Measure Stair Tread Width
From how to install a carpet landing at the top of your stairs · Step 2 of 3 · Video by Oak Valley Designs
Showing 0:21–0:53 of the source video.
What happens in this clip
Start by measuring the entire width of your stair tread. This measurement typically goes from a spindle to the wall, or simply wall-to-wall if there are no spindles. For example, if the full width is 43 inches. Next, decide how much exposed wood you want to see on either side of the carpet stair tread. The recommendation is 2 to 4 inches per side. If you choose 4 inches per side, that's a total of 8 inches (4 inches + 4 inches). Subtract this total from the full stair width (e.g., 43 - 8 = 35 inches). This final number is the ideal width for your carpet stair tread.
Goal: Measure the total width of your stair tread and then calculate the desired carpet tread width by subtracting the amount of exposed wood you want on each side.
What's used
Tools
- Tape Measure
About the full video
This video provides detailed instructions on how to accurately measure stair treads for custom carpet installations. It covers measuring both the width and depth of each tread, offering guidance on how to adjust these measurements to achieve the desired aesthetic of exposed wood. A helpful tip for visualizing the final fit using painter's tape is also included to ensure satisfaction before ordering.
What's said in this clip
You're going to take a measurement from the spindle to the wall. It could be wall to wall, whatever your staircase looks like. and that is 43 in. Next, you're going to want to decide how much wood to see on either side of the carpet stair tread. So, we recommend 2 to 4 in of wood on either side. Let's go with 4 in for this order. And let's say 4 in + 4 in is 8. 43 - 8 is 35. So, a 35 wide stair tread is perfect for this step. Let's go to measurement number two.
Automatically transcribed from the source video.
Step 2 of 3: Step 2: Measuring Your Individual Stair Treads for a Perfect Fit
Now, let's ensure every step is accounted for! Carefully measure the width of each individual step from edge to edge, and its depth from the front edge (or 'nosing') back to the riser. This is the very same straightforward measurement process you'd use for a straight staircase. The goal is to get a perfect, custom-made fit for each tread. If you discover that some steps have slightly different dimensions than others – which is more common than you might think! – it's incredibly important to number them clearly. This attention to detail allows us to craft the correct custom-sized treads, ensuring safety meets style on every single step.
Other videos for this step
how to install a carpet landing at the top of your stairs
Ready to transform your staircase? This DIY-friendly guide empowers you to achieve a beautiful, professional-looking result by detailing how to measure and install a carpet landing at the top of your stairs. We'll clarify that the landing requires a distinct, custom-sized carpet piece, not a standard stair tread, and walk you through accurate measurement techniques for all landing shapes, including tricky angles. Learn the essential dimensions and the correct installation sequence – securing the landing first, then your individual stair treads – to ensure a seamless, stylish, and safe transition for your family.
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