5 Steps to Accurately Measure for a Staircase

Measuring for a Staircase

Measuring for a staircase is a crucial step in the planning process, ensuring a safe and functional design. Whether you’re constructing a new staircase or renovating an existing one, accurate measurements are essential for a seamless installation. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to measure for a staircase, covering the key dimensions and techniques to ensure precision.

Before embarking on the measuring process, it’s important to gather the necessary tools. These include a tape measure, a level, a pencil, and a notepad for recording your measurements. Additionally, a helper is recommended, especially for larger staircases, to provide support and assist with holding the tape measure. Starting from the bottom of the staircase, measure the distance from the floor to the top of the landing. This measurement will determine the overall height of the staircase. Next, measure the length of the staircase, which is the distance along the floor from the bottom step to the top step.

Once you have the height and length measurements, you can calculate the rise and run of the steps. The rise is the vertical distance between the tops of two consecutive steps. The run is the horizontal distance between the front edges of two consecutive steps. These measurements are crucial for determining the safety and comfort of the staircase. The ideal rise and run dimensions are within a specific range to ensure a comfortable and safe ascent and descent. By carefully measuring for a staircase, you can establish a solid foundation for a well-crafted and functional structure.

$title$ Determine the Rise and Run

Measuring the rise and run of a staircase is crucial for determining the number of steps, their height, and the overall slope of the staircase. Here’s a step-by-step guide to accurately measuring these dimensions:

Measuring the Rise

The rise of a step is the vertical distance between the top of one tread (the horizontal surface you step on) and the top of the next tread. To measure the rise:

Place a measuring tape perpendicular to the edge of a tread, starting at the top of the tread.
Extend the measuring tape to the top of the next tread, ensuring it remains perpendicular.
Record the measurement in inches or centimeters.
Repeat this process for several steps to obtain the average rise of the staircase.

Measuring the Run

The run of a step is the horizontal distance between the front edge of a tread and the front edge of the next tread. To measure the run:

Align the measuring tape parallel to the edge of a tread, starting at the front edge.
Extend the measuring tape to the front edge of the next tread, ensuring it remains parallel.
Record the measurement in inches or centimeters.
Repeat this process for several steps to obtain the average run of the staircase.

Measure the Height of the Landing

To measure the height of the landing, you will need to determine the vertical distance between the floor of the landing and the top of the nosing of the bottom step. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an accurate measurement:

Step 1: Gather Your Equipment

You will need a measuring tape, a level, and a pencil or marker.

Step 2: Locate the Reference Points

Identify the floor of the landing and the top of the nosing of the bottom step. The nosing is the front edge of the stair tread that projects over the riser. Mark these reference points with your pencil or marker.

Step 3: Measure the Vertical Distance

Hold the measuring tape vertically against the wall, aligning the zero mark with the floor of the landing. Extend the tape measure to the top of the nosing of the bottom step. Read and record the measurement at the mark where the tape touches the nosing.

Step 4: Double-Check Your Measurement

To ensure accuracy, use a level to check the verticality of your measuring tape. Make sure the tape is perfectly plumb before taking your measurement.

Step 5: Record Your Measurement

Write down the height of the landing in inches or centimeters. This measurement will be used to calculate the rise of the stairs.

Calculate the Number of Steps

Determining the Number of Steps

To calculate the number of steps, we need to divide the total rise, or vertical distance, by the desired riser height. Riser heights typically range from 5.5 to 7 inches. Using a comfortable riser height of 6.5 inches as an example:

Number of Steps = Total Rise (in inches) ÷ Riser Height (6.5 inches)

Example

Let’s say the total rise from the floor to the landing is 100 inches. Using the formula above:

Number of Steps = 100 ÷ 6.5

This gives us approximately 15.38 steps. Since we cannot have a fraction of a step, we round up to the nearest whole number, resulting in 16 steps.

Determine the Stair Stringer Length

To calculate the stringer length, you’ll need to determine the following measurements:

The rise of the stairs: the vertical distance between two consecutive treads.
The run of the stairs: the horizontal distance between the nose of two consecutive treads (usually corresponds to the width of the tread).
The length of the overhang: the distance the stringer extends beyond the top and bottom treads.

Once you have these measurements, you can use the following formula to determine the stringer length:

Formula for Stringer Length

Stringer length = [(Rise × Number of risers) + (Run × Number of runs)] + (Overhang × 2)

For example, if you have a staircase with 10 risers, each with a rise of 7 inches, 11 runs, each with a run of 10 inches, and an overhang of 6 inches, the stringer length would be calculated as:

Stringer length = [(7 × 10) + (10 × 11)] + (6 × 2) = 186 inches

It’s important to note that this formula only provides an approximation of the stringer length. For precise measurements, it’s recommended to use a stair calculator or consult with a professional carpenter.

Table of Stringer Length Calculations

The following table provides a simplified example of stringer length calculations for different staircase configurations:

Number of Risers	Rise (in inches)	Number of Runs	Run (in inches)	Overhang (in inches)	Stringer Length (inches)
10	7	11	10	6	186
12	8	13	9	4	192
14	7.5	15	10	5	205

Measure for any Curves or Angles

If your staircase has any curves or angles, you will need to take additional measurements. For curves, you will need to measure the radius of the curve. To do this, measure from the center of the curve to the edge of the stair. For angles, you will need to measure the angle of the turn. To do this, measure the angle between the two sides of the stair.

Here is a table of measurements that you may need to take:

Measurement	Description
Rise	The vertical distance between two treads.
Run	The horizontal distance between two risers.
Nosing	The overhang of the tread over the riser.
Radius of curvature	The distance from the center of a curve to the edge of the stair.
Angle of turn	The angle between the two sides of a stair.

Once you have taken all of your measurements, you can use them to create a plan for your staircase. This will help you to ensure that your staircase is safe and code-compliant.

Account For Handrails and Balusters

Handrails and balusters not only provide safety but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of a staircase. When measuring for a staircase, it’s crucial to account for their dimensions to ensure a comfortable and visually pleasing result.

1. Handrail Height

The handrail height should be between 34-38 inches (86-97 cm) from the step tread’s nosing, which is the front edge of the step.

2. Handrail Width

The handrail should be 1.5-2 inches (3.8-5.1 cm) in diameter or width to provide a comfortable grip.

3. Baluster Spacing

Building codes typically require a maximum spacing of 4 inches (10.2 cm) between balusters to prevent children from falling through. However, some aesthetic variations may allow for wider spacings.

4. Handrail Extension

The handrails should extend at least 12 inches (30.5 cm) past the top and bottom steps to provide continuous support.

5. Post Placement

Posts, which support the handrails and balusters, should be evenly spaced along the staircase. The maximum distance between posts should not exceed 4 feet (1.2 m).

6. Projection

Handrails and balusters can project beyond the edge of the stairs. However, any projection should not exceed 4 inches (10.2 cm) to prevent obstructing the walking surface. The following table summarizes the recommended dimensions for projection:

	Straight Staircase	Curved Staircase
Handrail Projection	1.5-2 inches (3.8-5.1 cm)	2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm)
Baluster Projection	3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm)	4 inches (10.2 cm)

Consider Building Code Requirements

Building codes vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but most have specific requirements for staircases. These requirements typically include the following:

Minimum width: The minimum width of a staircase is typically 36 inches, but it may be wider in some cases.
Maximum rise: The maximum rise of a stair is typically 7 inches, but it may be higher in some cases.
Maximum run: The maximum run of a stair is typically 12 inches, but it may be longer in some cases.
Number of steps: The number of steps in a staircase must be even.
Handrails: Handrails are required on both sides of a staircase that has more than four steps.
Guardrails: Guardrails are required on open sides of a staircase that is more than 30 inches above the floor.
Headroom: There must be at least 6 feet 8 inches of headroom above the stairs at all points.

Building Code Requirement	Requirement
Minimum width	36 inches
Maximum rise	7 inches
Maximum run	12 inches
Number of steps	Even
Handrails	Required on both sides of a staircase with more than four steps
Guardrails	Required on open sides of a staircase that is more than 30 inches above the floor
Headroom	6 feet 8 inches

It is important to check with your local building code officials to determine the specific requirements for staircases in your area.

Factor in Overhang and Nosing

The overhang is the amount of tread that extends beyond the riser below it. The nosing is the rounded or angled edge of the tread that projects over the edge of the riser. Both the overhang and nosing can affect the overall appearance and safety of your stairs.

Overhang

A typical overhang is 1-1/2 inches to 2 inches. However, you may want to increase the overhang if you have a thick carpet or if you want to create a more dramatic look. If the overhang is too small, the tread may not be wide enough for safe footing. If the overhang is too large, it may create a tripping hazard.

Nosing

The nosing can be rounded or angled. A rounded nosing is more comfortable to walk on, but it can be more difficult to clean. An angled nosing is easier to clean, but it can be more slippery. The size of the nosing should be proportional to the size of the tread.

Overhang	Nosing
1-1/2 inches to 2 inches	Rounded or angled

Use a Stair Gauge for Accuracy

Step 1: Gather Materials

Acquire essential materials: a stair gauge, a measuring tape, and a pencil. A stair gauge, an L-shaped tool, simplifies measurements by aligning its arms with the tread and riser.

Step 2: Position the Gauge

Align the stair gauge’s arms parallel to the tread and riser surfaces. The shorter arm (tread gauge) rests on the tread, while the longer arm (riser gauge) extends vertically against the riser.

Step 3: Mark the Tread

Mark the tread’s width at the intersection of the tread and riser gauges. This indicates the tread’s starting point.

Step 4: Mark the Riser

Mark the riser’s height at the intersection of both gauges. This establishes the riser’s top edge.

Step 5: Measure Tread Depth

Place the measuring tape on the tread’s starting point and extend it parallel to the tread’s surface. Record the distance to the riser’s top edge.

Step 6: Measure Rise Height

Position the measuring tape vertically at the riser’s top edge and extend it upwards. Record the distance to the ceiling or the next tread’s top edge.

Step 7: Measure Overall Width

Use the measuring tape to determine the staircase’s overall width. Start from the inside edge of one handrail to the inside edge of the opposing handrail.

Step 8: Measure Stairwell Height

Measure the vertical distance from the floor to the tallest point of the staircase, either the top of the handrail or the ceiling.

Step 9: Measuring Angles and Pitch

Optional: For complex staircases, use an inclinometer to measure the angle of the tread’s slope (pitch). This information can assist in staircase design or safety evaluations.

Element	Measurement
Tread Width	[Measured Value]
Riser Height	[Measured Value]
Tread Depth	[Measured Value]
Overall Width	[Measured Value]
Stairwell Height	[Measured Value]

Verify Measurements with a Level

After you have taken your measurements, it’s important to verify them with a level. This will ensure that your staircase is level and safe to use.

To verify your measurements, place the level on the tread of each step. The level should be parallel to the tread and perpendicular to the riser. If the level is not level, adjust the height of the step or the angle of the riser until the level is level.

Once you have verified your measurements, you can proceed to the next step, which is cutting the stringers.

How to Use a Level to Verify Measurements

To use a level to verify measurements, place the level on the tread of each step. The level should be parallel to the tread and perpendicular to the riser. If the level is not level, adjust the height of the step or the angle of the riser until the level is level.

Here are some tips for using a level to verify measurements:

Make sure the level is properly calibrated.
Place the level on the tread of each step, making sure that it is parallel to the tread and perpendicular to the riser.
If the level is not level, adjust the height of the step or the angle of the riser until the level is level.
Repeat this process for each step.