Prepare Stairs and Measure

What happens in this clip

Begin by thoroughly cleaning the stairs. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust, pet hair, or debris. Then, use a damp cloth with an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down each stair tread and riser, ensuring they are free of dirt and grime. Allow the stairs to dry completely. Next, measure the width and depth of each stair tread. It's common for stairs to have slight variations, so measure each one individually. Decide on the placement of the carpet treads, typically leaving a consistent reveal on the sides and front of each stair. This will help determine the ideal size of your treads if you are cutting them, or guide placement if using pre-made ones. The video starts by showing the finished carpeted stairs, implying these preparatory steps have already been completed.

Goal: Ensure stairs are clean and accurate measurements are taken for tread placement.

What's used

Tools

• Pencil
• Tape Measure
• Vacuum Cleaner
• Broom

Materials

• All-Purpose Cleaner
• Damp Cloth

Pro tips for this step

• Oak Valley Designs Pro Tip: Count your treads, remembering you'll always have one more riser than treads, and gather your essential toolkit for accurate measurements.

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 DIY project provides a comprehensive guide to installing carpet treads on existing stairs. The goal is to enhance safety and comfort, particularly for pets like dogs, by providing increased traction and cushioning. The process involves preparing the stairs, selecting appropriate treads, and securely attaching them, resulting in a more pet-friendly and aesthetically pleasing staircase.

Step 1 of 4: Your DIY Journey Begins: Count Your Treads and Gather Your Toolkit

Every successful DIY project starts with the right preparation! First, take a moment to count the number of treads on your straight staircase. (A little pro tip: you'll always have one more riser than treads!) Once you've got your count, it's time to gather your essential toolkit. For precision and professional-looking results, you'll want a rigid tape measure for truly accurate readings, a carpenter's square to keep your lines perfectly straight, a level to ensure everything is spot-on, masking tape for clear markings, and a trusty pencil for noting down those crucial measurements. Having these ready will make your measuring process smooth and stress-free.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in how to measure your stairs for a carpet runner

1. Step 1: Your DIY Journey Begins: Count Your Treads and Gather Your Toolkit

   • 0:10–0:16 Measure and Mark Stair Tread Placement
   • 0:00–0:02 Prepare Stairs and Measure (this video)
   • 0:15–0:20 Measure and Mark Tread Placement

2. Step 2: Precision Depth: Measuring Each Tread from Back to Nosing

   • 0:54–1:39 Measure Stair Tread Depth
   • 0:21–0:53 Measure Stair Tread Width
   • 0:00–0:01 Prepare and Measure Stairs

3. Step 3: Getting the Width Right: From Wall-to-Wall or Edge-to-Edge

   • 0:21–0:53 Measure Stair Tread Width
   • 0:54–1:39 Measure Stair Tread Depth
   • 0:00–0:11 Measure and Align First Stair Tread

4. Step 4: Your Blueprint for Success: Record, Label, and Double-Check

   • 0:03–0:04 Prepare and Plan Tread Placement
   • 0:15–0:20 Measure and Mark Tread Placement