Step 1 · Count Your Steps & Gather Your Gear

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.