L-shaped stair tread installation

Before you grab your tape measure, take a moment to examine the 90-degree turn between your two straight flights of stairs. Is it a single, flat platform? We call this a 'landing'. Or, is the turn made up of several angled, pie-shaped steps? These are known as 'winder steps'. Knowing the difference is the key to a perfect fit, as it tells us whether we’ll be ordering a single rectangular landing piece or several custom-made winder treads to elevate your staircase.

Now, for the straight portions of your L-shaped staircase, let's get those measurements. You'll need the width and depth of each individual step. A crucial tip: Always measure the tread surface itself, from edge to edge, not from the wall to the wall. Why? Because the walls around corners often aren't perfectly square, and this ensures a snug fit. Don't forget to account for any existing trim or the rounded front edge of the step (the 'overhang'). We recommend numbering each tread with a piece of painter's tape as you go—this simple trick prevents mix-ups and makes installation a breeze.

This is where your observation from Step 1 pays off. If you have a landing (a flat platform): Measure its full width and length to be treated as one large rectangular piece. For safety and proper coverage, this landing area must be at least 36 inches deep and as wide as the stairs leading to it. If you have winder steps (angled, wedge-shaped): These require individual attention. For each winder tread, you must measure its depth, the length of its narrow inner edge (near the turn), and the length of its wide outer edge. Taking these precise measurements is the secret to achieving that seamless, professional look where safety meets style on every part of your staircase.