How to Measure and Cut Stair Treads

The trickiest part of installing stair treads is often cutting them to fit perfectly between the walls or baseboard. The Perfect Fit Stair Tread and Shelf Gauge makes it easy to determine the length of the stair tread and if the ends need to be cut at an angle to fit against the sides walls. The gauge slides to set the length of the stair tread from 28" to 48" long. . And, if the side walls are not perpendicular to the tread, the gauge also features side angle finders that pivot to match the angles of tread ends.

Watch: Using the Perfect Fit Stair Tread and Shelf Gauge

This stair tread measuring gauge can be adjusted to measure stair treads, risers or shelves from 28" to 48" long.

Measure, Cut and Install Stair Treads

To determine the length of a stair tread, place the stair tread measuring gauge in the opening. Loosen the two four-star knobs closest to the center of the gauge and extend the rails.

adjusting angle-finder arms to match wall angle.

The stair tread measuring gauge features an adjustable arm at each end. Loosen the four-star knobs holding the angle arms in line with the rails. Turn the angle arms so they are roughly perpendicular to the rails. Retighten the knobs slightly, but not so much that the angle arms can’t move. Register the gauge off the desired “edge,” making sure it is as square as possible. Extend the rails until the angle arms are tight against the sides of the opening. Tighten the two four-star knobs closest to the center of the gauge to lock in the arms. If the angle arms are not already tight against the sides of the opening, adjust them so that they are. Make sure they extend far enough that you’ll be able to mark across the entire workpiece. Once the angle arms are tight against the sides, fully tighten the four-star knobs to lock the angle arms in that position.

Move the gauge to the stair tread workpiece that needs to be marked. Position the stair tread measuring gauge so that it will register off the appropriate edge. Once you have the gauge positioned properly on the workpiece, hold it in place as you scribe lines along the outside faces of the angle arms. Cut along the lines with a circular saw, track saw or miter saw.