Define Initial Perimeter with Tape

What happens in this clip

Take painter's tape and place it along the edge where the carpet will begin on the landing. Extend this tape in a straight line, making sure it goes past any obstacles such as a newel post. Crucially, the tape must maintain a minimum distance of 2 inches from the post or any turning point. If this clearance is less than 2 inches, it can complicate the manufacturing process for the custom carpet landing.

Goal: Use painter's tape to mark the first straight edge of the carpet landing, extending it past any architectural features like a newel post, ensuring a minimum clearance of 2 inches.

What's used

Tools

• Painter's Tape

Pro tips for this step

• Oak Valley Designs Pro Tip: Measure your landing as a separate rectangle, breaking down any complex shapes into smaller, manageable rectangular sections.

These safety tips are AI-generated and have not been verified by a professional. They may be incomplete or incorrect. Verify independently against manufacturer instructions and local codes, and consult a qualified professional before relying on them. This is not a substitute for professional advice.

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.

Step 1 of 3: Your Landing's Blueprint: Measuring It As a Separate Piece

Think of your landing as a beautiful, distinct area – a separate, flat rectangular piece, much like a custom rug, completely independent of the stair treads above and below. This is key to achieving that perfect fit and seamless design. Carefully measure its full width and its full length across the entire platform. If your landing isn't a simple rectangle, perhaps it has graceful turns or unique angles, don't worry! Simply break it down into smaller, manageable rectangular sections. Measure each section individually, meticulously accounting for every corner and curve. For ultimate safety and comfort, especially for families with children or pets, ensure your landing is at least as wide as the stairway it serves and boasts a minimum depth of 36 inches in the direction of travel. A quick check with a level will give you peace of mind, confirming your landing is perfectly level and ready for its custom Oak Valley Designs piece.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in how to measure a staircase with a landing for carpet stair treads

1. Step 1: Your Landing's Blueprint: Measuring It As a Separate Piece

   • 1:10–1:26 Measure and Customize Tape Outline
   • 0:07–0:30 Measure Bullnose Edge Width
   • 0:30–0:48 Define Initial Perimeter with Tape (this video)

2. Step 2: Precision for Every Step: Measuring Your Stair Treads

   • 0:54–1:39 Measure Stair Tread Depth
   • 0:21–0:53 Measure Stair Tread Width
   • 0:00–0:02 Prepare Stairs and Measure

3. Step 3: Bringing It All Together: Ordering Your Custom Landing and Treads

   • 0:07–0:30 Measure Bullnose Edge Width
   • 1:10–1:26 Measure and Customize Tape Outline