When you’re planning a new stair carpet, getting the measurements right is essential. Accurate measurements help you estimate the costs you’ll need to budget for and ensure you walk into the showroom, or meet your fitter, feeling confident about what will and won’t work for your home.
And don’t panic if that sounds daunting! GOFLOORIT can help with measurements, so contact our expert team if you need a hand.
So, let’s get to it. How do you measure a stair carpet like a pro? We’ll start with the tools.
Tools You’ll Need
Measuring doesn’t require much, but being organised helps. Make sure you have these items to hand when you start:
- A reliable tape measure, preferably one that is at least 5m long and easy to handle.
- A notepad or notes app on your phone.
- A calculator for quick totals.
- A camera or phone for taking reference pictures.
Pro tip: When taking photos of your staircase, make sure to include any quirks, such as winders, turns, or small landings. Pictures speak a thousand words and make it much easier to explain what you need when discussing options with our experts in the showroom.
Step-by-Step: How to Measure a Stair Carpet Like a Pro
Now you’ve got the tools sorted. Here’s a simple guide to measuring different staircase layouts. And don’t forget, if you need help, you can always contact us for a chat.
1. Straight Stairs
These are the simplest type to measure. You need to:
- Measure the tread (the flat part you step on) from the back to the front edge, known as the nosing.
- Measure the riser (the vertical part) from the base to the top.
- Add the tread and riser measurements together to calculate one “unit length”.
- Multiply this figure by the number of steps.
For example:
- Tread = 25cm, riser = 20cm. Unit length = 45cm.
- With 13 stairs, the total = 585cm (5.85m).
Pro tip: Always measure a few stairs individually. Sometimes the bottom or top steps are deeper than the rest.
2. Half Landings or Quarter Turns
Many staircases have a small flat area where the stairs change direction. For these sections:
- Measure the length and width of the landing as if it were a separate rectangle.
- Add this measurement to your total stair measurement from the first calculation.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to include the riser at the start and end of the landing. It’s easy to miss.
3. Winder Stairs (Triangular Steps Around a Turn)
These need a little more care:
- Measure the widest part of each triangular step, along the outer edge.
- Measure the narrowest part at the inside corner.
- Average the two measurements, then add the riser height.
Multiply this figure by the number of winder steps.
Pro tip: Take a quick photo of each winder step and jot the measurements underneath to avoid confusion later. If you need help, give us a call. Our in-house experts will be delighted to answer your questions.
4. Spiral Stairs
Spiral staircases are trickier, but the principle is similar.
- Measure the outer tread width and riser height.
- Count the total number of steps.
- Add a small margin for pattern alignment, as each step can vary slightly.
Pro tip: For spiral staircases, a professional check is vital, but your rough figures will still help with budgeting and shortlisting styles. Taking some photos will also really help when you visit our showroom.
5. Oddities and Extras
Every staircase is unique, and small details can add up. Watch out for:
- Bullnose steps (curved at the bottom) – measure across the widest point.
- Top landings leading into bedrooms or hallways – measure these as you would any rectangular room.
- Overhangs/nosings – always include them in your tread measurement.
Common Measuring Mistakes (and How Pros Avoid Them)
Even the most careful DIY measurers can make errors, so here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Forgetting the nosing, the small overhang on each tread.
- Rounding measurements down. Always round up to be safe.
- Forgetting to include and count small risers at half landings.
- Not allowing extra carpet for stripes or patterned designs.
At GOFLOORIT, our fitters have years of experience, so we can guide you on how to account for all these details in advance. You’ll also understand exactly why we recommend the quantity of carpet we do.
How Measuring Correctly Will Help You Choose Your Carpet
Once you’ve gone through the process of collecting your measurements, what additional benefits will all this hard work bring when choosing the right carpet? More than you might realise! This process will help you:
- Check suitability – Heavier-pile carpets may not wrap neatly around tight winders.
- Compare durability and costs – For high-traffic stairs, knowing your total square metres helps you compare costs between budget and premium ranges.
- Plan for patterns – Stripes are hugely popular on stairs, but they require precision. Having measurements to hand can help you visualise where the stripes will sit.
- Balance safety considerations – Low-pile or loop carpets may be suitable for households with children or elderly relatives, helping to reduce trip risks when appropriately fitted.
Our Expert Team of Fitters Are Always Here to Help
Measuring stairs can feel tricky. Every step, landing, and nosing adds a little extra complexity, but you don’t need to worry. Whether you’ve taken your own rough measurements or simply want advice on your staircase layout, the GOFLOORIT team is on hand to guide you every step of the way.
Pop into our Towcester showroom or get in touch today to discuss your staircase requirements and explore the wide range of carpets available. Our team will help you find the perfect stair carpet for your home.