Prepare and Plan Tread Placement

What happens in this clip

Begin by preparing your wooden staircase, ensuring it is clean and free of any dust, debris, or old adhesive residue. Take a pre-made stair tread and place it on each step to determine the proper fit and alignment. Use a measuring tape to note any necessary cuts for width or depth, accounting for the nose of the stair. It's often beneficial to dry-fit all treads before applying any adhesive to ensure a good layout, identify any custom cuts needed for irregular steps, and confirm the aesthetic arrangement.

Goal: Ensure proper fit and alignment of stair treads

What's used

Tools

• Measuring tape
• Yardstick
• Pencil
• Chalk
• Stair treads
• Vinyl planks
• Rubber treads

Pro tips for this step

• Oak Valley Designs Pro Tip: Count each tread, remembering you'll have one more riser than treads on a straight staircase.

These safety tips are AI-generated and have not been verified by a professional. They may be incomplete or incorrect. Verify independently against manufacturer instructions and local codes, and consult a qualified professional before relying on them. This is not a substitute for professional advice.

About the full video

This project provides a step-by-step guide on how to install pre-made stair treads onto a wooden staircase. The process involves precise measurement and dry-fitting, cutting the treads to size, applying adhesive for secure bonding, and finally, fastening the treads with a staple gun to ensure a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.

Step 1 of 4: Your First Step: Counting Treads and Assembling Your DIY Toolkit

Before we dive into the details, let's get organized! Start by counting every single tread on your straight staircase. (A little expert tip: you'll always have one more riser than treads!) Then, gather your essential DIY toolkit: a sturdy, rigid tape measure, a trusty carpenter's square, a level for precision, some masking tape, and a pencil. Having these ready will make your measuring process smooth and stress-free, setting you up for success and a better way to tread.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in how to measure stairs to choose the right size carpet stair treads

1. Step 1: Your First Step: Counting Treads and Assembling Your DIY Toolkit

   • 0:03–0:04 Prepare and Plan Tread Placement (this video)

2. Step 2: Mastering Depth: Your Guide to Accurate Tread Measurement

   • 0:54–1:39 Measure Stair Tread Depth
   • 0:21–0:53 Measure Stair Tread Width
   • 0:15–0:20 Measure and Mark Tread Placement

3. Step 3: Width Wisdom: Ensuring a Stylish, Secure Fit

   • 0:21–0:53 Measure Stair Tread Width
   • 0:09–0:21 Understand Measurement Types
   • 0:00–0:11 Measure and Align First Stair Tread

4. Step 4: Document for Distinction: Recording, Labeling, and Double-Checking Your Work

   • 0:54–1:39 Measure Stair Tread Depth
   • 0:09–0:21 Understand Measurement Types
   • 0:21–0:53 Measure Stair Tread Width