Stair Tread Measurement

Walk your staircase and count every single step you plan to cover. Do you have a landing you'd also like to make safer and more comfortable? Be sure to include that in your final count. This simple number is the key to ordering the right amount and ensuring your project goes off without a hitch. No nails, no glue, no stress—and no leftover treads or last-minute orders!

Using your tape measure, find the depth of your stair tread. Place the end of the tape at the very front edge of the step—what we call the 'nosing'—and measure straight back until you touch the 'riser,' which is the vertical part of the stair. Keeping the tape measure flat and straight is crucial for an accurate measurement, ensuring our custom-made treads will fit just right.

Now, let's get the width. Measure your stair from one side all the way to the other (from the wall to the balusters, for example). This measurement gives you the total width you have to work with. Hold the tape measure taut and parallel to the front of the step for the most precise reading. This number will help you decide how much of that beautiful wood you want to frame your new treads.

The 'reveal' is the design-conscious term for the amount of wood you leave exposed on the sides of your tread. It's all about personal style! A common choice is to leave about half an inch to a full inch on each side, but it's your home—you decide. A great DIY-friendly tip is to use painter's tape to mock up different widths on a step. This helps you visualize the final look and choose the perfect balance where safety meets style in your home.