How to Build Perfect Stairs — Step-by-Step with Calculations

Moments in this video

1. 1:31–2:57 Calculate Unit Run and Total Run From How to Measure Stair Rise and Run, Step 5: Measure Total Run

   Now, determine the 'unit run' (the depth of each step) and the 'total run' (the overall horizontal distance the stairs will cover). A golden rule for comfortable stairs is that the sum of the unit rise and unit run should be between 17 to 18 inches. Given a unit rise of 7.25 inches, a unit run of approximately 10 to 10.5 inches would be suitable (e.g., 10.25 inches). To find the total run, count the number of rises determined in the previous step (e.g., 8 rises). The number of treads (or unit runs) will typically be one less than the number of rises. So, for 8 rises, there will be 7 runs. Multiply the unit run by the number of runs to get the total run. For example, 10.25 inches (unit run) * 7 (runs) = 71.75 inches total run.

2. 1:31–2:57 Calculate Unit Run and Total Run From How to Measure Stair Rise and Run, Step 6: Calculate Actual Tread Run

   Now, determine the 'unit run' (the depth of each step) and the 'total run' (the overall horizontal distance the stairs will cover). A golden rule for comfortable stairs is that the sum of the unit rise and unit run should be between 17 to 18 inches. Given a unit rise of 7.25 inches, a unit run of approximately 10 to 10.5 inches would be suitable (e.g., 10.25 inches). To find the total run, count the number of rises determined in the previous step (e.g., 8 rises). The number of treads (or unit runs) will typically be one less than the number of rises. So, for 8 rises, there will be 7 runs. Multiply the unit run by the number of runs to get the total run. For example, 10.25 inches (unit run) * 7 (runs) = 71.75 inches total run.

3. 1:31–2:57 Calculate Unit Run and Total Run From How to Calculate How Many Stairs You Need, Step 6: Determine the Total Run

   Now, determine the 'unit run' (the depth of each step) and the 'total run' (the overall horizontal distance the stairs will cover). A golden rule for comfortable stairs is that the sum of the unit rise and unit run should be between 17 to 18 inches. Given a unit rise of 7.25 inches, a unit run of approximately 10 to 10.5 inches would be suitable (e.g., 10.25 inches). To find the total run, count the number of rises determined in the previous step (e.g., 8 rises). The number of treads (or unit runs) will typically be one less than the number of rises. So, for 8 rises, there will be 7 runs. Multiply the unit run by the number of runs to get the total run. For example, 10.25 inches (unit run) * 7 (runs) = 71.75 inches total run.

Guides that use this video

• How to Measure Stair Rise and Run
• How to Calculate How Many Stairs You Need