measure stairs

Let's start with a quick count of your stair treads. A helpful tip: the number of vertical risers is always one more than the number of horizontal treads you walk on. Once you have your count, gather these essential tools. Using a rigid tape measure (not a flexible sewing one) provides the stability you need for accurate results. A carpenter's square helps confirm true right angles, and a level ensures your measurements aren't skewed. Finally, have some masking tape and a pencil ready to record your findings.

Begin with your first step. Place the end of your tape measure flush against the vertical riser (the back of the step). Extend the tape straight out, flat and level, until it goes over the front edge, or 'nosing,' of the tread. Important: For an accurate measurement that ensures a perfect fit, do not measure over any old carpet, padding, or leftover adhesive. This will throw off your numbers. Write down the depth for this specific step before proceeding to the next one. This precision is a key part of The Oak Valley Difference.

It's time to measure the width. If your stairs are enclosed between two walls, simply measure from wall to wall. If one or both sides are open, measure the full width of the wooden tread itself. For a beautiful, finished look that brings warmth and elegance to your home, we suggest a 'bordered' style. This means leaving about 1 inch of exposed wood on either side of your carpet tread. So, for a 36-inch wide staircase, a 34-inch wide tread is the perfect choice to achieve this professional design.

Now, create your master list, writing down the specific width and depth for each step. You might be surprised to find that not all steps are identical, even in newer homes! Don't worry, this is very common. Simply use a small piece of masking tape to number any steps that have unique dimensions. This is the most important part of guaranteeing your treads are truly custom-made to fit. When ordering, we highly recommend taking a clear photo of each step (especially the unique ones) to share with us. This helps us ensure your order is made right here in Georgia with the utmost care and precision.