Complete Perimeter Taping
From how to measure an L-shaped staircase for carpet stair treads · Step 1 of 3 · Video by Oak Valley Designs
Showing 0:48–1:10 of the source video.
What happens in this clip
After establishing the initial straight edge, make a precise turn with the painter's tape. Extend the tape straight down towards the far side of the existing stair tread that meets the landing. This ensures a perfectly straight and continuous line from the edge of the stair treads to the landing carpet. Then, make another turn and run the tape straight back along the wall. Finally, complete the perimeter by making the final turn around the back wall until the tape meets the starting point at the front edge of the bullnose. This creates a full, enclosed outline for the carpet.
Goal: Continue extending the painter's tape around the landing, turning at corners, and running it along walls to define the entire carpet area, ensuring straight lines and a clear outline.
What's used
Tools
- Painter's Tape
About the full video
This video details the specialized method of accurately measuring a stair landing for carpet installation. It involves using painter's tape to define the carpet's perimeter, ensuring precise cuts and a neat finish that aligns with existing stair treads and accounts for architectural features like posts.
What's said in this clip
turn, go straight down, and you go all the way to the far side of this stair tread so that it has a perfectly straight line from the edge of your treads down to your landing. And then you run your painters tape straight back. You make the turn all the way around the back wall. And then it goes to meet the front edge of that bullnose.
Automatically transcribed from the source video.
Step 1 of 3: Uncover Your Staircase's Unique Turn: Landing or Winder Steps?
Take a moment to closely look at the 90-degree turn that elegantly connects the two straight sections of your L-shaped staircase. Is it a generous, flat platform – what we call a landing – perfect for a moment's pause? Or does it feature a series of beautifully angled, wedge-shaped steps, known as winder steps, that guide you smoothly around the corner? This initial identification is absolutely key because it completely transforms how you'll approach measuring that corner. For a landing, you'll treat it as a single, separate rectangular piece, ready for a custom tread. For winder steps, each unique, tapered step will require its own individual measurement, ensuring a truly custom, safe, and stylish fit. This attention to detail is part of The Oak Valley Difference, ensuring your DIY stair remodel is a success.
Other videos for this step
how to measure an L-shaped staircase for carpet stair treads
An L-shaped staircase, often called a quarter-turn, brings unique architectural charm to your home. But when it comes to adding the safety and style of carpet stair treads, its 90-degree turn can seem a little tricky to measure. Don't worry, we're here to empower your DIY journey! The secret to a perfect, custom fit for your Oak Valley Designs treads is to see your L-shaped staircase as three distinct areas: the first straight flight, the turning section, and the second straight flight. The way you approach the turn—whether it's a spacious landing or elegant winder steps—will guide your measuring strategy. For straight sections, you'll precisely measure each tread's width and depth. For a landing, it's one simple, larger measurement. For winder steps, each unique, tapered step gets its own careful attention. And here’s a pro tip for peace of mind: always measure from the *tread edge to tread edge*, never wall to wall. This ensures your custom treads fit beautifully, even if your walls aren't perfectly square, delivering the safety and elegance your family deserves.
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