Step 1 · Step 1: Count Your Treads & Gather Your Gear

First, count the number of horizontal surfaces you actually step on—these are your treads. You'll likely notice you have one more vertical riser than you have treads. Now, let’s gather your tools for the job: a good quality, rigid tape measure, a carpenter's square, a level, some masking tape, and a pencil. Having everything on hand makes the process smooth and stress-free.