How do you determine the square footage of stairs?

Answer 1

Assuming you want the square footage for 12ft wide broadloom carpet; a quick measure of the width of the stair tread (width), typical lineal measurement of both riser and down across stair tread and over and around stair nosing(LF), and total amount of stairs (each). An 8ft ceiling typically has 12 stair treads with 13 risers. Stair tread and riser measure typically 1'6" LF and 1'9" LF allows for tucking and squaring the piece. A typical width is 3'2" wide. Thus you can get 3 widths out of a 12ft wide carpet. Needing 12 stairs x 3'2" wide x 1'9" LF in total. A 12 ft wide carpet running (4 x 1'9" LF) 7'0" . You need 12'0" x 7'0" or 9.33 Sq.yards/84 Sq.feet. If you have "pie shaped" stairs you have to measure the furthest points of both riser and stair tread while measuring the stair tread on a 90 degree angle to the riser so the straightness of the pile direction is consistant from stair to stair regardless of the shape of the stair. Stairs that are opened on the sides( no stringer) must also be measured along furthest points and allow extra tuck space for upholstery of the corners. If the stairs are wider then 4 feet, use a piece of graph paper to draw out the 12 ft width of carpet and "fill-in" the stairs allowing 1"-3" in between cut pieces. Always allow an extra 3" per total cut size to allow for the factory cut to be off-square!