How to Measure Carpeting for Stairs
When you are planning to replace or install carpet on your stairs, the measurements you take can be critical. You need accurate measurements to make sure you purchase enough carpet. Measuring your stairs for carpet is not difficult and can be done in a short amount of time.
Items Needed
- measuring tape
- paper
- pencil
- Count the number of your stairs. Add one stair to this number. Write this number down to refer to later.
- Measure the width of the tread. The tread is the horizontal part of your stair that you step on. Measure from one edge of the tread to the other. If your stairs are open, you will need to measure around the edge of the tread to where it meets the riser. Add this measurement to the width of your tread. Write this number down as width. This will be the width of carpet you will need for your stairs.
- Calculate the length of the carpet you will need by measuring the length of the tread and riser. The riser is the vertical part of your stairs that supports the tread. Start your measurements from the back of your tread and measure to the front edge of your stair. If you have a lip or overhang on your stairs, include this in your measurements. Write this number down. Measure the height of the riser on your stairs. Add this number to the measurement of the tread length. If you are placing carpet padding on your stairs, add 4 to 5 inches to your measurement.
- Multiply the number of stairs that you have with the measurement you took of the tread and riser length. This will be the length of carpet you will need for your stairs.