How to measure stairs and landing for carpet

Request Your FREE 52-page Tapi Flooring Guide

Need to know more about carpets and smooth flooring? We're making inspiring flooring reassuringly simple.

Measuring stairs requires some more complicated manoeuvres than measuring a room. Each section – the landing, the hallway, the straight stairs, and the curved stairs (called winders) – should be measured individually and written down. If you don’t know how to measure stairs for carpet, or how to add all the different measurements up so you can order the right amount of carpet, there’s no need to panic. As luck would have it, our flooring experts have created a simple guide on how to measure your stairs for carpet.

Need help measuring? Book your FREE Home Visit

We’ve broken it down into 10 easy steps (pun intended) and we’ve also got a handy video where we show you how to measure your stairs and landing in person.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR STAIR MEASUREMENTS:

Tape measure
Pen or pencil (popped behind your ear to look extra professional)
Piece of paper
Ruler
A helpful assistant - if you can find one!

THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN MEASURING STAIRS FOR CARPET:

Only record the actual measurements on your plan. We’ll add any allowances or extra centimetres later.
Winders/curved stairs must all be measured individually as they will all be slightly different.
Measure from the top of the stairs to the bottom as this is the way the pile direction will go.
Measure the width and depth of the doorways of your landing and hallway and jot down this information on your plan.
Make sure to measure any dropbacks or alcoves on the landing and hallway.
Take a few measurements wall to wall across the landing and hallway as some walls are not parallel!
Take photos so we can see your stairs, hallway, and landing in more detail.
Use our carpet calculator to help you get a good idea of how much it could cost for your favourite options.

Order free samples

How to measure stairs for carpet

When you’re working out how much carpet you’ll need for your stairs, carefully measure the whole area, from the landing, work down the stairs to the hallway, and keep detailed notes as you measure.

If you follow this handy step-by-step guide on how to measure stairs for carpet closely, your final plan should include a landing sketch, individual stair measurements and a hallway sketch – everything you need to order carpet for your stairs. Grab your tape measure or ruler and let’s get measuring!

START BY MEASURING THE LANDING

Draw a floorplan of your landing and hallway then mark with an arrow where the stairs come down from the landing. Tapi Top Tip Double (and triple) check this information is included on the plan – it’s very important to ensure the carpet pile goes in the right direction.
Measure your landing as you would a normal room, remembering to go into any doorways. Use our guide on how to measure a room to help you. Tapi Top Tip The part of the stairs that you place your foot on is called a ‘tread’. The edge of the step is called the ‘nose’. The vertical part is called a ‘riser’.
The landing plan will need to include the top stair in its measurements. Start measuring from the doorway or wall opposite the top step, then run the tape measure over the nose of the top stair and down to the tread. This is important to do in one measurement as the carpet needs to run down the top stair in one piece without a join and then all the stairs will run in the same direction.

MEASURE THE STAIRS

Now you’re ready to measure down the rest of the staircase.

4. Next, make a list of how many straight stairs you have and how many are winders. The winders will need to be measured individually as they’ll all be different sizes. And we might sound like a broken record, but it’s worth repeating - only record actual measurements on your plan!

centered image

5. When measuring straight stairs, measure from the back of the top riser (where it meets the previous step), over the nose (edge of the step) and down to the back of the next tread (where it meets the next step), then measure the width and jot both measurements down on your plan.

HOW TO MEASURE STAIRS WITH A TURN FOR CARPET

6. If you have a half landing, measure the width across the half landing (see the orange line), then measure the length of the half landing including the drop over the step and down to the back of the next tread (see the grey line).

7. When measuring winders/curved stairs, measure each one individually. Pile direction needs to go over the nose of the stair at a right angle so measure from the back of the stair tread, over the nose and then down the riser of the stair to the next tread, then record the size (see the grey line). To find out the width, measure from the inner corner on the narrow edge to the furthest point on the widest edge (see orange line). Repeat for all your winding stairs and note them down.

MEASURING A HALLWAY FOR CARPET

Finally, it’s time to measure the hallway!

Draw a floor plan of your hallway, then measure the hallway in the same way you would measure a room, remembering to go into all doorways, alcoves and drop backs. Remember, take a few measurements from wall to wall, as some walls are not parallel!
When all the measurements have been taken, draw an arrow on your floor plan showing where the stairs enter the hallway. This is very important for pile direction.

Our handy video guide on how to measure your stairs for carpet

HOW MUCH CARPET IS NEEDED FOR BOTH STAIRS AND LANDING?

When it comes to volume, it’s all going to come down to how much carpet you need to cover your stairs and landing, and which carpet you go for! For example, if you have a staircase with 13 steps and 1.2 metres by 1.2 metres landing, you will need to calculate the total square metre coverage of the stairs and add this to the total square metre coverage of the landing to get your total - you would be looking at 10 square metres of carpet.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO CARPET STAIRS AND LANDING?

If you took a carpet priced at £5.99 per m2, you would pay around £59.99 for all the carpet material. We highly recommend that you have your carpet professionally fitted, which would cost around £52. You will also need additional underlay and accessories, and when you include delivery, this would come to roughly £295 for both your carpet and all services. You can book an appointment to chat to our floorologists today to find out a more accurate quote.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CARPET YOUR LANDING?

Skill level will dictate how long the process of carpeting your stairs and landing will take. If you hire a professional carpet fitter, which we always recommend, then the process will be much quicker and take around 30 minutes on average. If you choose to fit your carpet yourself, then you need to account for learning time (as well as time for possible mistakes!) so this will more likely take close to 90 minutes or two hours.

The process of adding carpet padding will also add time to this total, as it’s an essential part of fitting stairs to ensure that they’re comfy and will extend the life of your stairs significantly.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE IT?

You may find that over time, your carpet will begin to show signs of wear and tear, as stairs are in use a lot throughout the day. Most standard carpets will need to be replaced every five to 15 years – the longer you can keep them in good condition, the longer they’ll last. If you want to keep your carpet in a good condition for years to come, then there are some key things to do:

Add padding underneath your stair carpet
Clean your stairs regularly
Don’t wear shoes on your carpet

You can read more about looking after your carpet in our carpet care guide.

That’s a wrap on how to measure your stairs for carpet! All that’s left to do is get in touch with us either by visiting your local Tapi store or calling our order direct line on 03330 150 501 and we’ll get you a free quote in the blink of an eye. Also, if you place an order, we’ll be happy to pop over and do a free measurement check to make sure all the measurements are 100% correct.

Alternatively, if you've still yet to choose which flooring to install, then head on over to the By Room section on our Ideas Hub for all the inspiration you need, including guides on the best flooring for hallways, and tips on how to lay a stair runner.

Our handy video guide on how to measure your stairs for carpet

For more help from our flooring experts, watch our ‘how to measure stairs for carpet’ video below. Your staircase is a big focal point of your home – not to mention, it’s probably the only spot in your house where your guests will be face-to-face with the floor, so it’s the perfect place to show off a stylish carpet.

With our helpful guide on measuring stairs for carpet, hopefully, we’ve given you everything you need to get started. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed, book a free home visit and one of our flooring experts will pop round to measure up and help you plan. Then, all you need to do is choose your perfect stair carpet from our huge range – and that’s the fun bit!

Post author

Jeremy Garrish Buyer Jeremy has 35 years of carpet industry knowledge

Book a Store Appointment

Book a Home Visit

Published: 26-01-2022

Discover more 'how to' guides from Tapi

The best flooring for underfloor heating

Find out more about underfloor heating, why it’s such a great way to keep your home cosy, and which flooring it works best with.

How to remove stains from your carpet

Carpet stains can be a real pain, but if you know how to deal with each different kind of stain, you will never have to worry about replacing your carpet

How to lift your carpet pile

We’ll take you through the different ways in which your carpet pile can be flattened, and then how to lift a carpet to make it look good as new.

Brown herringbone laminate flooring with sofa, dining chairs and house plants

How to lay laminate flooring

Wondering if you have what it takes to fit your own laminate flooring? We believe in you – and our step-by-step guide to laying laminate flooring too.

How to reduce heat loss through your floor

Find out the different ways you can reduce heat loss through your flooring this winter with our tips and tricks.

Best wet room flooring ideas

If you’re thinking of switching up your old bathroom for a trendy wet room, then we have written this guide just for you – check out the best flooring ideas for your new wet room.

What is a stair runner?

Stair runners aren’t just a stylish accessory for your stairs, they can also be a practical one.

Vinyl vs carpet

Picking new flooring for your home should be fun – there are so many gorgeous choices! If you’re struggling to decide between vinyl or carpet, this guide is here to help you make up your mind.

Navy lookbook

Our nautical navy lookbook is perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms alike. Check out our interior and décor ideas for this serene colour palette.

What is a wool carpet?

Today wool carpets remain a classic interior design feature for a reason – they suit both modern and traditional homes alike!

Different types of flooring finishes

Here’s the inside scoop on which flooring finishes work best on different flooring types, what the different types of flooring finishes are, and which one will be best for you.

How to flatten a rug

We’ve come up with some of the ways you can get creases out of rugs and how to flatten a rug that’s been rolled or folded when it was delivered to you.

Best flooring for home offices

If you want to pick the best flooring possible for your new home office, then you’ll want to know all the options available to you! Read through our list of different flooring types and why they might be great in your space to help you make the right decision.

The art of layering rugs

We’ve got a host of tips that’ll help you become a legend in the art of layering rugs, from colour combos to the different layering techniques you can use in different rooms.

Best flooring for a small kitchen

Wondering which type of flooring is the best for a smaller kitchen and what designs will work best? Check out Tapi Carpets’ ideas for a small kitchen for more..

Chevron vs herringbone flooring

While herringbone and chevron patterns may appear to look similar, some key differences between the two are important to know. If you want to opt for patterned wood in your home, read this guide to find out more.

Top 5 features that will sell your home for more

Wondering if it’s worth investing in new home features if you want to sell soon? Find out how upgrading your home can actually help you sell for more!

How to create a cosy bedroom

Want to create a cosy bedroom in your home and need somewhere to start? The best place to begin is with our guide to creating the perfect cosy bedroom.

Tips and tricks for upcycling your furniture

Create beautifully bespoke pieces from preloved furniture and household accessories.

Wallpaper trends for 2023 you’ll want to try

Are you hoping to refresh your home in the new year and want to know more about the latest wallpaper trends? This guide explains how you can embrace all the freshest ideas to create contemporary and stylish rooms

How to fix a squeaky floor

Find out all our tips and tricks on how to fix a squeaky floor in this helpful guide, from humidifiers to powdered graphite.

What is the best underlay for vinyl and LVT flooring?

Are you searching for the underlay that will go perfectly with the brand-new LVT or vinyl flooring you’ve just picked out? Our guide has all the information you need.

What is the best carpet underlay?

Are you hunting for the perfect underlay to go with your brand-new carpet and you’re not sure where to start? Our guide to finding the best carpet underlay takes you through all the different types of underlays you could choose between.

How to warm up a cold room in winter

Heat your home and warm up a cold room with our tried and tested tips.

How to style engineered wood flooring in your kitchen

Are you wondering if engineered wood is suitable for your kitchen? There are so many gorgeous options to choose from that are hard-wearing and stay looking good.

How to prepare your room for new flooring

If you’re having the flooring in your home replaced, then you may not be sure of what steps to take to make sure your room is ready for new flooring coming in – our guide has all the steps you need to take to prepare your room for new flooring.

How to decorate your stairs for Christmas

Find out some of the different style ideas you could try on your staircase this Christmas to add some extra tinsel and baubles to your home’s festive flair.

How to repair a carpet

If your carpet is looking a little worse for wear and could do with a little face-lift, then use this guide to help you fix some common repairs and cosmetic issues.

How to lay vinyl click flooring

Learn how to lay vinyl click flooring properly in our step-by-step guide with lots of guidance and Tapi top tips.

How to uplift and remove carpet

Find the best way to remove old carpet on your stairs and flooring.

How to protect your floors at Christmas

Check out our guide on how to protect your floor at Christmas when you have family and friends visiting or you’re thinking of putting up a tree.

Top tips for styling your coffee table

Do you want to make your living room a stylish haven? Start with your coffee table and this really handy guide to styling it perfectly.

How to dispose and recycle used carpet

Find all the information you need to properly dispose of and recycle old carpet, including the typical costs you could expect to pay.

How to style tiled flooring in your living room

Are you looking for ways to style tiled flooring in your living space? Check out our guide for plenty of ideas and styles of flooring you could try if this trend is one you’re desperate to try.

How to host the perfect dinner party

Discover how to host the perfect dinner party with our guide, including the food, the decor, the games and, of course, the post-party clean-up.

Chic flooring ideas for a blush pink bathroom

Blush pink is all the rage in interiors. Our guide will give you ideas on how to have this chic shade in your bathroom.

How to create a cosy reading nook

Discover the best reading nook ideas so you can curl up and get cosy at home and enjoy your favourite book.

What to use a spare room for: tips and trends

Find a purpose for your spare room with our handy guide – from top tips you can try or trends that you’ll love to follow, we’ve got all the inside knowledge on what to do with your spare room.

How to dress a table for Christmas

Discover Christmas table décor ideas that won’t cost a fortune in our guide to dressing a table for Christmas.

How to install commercial carpet

Discover how to install commercial carpets in your space with our comprehensive, step-by-step guide.

Top tips for decorating your home on a budget

Looking for ways to decorate your home on a tight budget and wondering where to begin? Our guide is packed full of helpful top tips on ways you can make your home feel rejuvenated, for less.

How to paint a wooden front door

Thinking of painting your front door? We’ll show you how with our easy-to-follow tips and tricks.

Best child-friendly flooring options

Our guide to child-friendly flooring is packed full of insightful information you can use to pick flooring for your family home that suits all your little one’s needs.

How to lay LVT flooring

This step-by-step guide to fitting LVT flooring has everything you need to fit your own luxury vinyl tiles and get perfect flooring every time.

How to embrace the Parisian interior design trend

Create the Parisian apartment style of your dreams by following all our tips and tricks to really embrace French style in your space.

How to lay herringbone flooring

Read our guide to laying herringbone flooring, and all the steps required to ensure you get your herringbone flooring perfect every time.

Victorian-style kitchen design tips to incorporate

Read our guide to Victorian kitchen style to get all the inspiration and tips to pull together your own Victorian-style kitchen design.

White kitchen design trends

Looking to design a white kitchen? Discover the latest trends in modern and traditional white kitchen décor, colour palettes, and flooring options in this comprehensive guide.