curved-stair-measurement

Setting yourself up for success starts with having the right tools on hand. For this project, you will need: a flexible measuring tape (essential for accurately following the curve of each tread), a protractor or angle finder to capture the angle of any tapered steps, and a level. You will also need paper or cardboard to create the templates that guarantee a perfect fit.

Work your way up the staircase, one step at a time. For each individual tread, use your flexible tape to measure the width across its widest point, which is usually the outer edge. Next, measure the depth from the very front of the tread (the 'nosing') to the back. Finally, use your protractor or angle finder to determine the curve angle. Taking these measurements from the same points on every step is key to achieving consistency and peace of mind.

To ensure your new treads are a perfect match, we highly recommend creating a template for each step. Simply lay your paper or cardboard over the tread and trace its exact shape, including the nosing. Carefully cut out the template. The most important part of this step is to clearly label each template with its corresponding step number (e.g., 'Step 1 from bottom,' 'Step 2,' etc.). This is especially critical for sharply tapered 'pie' steps. For your records, we suggest taking a quick photo of your labeled templates before sending them with your order.