Step 1 · Step 1: Count Your Steps & Gather Your Tools

First things first, let's count the number of stair treads you'll be transforming. A quick tip: you'll always have one more riser (the vertical part of the stair) than you have treads (the flat part you step on). Once you have your count, gather these simple tools for the job: a sturdy, rigid tape measure, a carpenter's square (for checking corners), a small level, some masking tape, and a trusty pencil and notebook. Having everything on hand makes the process smooth and stress-free.