Step 1 · Step 1: Count Your Steps & Gather Your Tools

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.