measure my stairs

First things first, walk your staircase and count each flat surface you step on—these are your 'treads.' It's a fun fact that you'll always have one more vertical 'riser' than you have treads! To get started on the right foot, make sure you have a quality, rigid tape measure, a carpenter's square (for checking those perfect 90-degree angles), a level, some masking tape for easy labeling, and a pencil. Having the right tools on hand makes the job smooth and accurate.

Place the end of your tape measure firmly against the vertical riser at the back of a step. Extend the tape straight out over the flat part of the tread and across the rounded front lip, which we call the 'nosing.' For the most accurate measurement—and a tread that fits like a glove—it's essential to keep the tape measure flat and level. Important: Always measure the bare wood surface. Measuring on top of old carpet, padding, or glue residue will give you an incorrect reading and affect the fit of your new treads. Jot down the depth for each step.

Now, let's measure the width. Run your tape measure across the front of the tread, keeping it parallel to the riser at the back. If your stairs are enclosed between two walls, measure from wall to wall. If one side is open, measure from the finished edge across to the wall. At Oak Valley Designs, we find that leaving a small, uniform border of about 1 inch on each side creates a clean, elegant, and high-end look. For example, a 36-inch wide stair is perfectly complemented by one of our 34-inch wide treads.

This is where we bring it all together for that perfect, custom-made fit. In your notebook, create a simple list and record the width and depth for each step. Don't be surprised if some measurements vary slightly—it's very common in home construction! If you find a step with different dimensions, use a small piece of masking tape to label it with a number that corresponds to your notes. For the ultimate peace of mind, especially when ordering custom treads, snap a quick photo of each step. Remember the old carpenter's rule: measure twice, cut once. In our case, it’s measure twice to ensure a perfect fit, with no cutting required! This simple diligence ensures your easy DIY stair remodel is a complete success.