How to measure stairs

At LKL, we provide a complimentary measuring service. We understand that not everyone feels comfortable measuring their own flooring, and may not know how to measure stairs.

However ,in this blog  I’ll explain how to measure for a staircase in case you ever want to do it yourself.

We will start with a straight flight of stairs. This is a staircase that has no twists or turns, just goes from the hallway to the landing.

Measure From the top of the stairs to the bottom

Take the tape measure and measure from the top of the staircase and run it straight down. This is because, when the carpet is fit, this is the way the pile direction of the carpet will go.

Measure the Treads and Risers.

To measure the treads and risers, we first need to distinguish which is which.

The TREAD is the part of the step that you step on (AKA the depth). The RISER is the back of the step (AKA Height).

You tread on the step and rise your foot to get to the next one.

The tread and riser should be the same on all the stairs, however its always best to check, we will also need the width of the stair too.

Once you have this information, count how many steps you have. (most houses have 13 stairs)

Measuring the landing/ Hallway

When measuring the landing/ hallway we find the easiest way is to draw a plan. This way you can make a note of any doorways or alcoves that may be there and we can adjust the amount of carpet needed accordingly.

If you have a ½ Landing.

Some staircases have a 1/2 landing, measure the top flight of stairs as described above. Then measure the length and with of your 1/2 landing. Making sure when taking the length measurement go from the wall over the step. (see diagram below)

Repeat the process for the remaining stairs.

Measure each tread and riser, as you would a straight flight. Leave the ½ landing, repeat for remaining stairs.

Measuring winding stairs.

 Winding stairs, much like the ½ landing, are going to be taking in the full tread and riser calculations. We are wanting to determine the width at the widest point.

That to me sounds complicated, so ill break it down.

Each stair will need to be measured as sometimes they can vary in size, especially with winding stairs, or kite stairs as they are known.

Get your tape measure and measure the straight stairs’  treads and risers.

At the first curved stair take your tape measure and put it at the bottom of the riser (see Pic)

Then run the tapemeasure from there, over the step and into the crease, where the tread meets the riser.

Then we need a width (see pic) we need this at the widest point. So, measure right along the steps edge.

The next step will be different, so again look for the widest points. Tape measure in the corner, out, and straight over the step. Then measure your widest point.

Repeat for every winding stair.

And if after all that, your still confused, then click HERE, this video from the Home Improvemet Channel can help. Also as i mentioned we have the complimentary measuring service. To request or find out more CLICK HERE