Just moved into your first house and planning a full-scale renovation to make it feel more like home?
Maybe your age-old décor is starting to get you down, and you're thinking up ways you can bring it back to life?
Regardless of your situation, your staircase is always a great place to start.
As one of the most prominent structures in your home, the way your staircase looks is important, and if you have room in your budget, we'd highly recommend sprucing it up if you want to achieve a fresh new look that lasts for decades.
However, to achieve the best results, it's vital that you get the measurements right the first time.
In this article, our staircase specialists share their top tips for measuring up for your new apples and pears so that you can purchase all the staircase parts you need easily online.
Why is it so important to take accurate measurements?
We think this goes without saying, but taking precise measurements of your staircase is crucial if you want to ensure a proper fit and safe installation.
Accurate measurements also allow you to order the correct materials – saving the fuss of complicated returns and potentially costly errors.
So, how do I measure for a new staircase?
Measuring for your new staircase is easier than you might think, and it can be done in just five simple steps!
Before you get started, grab a tape measure and spirit level, and also make sure you have a pen and some paper close by to jot down the measurements you're about to take.
Step 1: Measure the overall height of the staircase
To measure the height of your stairs, start at the bottom and measure from the floor to the top of the landing on the upper floor, making sure that your tape measure is aligned with the vertical edge of your staircase,
Make a note of the measurement to the nearest inch or centimetre, and double-check to ensure that the numbers are accurate.
Step 2: Measure the overall width of the staircase
To determine the width of your flight of stairs, you'll need to measure the horizontal distance between one side of the staircase and the other, measuring from the widest point.
Make a note of the measurement, again rounding up to the nearest inch or centimetre, and repeat this process along different points on your stairs – adding your different measurements together to get the total width of your stairs.
It's important to note that staircase width doesn't include handrails, so make sure to ignore them when taking your measurements.
Step 3: Measure the tread depth
Using your tape measure, measure the horizontal distance between the edge of one step to the edge of the next, noting down the numbers to the closest unit.
When measuring, make sure to take any safety regulations and building codes into consideration, and address any irregularities carefully to ensure safe, proper installation.
Step 4: Measure the rise height
To determine the rise height of your staircase, start at the bottom and measure the vertical distance from the floor to the top of the landing or upper floor with your spirit level.
As always, make a note of the measurement, and quickly double-check the numbers to make sure it's accurate.
Repeat these steps on each of the steps leading up your staircase and add up all the numbers to get the overall rise height of your stairs
Step 5: Measure the headroom
You can measure the amount of headroom your staircase provides by standing at the bottom, holding your tape measure vertically against the highest point on the tread of the bottom step, and extending it until it reaches the ceiling or any other obstruction.
When noting down your measurements, make sure to account for any required clearance (this must be a minimum of 2mm, according to UK building and safety regulations).
How do I purchase staircase parts?
Once you've written all your measurements down, you can start ordering the staircase parts you need online.
You'll find everything you need in our easy-to-navigate online shop , and your brand-new staircase parts will be made to measure and delivered directly to your doorstep as soon as possible!
Need expert advice?
Whether you're in need of additional advice when it comes to measuring your staircase, or you'd like our experts to help you find the perfect staircase parts for your renovation project, we're here and would be more than happy to help.
Browse our stair parts online, or get in touch with our team today by calling 01938 553 311 or emailing webenquiries@pearstairs.co.uk and we'll be in touch to answer your questions!