
Step 1 · Get Ready to Measure: Count Your Steps & Gather Your Toolkit
Before you dive in, let's get organized! Begin by counting the number of treads on your staircase. It's a simple start, but crucial for planning. (Pro-tip: the number of risers will always be one more than the number of treads!) Next, gather your essential toolkit for precise measurements. You'll need a rigid tape measure for accuracy, a carpenter's square to ensure everything is perfectly straight, a level for flatness, masking tape for clear marking, and a trusty pencil for recording your data. Having these on hand will make your measuring process smooth and DIY-friendly.
The number of risers is always one more than the number of treads — count both so you order the exact quantity and never come up a tread short.

