Step 3 · Step 3: Measure the Width of Each Tread

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.