How To Measure Stairs For Carpet: A Simple Guide By Buon Cleaning

If you are thinking of installing a carpet on the stairs in house, it’s a good idea; not only does it look good on the stairs, but also gives a welcoming look. Even if you are doing it on your own or hiring someone to get your carpet fitted near you, you need accurate measurements to start with to get perfection. Care should be taken when measuring because stairs aren’t always linear; certain stairs may be curved or have a turn, which should be measured extra carefully.

Although it’s easier to do this on your own, it is essential to adhere to all of the rules on how to achieve the best results while avoiding most of the mistakes that one could make at this stage of the measuring. You are doing this on your own, so visiting local carpet stores can give you an idea of the different options available for stair carpeting. 

So, in this blog post, I’ll explain how to measure carpet for your staircase correctly. It does not classify as a complicated procedure, and you will master how to do it before you know it.

Stay connected till the end, and you will learn how to do that professionally and without any difficulties!

Tools You’ll Need

Before getting started, gather the following tools:

• A measuring tape
• A notepad and pen for recording measurements
• A carpet calculator/ calculator (optional for quick calculations)
• “Rug calculator: A rug calculator can also come in handy if you’re considering a runner for your stairs instead of wall-to-wall carpeting.”
• “Stair calculator: Using a stair calculator ensures that no detail is overlooked when measuring each part of your staircase.”

What Are The Different Parts Of The Stairs Called?

• Tread: That area of the stair which we tread on, though not a tread in the typical sense of the word where it means the width of the step.
• Riser: The space between uprights through which passengers descend or ascend.
• Stringer: An additional ledge formed as top part of the stairway that supports both treads and risers.
• Handrail: The part that assist in holding while moving up or downwards.
• Newel Post: The fixed rail at the beginning or at the end of the series of flights or at the top or bottom of the ramp of a public staircase

How Do You Measure Stairs For Carpet?

Step 1: Identify the Stair Type

Not all staircases are created equal, and the type of stairs you have will influence how you measure for carpet. The three common types include:

1. Straight Stairs: These are the simplest to measure, with each step being uniform in size.
2. Winding Stairs: These are steps that curve or are shaped differently, often requiring individual measurements for each step.
3. Spiral Stairs: These stairs curve around a central point and can be tricky to measure due to their unique shape.

Step 2: Measure the Width of the Stairs

• Start by measuring the width of the stair tread (the flat surface you step on). Most stairs in the UK are between 60cm and 90cm wide, but yours may vary.
• Measure from one side to the other, keeping the measuring tape parallel to the step edge. Repeat this process for a few steps to confirm the measurements are consistent across the entire staircase.

Step 3: Measure the Tread and Riser

Each step consists of two main parts:

• The Tread: The horizontal part where your foot lands.
• The Riser: The vertical part between one step and the next.

Follow these steps to measure each component:

1. Measure the depth of the tread from the front edge to where it meets the riser. Record this measurement.
2. Measure the height of the riser from the bottom to the top. Record this measurement too.

For straight stairs, you can use these measurements for all steps, as they’re likely to be uniform. However, for winding or spiral stairs, you’ll need to measure each step individually since sizes may vary.

Step 4: Calculate the Carpet Length Needed

To determine how much carpet you’ll need for each step, follow this formula:

• Each Step / Length = Tread Depth + Riser Height + a Few Extra Centimetres (for nosing, the part that slightly overhangs)

For example: If the tread is 25cm and the riser is 20cm, you’ll require atleast 45cm of carpet per step, plus a bit extra for the nosing – around 50cm in total.

Step 5: Multiply by the Number of Steps

Now, multiply the length of carpet needed for one step by the total number of steps. For example, if you have 13 stairs and need 50cm of carpet per step, the total length required would be:

50cm x 13 = 650cm (6.5 metres)

Step 6: Add Extra for Winding Stairs

If your stairs wind or curve, add an extra 10-15% to your measurements to account for variations in step size and shape. This ensures you have enough carpet to cover the stairs without running short.

Step 7: Don’t Forget the Landing

If your stairs have a landing, measure it separately. Measure the length and width of the landing area and add this to your total carpet calculation. Landings may have irregular shapes, so consider using a paper template to capture the shape more accurately.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Skipping the nosing allowance: The overhang of each step needs extra carpet, so always add a few extra centimetres to your measurements.
• Not measuring each winding step individually: Assuming all steps are the same can lead to incorrect carpet sizing, especially for curved or irregularly shaped stairs.
• Forgetting to add extra for trimming: It’s wise to add 5-10% to your total measurement for any potential trimming or fitting adjustments.

How To Measure Stairs With A Turn For Carpet

1. Measure the Width: Measure the width of each step, making sure to measure several steps to confirm consistency.
2. Measure Tread and Riser for Straight Steps:
   • Tread Depth + Riser Height + Nosing Allowance = Length needed for each step.
   • Multiply by the number of straight steps.
3. Measure Turned Steps Individually:
   • Measure both the widest point and narrowest point of the tread and riser for accuracy.
   • Average these measurements for a more precise carpet length estimate.
4. Add 10-15% Extra: To accommodate any irregularities or variations in the turned steps.

How To Measure Corner Stairs?

1. Measure the Width: Measure the widest part of the corner step.
2. Measure the Tread and Riser:
   • Measure the tread depth from the widest part to where it meets the riser.
   • Measure the riser height.
3. Use an Average Measurement:
   • If the corner step is uneven, average the measurements of the wider and narrower parts.
4. Account for Angles: Add 5-10% extra for trimming or fitting.

Things To Remember When Measuring Stairs For Carpet

• Don’t Forget the Nosing Allowance: Just increase a few extra centimeters for the measurement (or nosing) which is very important. If you do not get to this stage and leave a gap under the carpet, the end result will be a half-finished stair no one will want.

• Don’t Assume Every Step Is the Same Size: Especially with the curve and turning of the stairs, every step can be different from the other, so don’t cut the sizes randomly. 

• Don’t Forget the Landing: Don’t leave the landing part measurement, take it into consideration during the arrangement. Remember to alienate and include it in your total count as well. Perhaps it is insignificant, but believe me, it means a lot!

• Don’t Ignore Extra Allowance for Curved Stairs: When planning on the construction of stairs, knowing that there is a turn, that’s why it is advisable to allow for an extra 10-15% to cover for the curve. 

• Don’t Round Down Your Measurements: It’s important to buy enough carpet so that you always round up measurements to the next whole number of centimeters. Ideally, though, it is always preferable to have a little more than a little less.

• Don’t Overlook Pattern Matching: For the step part of the process, if your carpet has a pattern, then you will require a little more fabric to ensure the pattern runs at the edges of the steps. 

Why Choose Buon Cleaning For Carpet Care?

Buon Cleaning is a remarkable cleaning service in your area, providing personalized solutions for carpet care. Our customers have done us a great favour by expressing their feelings about the services they received. That helps our customers to make up their minds when choosing our service.

Following are important reasons that you can relate to why you should choose Buon Cleaning’s carpet cleaning service:

• Buon Cleaning has an extensive range of tools required for different tasks.
• Buon Cleaning has expert, skilled workers who have the expertise in working with different tools.
• We provide carpet cleaning services, odour removal, stain removal, mattress cleaning, and upholstery cleaning services.
• We also care about clients’ input and work accordingly.
• No over-commitment or over-promising for a job.
• No hidden charges.
• High customer satisfaction rate and excellent ratings.

Due to these reasons and points, it makes the decision easy to choose Buon Cleaning as your regular cleaning service for your carpet and complete home cleaning.

Final Thoughts

Measuring carpet for stairs is like cutting the exact size of tape for your choice. We have highlighted the carpet cleaning aspects, from how to measure carpet for stairs to what should be avoided. If you do it on your own, you can, but perfection requires an expert with expertise. Have you ever thought about how an ordinary finish differs from a perfect one? That’s the art of making the finish look great.

Buon Cleaning provides home cleaning solutions, and carpet cleaning, and can even give your house a complete makeover effectively. You can choose whatever type of carpet you want for your home and stairs. Whether the stairs are straight, curved, or have turns, we provide solutions for your needs and give them a luxurious touch.Buon Cleaning is a renowned and established cleaning service provider in your area. Our extensive range of services, including cleaning, organizing, and maintaining regular house cleaning, is remarkable. Our customers speak and share their thoughts on that. Get in touch with Buon Cleaning today for a free quote! We’re your go-to solution for keeping your home spotless.

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