How To Properly Measure Stairs for New Railings

When installing a new railing system along a staircase, it’s important to get the right fit. To do so, you’ll need to gather a few key measurements from your staircase before ordering and installing a handrail. Here’s how to properly measure stairs for new railings .

Step 1: Measure the Height of the Staircase

The first measurements you’ll need are the major measurements of your staircase. To find your staircase’s height, measure vertically from the floor or landing at the bottom of the stairs to the floor or landing at the top.

Step 2: Measure the Length of the Staircase

Next, measure the length of your staircase. To do this, measure the horizontal distance from the edge of the nosing on the first tread at the bottom of the staircase to the edge of the nosing on the staircase’s upper floor or landing.

Step 3: Measure the Length of the Nosing

The nosing of a stair is the portion of the tread that extends over the front of the riser. When measuring the length of the nosing, you’ll be measuring a diagonal distance up the stairs. To find the length of the nosing, measure from the top edge of the nosing of the first tread to the top edge of the nosing of the lowest stair.

Step 4: Measure the Depth of the Tread

The tread of a stair is the upper, horizontal part on which you step. To measure the depth of the tread, measure the length of this surface from front to back.

Step 5: Measure the Height of the Tread

Measure the finished tread’s height by determining the distance from the base of one tread to the one above or below it.

Step 6: Determine the Number of Risers

After taking all these measurements, you’ll also need to determine the number of risers on your staircase. The riser is the vertical surface of each stair, not including the tread. Count the risers on your stairs, including the riser between the bottom floor and first tread. Another way to count risers is by counting tread noses.

Step 7: Determine the Number of Treads

Finally, you’ll need to determine the number of treads on your staircase. Count every finished tread, except for any landings or floors in your staircase. Typically, you’ll have one less tread than you have risers.

Following these steps to properly measure stairs for new railings will help you choose a railing system with the correct dimensions for your staircase. If you’re looking for a certified manufacturing company to create your railing system for you, know that CMPI offers ASME welding services. We can make you a durable, custom railing system that will fit your staircase perfectly.