Introduction
When considering a home renovation, certain tasks can be more challenging than others, and updating your staircase often ranks among the more complex projects, particularly if it involves changing the flooring. Estimating the necessary quantity of solid, engineered wood, carpet, laminate, or vinyl flooring may appear difficult at first. Yet, with accurate measurements, the task becomes quite manageable. To simplify this, we have developed a detailed guide that explains how to measure stairs for flooring in an easy-to-follow manner.
Tools You’ll Need to measure your stairs for flooring
Before you begin taking measurements, make sure you have all the necessary tools! Check out our list below to ensure you’re equipped with all the essentials for the task:
- Tape measure
- Pen/pencil
- Paper
- Calculator
Measure Stairs for Flooring: Step-by-Step
Here’s a guide on how to measure straight stairs for flooring. If your stairs are winding, the steps will differ slightly, so please refer to the following instructions carefully.
- Measure the Width of One Stair: Start by measuring the horizontal section of the stair, which is the part you step on. Measure from one side to the other, such as from the wall to the handrail. Write down this measurement; for this guide, we’ll assume it’s 80 cm (0.8 m).
- Measure the Tread: Next, measure the tread, which is from the front edge of the step to the back of the step. This measurement should be taken perpendicular to the first measurement.
- Measure the Height: Now, measure the height of the step from the top of one tread to the top of the next. Normally, the height and tread measurements should be the same.
- Calculate the Total for One Step: Add the tread and height measurements. For instance, if each is 25 cm (0.25 m), their sum will be 50 cm (0.5 m).
- Determine the Area of One Step: Multiply the total of the tread and height by the width of the stair. Using our example, 0.8 m x 0.5 m equals 0.4 m² per step.
- Calculate the Total Area Needed: Multiply the area of one step by the total number of steps. If you have 10 steps, for example, you would need 4 m² of flooring.
- Account for Extras: It’s advisable to order at least 10% more material than calculated to cover any cuts or mistakes during installation, as well as to have spare material in case of future damage.
- Consider Landing Areas: If your staircase has landings or platforms, be sure to measure these areas independently and include them in your total square footage calculation. Since landings are generally larger than individual treads and risers, they necessitate extra attention in your measurements.
- Choose Your Flooring Wisely: When shopping for flooring online or in-store, consider the material and style that best suits your staircase. Keep in mind that certain flooring types, such as laminate or engineered wood, may require specific installation methods suitable for stairs.
Measuring Winding Stairs for Flooring: Step-by-Step
Measuring winding stairs for flooring differs significantly from straight stairs because each step must be measured individually.
1. Measure the Width of Each Stair: Start by measuring the width of each step, noting the measurement for each. For winding stairs, measure across the widest point of the step.
2. Measure the Tread of Each Stair: Next, measure the tread, which is the distance from the front edge to the back of the step, again at the widest point.
3. Measure the Height (Riser): Measure the height of each step, referred to as the ‘riser,’ at its highest point.
4. Calculate the Total for Each Step: Add the tread and riser measurements for each step.
5. Determine the Area of Each Step: Multiply the total of the tread and riser by the width of the stair to find the area for each step.
6. Total the Areas: Add up the areas of all the steps to calculate the total amount of flooring required. Remember, it’s wise to order at least 10% extra material to account for cuts and potential errors.
Conclusion
Measuring your stairs for new flooring is an essential task to ensure a successful and visually appealing home renovation project. By adhering to this step-by-step guide, you can accurately calculate the square metreage required, account for additional material, and choose the appropriate flooring for your staircase. Whether purchasing new flooring online or from a local shop, precise measurements lay the groundwork for achieving a sleek and seamlessly installed staircase that enhances the overall aesthetic of your home during the renovation process.
