How to Measure for a Carpet Runner on a Spiral Stair Case

A stair runner covers the center area of a staircase with carpeting or a rug, providing a decorator touch as well as a cushioned surface over the stair steps. Generally, a carpet runner covers both the stair treads and the stair risers (the vertical surface of each step.) If you wish to carpet curved stairs, measure for a carpet runner on a spiral staircase in almost the same way you would measure for straight stairs.

Tape measure
Paper
Pencil

Instructions

- 1
  Place the tape measure at the widest edge of the top of the staircase at the top edge of the top riser.
- 2
  Extend the tape measure straight down the top riser and then straight across the tread to the front where it connects with the next riser. Keep the tape measure at the widest edge of the staircase as you measure.
- 3
  Continue measuring the staircase with the tape measure, measuring every riser and tread at the widest portion of the staircase until you reach the bottom point of the last riser.
- 4
  Add 1 inch to the height measurement, and write it down on the paper. For example, if the entire staircase measured 144 inches, add 1 inch for an adjusted measurement of 145 inches.
- 5
  Measure the widest point of the width of each stair tread, as you may find that the treads vary. Start at the top tread, and measure the distance between the left and right sides of the tread. Add 3 inches to the measurement to enable trimming. For example, if the stair tread width is 35 inches, add 3 inches for an adjusted measurement of 38 inches.
- 6
  Write “tread one” on the paper, and then write the adjusted measurement.
- 7
  Repeat the same process to measure the width of each tread. Add 3 inches, and then write down the adjusted widths on the paper.

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