How to Estimate the Length for Stair Runner Rugs

Stairs are made up of treads -- the flat, horizontal parts you step on -- and risers -- the vertical parts. Usually all of the risers in a set of stairs are the same height; otherwise, you would probably trip frequently. However, treads often vary in depth, so you'll need to measure each one to estimate the length of a runner rug for your stairs.

Measuring Tape

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the height of any riser. Measure from the edge of top tread to the bottom of the riser, where the riser joins the tread beneath it. Treads on many stairs have a lip that extends out above the riser; in this case, measure from the top edge of the lip to the bottom of the riser. Multiply this number by the total number of risers in the staircase. This is the total riser measurement. For example, if you measured 6 inches and your staircase has 5 risers, your total riser measurement is 30 inches.
- 2
  Measure the depth of each tread, or step, from front to back. Add these measurements together to get the total tread measurement. For example, if you measured 4 steps of 7 inches, 8 inches, 6.5 inches and 7.5 inches, the total tread measurement is 29 inches.
- 3
  Measure from the outer edge of the top step to the point to which you wish the rug to extend. Do the same from the bottom riser. Add these two measurements together to find the total additional length. For example, if you measure 15 inches of additional length at the top of the stairs and 26 inches of additional length at the bottom, the total additional length is 41 inches.
- 4
  Add the total riser measurement, total tread measurement and total additional length to find the total length of rug that you need. In our example, this would be: 30 + 29 + 41 = 100 inches.

How to Build a Shoe Rack for In-Between His & Hers Clothes Racks

The Weight of Bookcases & Damage to Floors

Home Design