Step 3 · Step 3: Measure the Width (Side to Side)

To measure the width, run your tape measure from side to side along the front edge of the step, keeping it parallel to the riser. If your stairs are between two walls, measure wall-to-wall. If one side is open, measure from the wall to your other boundary. To achieve that polished, intentional design, we recommend leaving a small border of exposed wood. For example, a standard 36-inch wide stair looks fantastic with a 34-inch tread, leaving a 1-inch border on each side.