Measure the Stairs

What happens in this clip

To ensure the carpet runner is long and wide enough, accurate measurements are essential. First, select one stair tread (the horizontal top surface of a step) and measure its depth. Next, measure the height of the riser (the vertical part of the step). Multiply the height by the number of risers and the depth by the number of treads on your staircase. Add these two sums together, then add an additional 6 to 8 inches to account for waste. This total will be the required length of the runner. If using more than one runner, add an additional 12 inches to the total length to account for seams where the two carpet pieces will join. If your staircase includes a landing and you plan to install the runner there, ensure you include the landing area in your measurements.

Goal: Determine the correct length and width of the carpet runner needed for your staircase.

What's used

Tools

• Notepad
• Digital device
• Pencil
• Pen
• Tape Measure Stanley Fatmax

About the full video

This project provides a comprehensive guide on how to measure stairs, cut and install carpet padding, and then install a carpet runner on a flight of stairs. It covers both the 'wrap' and 'waterfall' installation methods and includes an optional step for adding decorative stair rods.

Step 1 of 4: Measure Stair Dimensions

Carefully measure the width of each stair tread from one edge to the other. Then, measure the depth of each stair tread from the front edge to the riser. Record these measurements for each stair, as they will be used to cut or select the correct size of carpet treads.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Update Rental Stairs with Removable Carpet Treads

1. Step 1: Measure Stair Dimensions

   • 0:26–1:13 Measure the Stairs (this video)
   • 0:00–0:03 Measure Individual Stair Components
   • 0:57–1:16 Measure Treads and Mark Laminate

2. Step 2: Clean Stair Risers and Treads

   • 0:34–0:40 Clean the Stairs
   • 0:18–0:31 Clean the Stairs
   • 0:09–0:45 Prepare and Clean Stair Treads

3. Step 3: Cut Carpet Treads to Size

   • 0:01 Cut and Size Carpet Treads
   • 0:18–0:33 Cut Carpet Pieces to Size
   • 2:09–3:19 Measure and Cut Carpet Pieces

4. Step 4: Install Carpet Treads

   • 3:25–4:32 Secure Treads to Stairs
   • 0:04–0:06 Install Carpet Treads
   • 0:06–0:14 Install Carpet Treads