Measure Flooring For Stairs? (4 Steps To Success!)

Ever been knee-deep in a DIY project, thinking you’ve got it all figured out, only to hit a snag that sends you spiraling?

I’ve been there, especially with stairs.

One time, a homeowner I knew was determined to install new hardwood on their staircase to save some cash.

Seemed straightforward, right?

Wrong.

They rushed the measuring, didn’t account for the angles, and ended up with a pile of beautifully cut, expensive wood that didn’t fit anywhere.

It was a costly lesson in the importance of precision.

That’s why I’m writing this.

Stair flooring is tricky, but with the right approach, you can nail it.

I’m going to break down the process into four simple steps that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.

Let’s dive in!

Section 1: Understanding the Importance of Measuring Stair Flooring

Stairs aren’t like floors. They’re a series of individual pieces that need to fit together perfectly.

Think of it like this: flooring a room is like piecing together a puzzle on a flat surface.

Flooring stairs is like building a 3D puzzle with angled pieces.

The potential for error is much higher.

A slight miscalculation can lead to gaps, uneven surfaces, and a finished product that looks… well, let’s just say less than professional.

Beyond aesthetics, safety is a major concern.

Uneven stair treads can be a tripping hazard, and nobody wants that.

Plus, properly measured and installed flooring creates a cohesive design that ties your entire home together.

It’s the difference between a staircase that looks like an afterthought and one that’s a stunning focal point.

So, what’s the secret? Accurate measurements.

And that’s where these four steps come in:

1. Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

2. Measure the Stair Treads and Risers

3. Calculate Total Area for Flooring

4. Double-Check Measurements and Prepare for Installation

Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to a staircase that’s both beautiful and safe.

Section 2: Step 1 – Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

Okay, before we even think about touching a tape measure, let’s get our toolkit ready.

Having the right tools makes all the difference.

Trust me, I’ve tried to cut corners before, and it always ends up costing me more time and effort in the long run.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Tape Measure: A good quality, retractable tape measure is essential. I prefer one that’s at least 25 feet long. You want to be able to measure the longest tread without having to move the tape.

  • Pro-Tip: Look for one with a wide blade for easier reading and a magnetic tip for holding it in place.

• Level: A level is crucial for ensuring your measurements are accurate, especially on older stairs that might have settled over time. A 2-foot level should do the trick.

• Straightedge: A straightedge, like a metal ruler or a long piece of wood, helps you draw straight lines and check for any unevenness on the treads and risers.

• Calculator: Unless you’re a math whiz, a calculator will save you time and reduce the risk of errors when calculating the total area. Your phone’s calculator works just fine!

• Graph Paper and Pencil: I like to sketch out the stairs and jot down measurements on graph paper. It helps me visualize the project and keep track of everything.

• Flooring Samples (Optional): If you already have your flooring selected, having a few samples on hand can be helpful for visualizing how the flooring will look on the stairs and for making accurate cuts.

• Safety Glasses: Always protect your eyes when working with tools and materials.

Now that you’ve got your tools, let’s talk about workspace prep.

Clear the area around the stairs as much as possible.

Move any furniture or rugs that might get in the way.

You want to be able to move freely around the stairs without tripping over anything.

Make sure the stairs are clean and dry.

Sweep or vacuum them to remove any dust, dirt, or debris.

This will give you a clear surface to work on and prevent your measurements from being affected by any obstructions.

Section 3: Step 2 – Measure the Stair Treads and Risers

Alright, now for the fun part! Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and start measuring those treads and risers.

But first, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page.

What are Treads and Risers?

• Treads: The treads are the horizontal part of the stairs that you step on.

• Risers: The risers are the vertical part of the stairs that connect the treads.

Think of it like this: treads are where your feet go, and risers are what your toes bump into.

Measuring the Treads

1. Length: Measure the length of each tread from one side to the other. Make sure to measure along the front edge of the tread, as this is the most visible part. Write down each measurement separately, as treads can vary slightly in length, especially in older homes.

2. Width (Depth): Measure the width of each tread from the front edge to the back where it meets the riser. Again, record each measurement individually.

3. Overhang (Nosing): The overhang, also known as the nosing, is the part of the tread that extends beyond the riser below. Measure the overhang on each tread. This measurement is important for ensuring your new flooring will fit properly and look aesthetically pleasing.

4. Irregular Shapes: Stairs aren’t always perfectly rectangular. Some might have curved or angled edges. For these, you’ll need to take multiple measurements at different points along the tread to capture its unique shape. You can then use these measurements to create a template on graph paper.

Measuring the Risers

1. Height: Measure the height of each riser from the top of the tread below to the bottom of the tread above. Be precise! Even a small difference in riser height can be noticeable and even dangerous.

2. Width: The width of the riser is the same as the length of the tread above it. You should already have this measurement from when you measured the treads. But it doesn’t hurt to double-check!

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Assuming All Stairs Are the Same: This is a big one! Don’t assume that all your treads and risers are the same size. Measure each one individually.

• Not Accounting for Overhang: Forgetting to measure the overhang can lead to your flooring being too short or too long.

• Ignoring Irregular Shapes: If your stairs have curved or angled edges, you need to account for these in your measurements. Otherwise, your flooring won’t fit properly.

• Measuring with a Sagging Tape Measure: Make sure your tape measure is taut and straight when taking measurements. A sagging tape measure will give you an inaccurate reading.

Visual Aids

Imagine a simple diagram:

[Diagram: Side view of a single stair]

• Label the horizontal part as “Tread”
• Label the vertical part as “Riser”
• Label the overhanging part of the tread as “Nosing (Overhang)”
• Add arrows indicating where to measure the length, width (depth), and height.

[Diagram: Top view of a stair tread with an irregular shape]

• Show a tread with a curved or angled edge.
• Add multiple arrows indicating where to take measurements along the irregular edge.

Section 4: Step 3 – Calculate Total Area for Flooring

You’ve got all your measurements. Great!

Now it’s time to put those numbers to work and figure out how much flooring you actually need.

This step is crucial for avoiding costly mistakes like buying too little flooring (and having to make another trip to the store) or buying too much (and wasting money).

Calculating Area for Treads

The area of a rectangular tread is simply its length multiplied by its width:

Area of Tread = Length x Width

If you have treads with irregular shapes, you’ll need to break them down into smaller, more manageable shapes (like rectangles and triangles) and calculate the area of each shape separately.

Then, add up the areas of all the shapes to get the total area of the tread.

Calculating Area for Risers

The area of a riser is its width (which is the same as the length of the tread above it) multiplied by its height:

Area of Riser = Width x Height

Accounting for Waste

This is where things get a little tricky.

You can’t just add up the areas of all your treads and risers and call it a day.

You need to account for waste.

Waste is the extra material that you’ll need to cut off to fit the flooring around the stairs.

On stairs, waste can be significant due to the angles and curves involved.

As a general rule of thumb, I recommend adding 10-15% to your total area to account for waste.

For complex staircases with lots of angles and curves, you might even want to add 20%.

It’s always better to have a little extra than to come up short!

Total Flooring Needed

To calculate the total flooring needed, add up the areas of all the treads and risers, and then add the waste allowance:

Total Area = (Sum of Tread Areas) + (Sum of Riser Areas) + (Waste Allowance)

Example Calculation

Let’s say you have a staircase with 10 steps.

Each tread is 11 inches deep and 36 inches long.

Each riser is 7 inches high and 36 inches wide.

• Area of one tread = 36 inches x 11 inches = 396 square inches

• Area of one riser = 36 inches x 7 inches = 252 square inches

• Total area of all treads = 396 square inches/tread x 10 treads = 3960 square inches

• Total area of all risers = 252 square inches/riser x 10 risers = 2520 square inches

• Total area of treads and risers = 3960 square inches + 2520 square inches = 6480 square inches

Now, let’s add a 10% waste allowance:

• Waste allowance = 6480 square inches x 0.10 = 648 square inches

• Total flooring needed = 6480 square inches + 648 square inches = 7128 square inches

To convert this to square feet, divide by 144 (since there are 144 square inches in a square foot):

• Total flooring needed = 7128 square inches / 144 square inches/square foot = 49.5 square feet

So, you would need approximately 49.5 square feet of flooring to cover your staircase.

I’d probably buy 50 or 51 to be safe.

Tips for Accurate Calculations

• Double-check your measurements before doing any calculations.

• Use a calculator to avoid math errors.

• Be generous with your waste allowance, especially if you’re working with complex staircases or expensive flooring.

• When in doubt, consult with a flooring professional.

Section 5: Step 4 – Double-Check Measurements and Prepare for Installation

You’ve measured, you’ve calculated, and you’re almost ready to start installing your new stair flooring.

But before you do, there’s one more crucial step: double-checking your measurements.

Trust me, this is not the time to cut corners.

A few minutes spent verifying your measurements can save you hours of frustration and prevent costly mistakes.

Why Double-Check?

• Human Error: We all make mistakes. It’s easy to misread a tape measure or transpose numbers.

• Variations in Stairs: As we discussed earlier, stairs can vary in size and shape, even within the same staircase.

• Material Thickness: The thickness of your new flooring can affect the overall fit and appearance of the stairs.

Checklist for Key Measurements

• Tread Length: Verify the length of each tread, especially if you have any that are different sizes.

• Tread Width (Depth): Double-check the width of each tread, including the overhang (nosing).

• Riser Height: Ensure that the height of each riser is consistent. If not, you may need to make adjustments during installation.

• Total Area: Recalculate the total area needed for flooring, including the waste allowance.

Preparing for Installation

Once you’ve double-checked your measurements and are confident that they’re accurate, it’s time to prepare for the installation process.

Here are a few things to consider:

• DIY or Professional? Are you planning to install the flooring yourself, or will you be hiring a professional contractor? If you’re going the DIY route, make sure you have the necessary tools and skills. If you’re hiring a contractor, get multiple quotes and check their references.

• Material Acclimation: Some flooring materials, like hardwood, need to acclimate to the humidity and temperature of your home before installation. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for acclimation.

• Subfloor Preparation: The subfloor is the surface underneath your new flooring. Make sure it’s clean, level, and dry. Repair any damage or imperfections before installing the new flooring.

• Cutting and Fitting: Have a plan for cutting and fitting the flooring around the stairs. Use a sharp saw and take your time. It’s better to cut too little than too much.

Coordinating with Contractors

If you’re hiring a contractor, communication is key.

Make sure they understand your expectations and that they have all the necessary information, including your measurements and flooring selection.

Ask them about their installation process and any potential challenges they foresee.

Final Thoughts

Installing new flooring on stairs can be a challenging but rewarding project.

By following these four steps – gathering the right tools, measuring accurately, calculating the total area, and double-checking your work – you can ensure a successful installation and a beautiful, safe staircase.

Remember, patience and precision are key.

Take your time, double-check your measurements, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

With a little planning and effort, you can transform your staircase into a stunning focal point in your home.

Learn more