Repeat for All Risers and Measure Variation

What happens in this clip

Proceed step by step, moving the block to each subsequent riser. For each riser, place the block on the tread and against the riser. If the current tread height doesn't align with any previous mark on the block, make a new mark. You should now have multiple marks on your block, representing all the different riser heights encountered. Once you have checked all risers (down to the very bottom step), use a measuring tape or ruler to find the maximum difference between any two marks on your block. This measurement represents the overall riser height variation across your staircase.

Goal: Continue this process for every riser down the staircase, marking the block each time a new height is observed. Once all risers are checked, measure the total difference between the highest and lowest marks on the block.

What's used

Tools

• Measuring Tape or Ruler
• Scrap Lumber Block (with all marks)

About the full video

This video provides a simple, visual method to check the height variation of stair risers, ensuring compliance with common building codes that typically allow for a maximum of 3/8 inch variation between any two risers on a staircase. It demonstrates using a scrap block of wood to mark and compare riser heights from the top to the bottom of the staircase.

Step 4 of 6: Measure Riser Height

Measure the vertical distance from the top surface of one tread to the top surface of the tread immediately below it. This measurement is the riser height. Record the riser height for each individual step. Consistency in riser height is important for the usability and safety of the stairs.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Measure Outdoor Stairs for Treads

1. Step 1: Inspect Existing Stair Structure

   • 0:00–0:13 Assess Existing Stairs and Planning
   • 0:00–0:59 Assess Existing Unsafe Staircase
   • 0:00–0:12 Remove Old Stairs and Assess Site

2. Step 2: Measure Tread Depth

   • 0:31–1:01 Measure Riser Height and Tread Depth Consistency
   • 0:00–0:03 Measure Individual Stair Components
   • 0:55–1:05 Measure and Cut First Tread

3. Step 3: Measure Tread Width

   • 0:21–0:53 Measure Stair Tread Width
   • 0:00–0:03 Measure Individual Stair Components
   • 7:25–8:46 Measure Winder Steps Width

4. Step 4: Measure Riser Height

   • 1:44–2:33 Calculate Riser Height (Option 2) and Verify Code Compliance
   • 1:24–1:56 Repeat for All Risers and Measure Variation (this video)
   • 4:32–5:10 Calculate Individual Riser Height

5. Step 5: Check for Stair Squareness and Level

   • 1:11–2:23 Identify and Measure Out-of-Square Deviations
   • 12:00–14:21 Check Tread Level and Stringer Fit
   • 0:18–0:24 Verify Overall Frame Squareness, Plumb, and Level

6. Step 6: Document All Measurements and Irregularities

   • 3:09–4:52 Record All Measurements on Template
   • 0:00–0:03 Measure Individual Stair Components
   • 1:36–2:16 Measure Worn Sections for Code Compliance