Step 1 · Count Your Steps & Gather Your Tools

Your first step is to count the individual stair treads you plan to upgrade. A common point of confusion is treads vs. risers; the tread is the flat part you step on, and the riser is the vertical part. You'll always have one more riser than treads. Once you have your count, it’s time to gather your tools for this important prep work. You’ll need a rigid tape measure for accuracy, a carpenter’s square to ensure your lines are perfectly straight, a level for precision, some masking tape for temporary marking, and a trusty pencil to jot down your numbers.