when we manufacture the landing. Okay, so this has to be longer than 2 in. Make the

Automatically transcribed from the source video.

Step 3 of 3: Conquering the Corner: Measuring Your Landing or Winder Steps

This is where your initial identification truly pays off! * **For a Landing:** If your turn features a welcoming landing, simply measure its full width and its full length. You'll treat this as one distinct, custom-sized piece, designed to seamlessly complement your straight stair treads. Remember, for optimal safety and aesthetics, your landing should ideally be at least 36 inches deep and as wide as your stair flights. This ensures a consistent, secure surface. * **For Winder Steps:** If your staircase gracefully navigates the turn with winder steps, each wedge-shaped step is a unique canvas! You'll need to measure each winder individually. For every winder tread, carefully measure its narrow inner edge, its wider outer edge, and its depth. This meticulous approach ensures that your custom Oak Valley Designs treads will perfectly hug each unique shape, providing unmatched safety, stability, and a truly bespoke look. This is how we ensure 'A better way to tread' for every angle of your home.

Open this step in the guide

Other videos for this step

how to measure an L-shaped staircase for carpet stair treads

An L-shaped staircase, often called a quarter-turn, brings unique architectural charm to your home. But when it comes to adding the safety and style of carpet stair treads, its 90-degree turn can seem a little tricky to measure. Don't worry, we're here to empower your DIY journey! The secret to a perfect, custom fit for your Oak Valley Designs treads is to see your L-shaped staircase as three distinct areas: the first straight flight, the turning section, and the second straight flight. The way you approach the turn—whether it's a spacious landing or elegant winder steps—will guide your measuring strategy. For straight sections, you'll precisely measure each tread's width and depth. For a landing, it's one simple, larger measurement. For winder steps, each unique, tapered step gets its own careful attention. And here’s a pro tip for peace of mind: always measure from the *tread edge to tread edge*, never wall to wall. This ensures your custom treads fit beautifully, even if your walls aren't perfectly square, delivering the safety and elegance your family deserves.

Read the full guide Browse all guides

Planning this project? Shop Oak Valley Designs.

powered by