Step 3 · Measure Tread Width (Side to Side)

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.