Carpet Stair Covers

Intermediate

2 hours

4 Steps

0 Items

About This Project

Getting the right fit for your new carpet stair treads is the first step to a successful and beautiful DIY stair remodel. This simple guide will walk you through how to measure your stairs and landings to ensure your custom-made treads fit perfectly. All you'll need is a tape measure, a pencil, and a piece of paper to get started on making your stairs safer and more stylish.

Steps

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Step 1: Count Your Steps

2 minutes

Walk your staircase and count every individual step. Don't forget to include any landings you want to protect and beautify. This final count is the exact number of treads you'll need to order for a complete transformation.

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Step 2: Measure Tread Depth (Front to Back)

5 minutes

Place your tape measure on the front edge of the stair, which is called the 'nosing'. Measure straight back to where the flat part of the step meets the vertical panel, known as the 'riser'. This measurement ensures your new tread won't be too short or too long, providing optimal coverage and peace of mind.

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Step 3: Measure Stair Width (Side to Side)

5 minutes

Measure the entire usable width of your stair tread, from the wall or banister on one side to the other. This number is essential for the next step, where you'll decide how much of your beautiful wood you'd like to frame your new treads.

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Step 4: Choose Your 'Reveal'

3 minutes

This is where safety meets style! The 'reveal' is the strip of wood left showing on either side of your carpet tread. A common choice is a 1-inch reveal on each side for a classic, balanced look. For example, if your stair is 36 inches wide, a 34-inch tread gives you that 1-inch reveal on each side. This decision allows you to customize the look and feel of your staircase.