measure stairs with a landing after the 4th step

Let's start by walking your staircase and counting every single tread you'll be covering. Since your layout includes a landing after the 4th step, make a note of that. Having the right tools makes any DIY project easier, so before you begin measuring, grab these essentials: a good rigid tape measure, a carpenter's square, a level, some masking tape, and a pencil and paper to jot down your numbers.

Working one step at a time, place the end of your tape measure firmly against the riser (the vertical part of the stair). Pull the tape straight across the flat part of the tread and over the rounded front edge, which is called the 'nosing'. It's vital that the tape measure lies completely flat. **Safety and Accuracy Tip:** For a true measurement, always measure the bare wood. Measuring over old carpet, runners, or leftover adhesive will result in treads that don't fit properly. Carefully write down the depth for each individual step.

Measure the width of your tread from side to side. For staircases enclosed by walls, measure from wall to wall. If one side is open, measure from the wall to the very edge of the open side. **Design Tip:** To achieve that classic, high-end look, many homeowners leave about a 1-inch border of exposed wood on each side. For example, a 36-inch wide stair is perfectly complemented by a 34-inch wide tread. This not only looks beautiful but also highlights the quality of your wooden stairs. Record the width for every step.

Now, create a simple list with the width and depth for every single step. It's not uncommon for stairs in a home to have slight variations! If you find a step that's different, use a small piece of masking tape to label it with a number that corresponds to your notes. This is the secret to a truly custom-made fit. For an extra layer of confidence, especially when ordering our treads, taking a quick photo of your tape measure on a uniquely sized step is a great idea. Remember the carpenter's rule: measure twice, cut once. In our case, it's 'measure twice for a perfect fit the first time!'