How to Measure Floor-to-Floor Height for a Steel Staircase

t385-2

To measure floor-to-floor height for a steel staircase, measure vertically from the finished surface of the lower floor to the finished surface of the upper floor, not from the structural slab. Include the final floor finishes such as tiles, screed or wood, because they change the total rise. Take the measurement at several points and record the lowest and highest values.

Why floor-to-floor height matters

The total vertical distance between two floors decides how many steps the staircase needs and how steep each step will be. A small error can make the stairs uncomfortable or even unsafe, and in a renovation it can also block the stair from fitting the opening. Measuring this height carefully before you order saves time and avoids rework.

Because steel stairs are made to measure in the factory, the dimensions you give us become the basis for the drawing, so accuracy at this stage matters most.

What to measure before you start

Prepare a steel tape measure, a spirit level or laser level, a pencil, and a notebook. Make sure both floors are in their final condition, or note clearly which layers are still to be added.

Finished surface of the lower floor
Finished surface of the upper floor
Dimensions of the stair opening
Available width and any wall positions

Step-by-step: taking the floor-to-floor measurement

Start at the lower floor and place the tape on the finished surface. Run it straight up to the finished surface of the upper floor, keeping the tape vertical. If the tape bends, use a plumb line or a laser to keep the reading true.

Repeat the measurement at three or four points around the opening. Floors are rarely perfectly level, so the values may differ slightly. Write down every reading rather than only the average.

Account for finishes and screed

Finish layers can add a noticeable amount of height. Tiles, wooden floating floors, screed and carpets all change the final level. If the finishes are not yet installed, measure the structural slab and write down the planned thickness of each layer.

Tell us which finishes you will use. The final tread and riser calculations depend on this total, and we can plan for the difference in the drawing.

Measuring the stair opening and landing

Measure the length and width of the opening in the upper floor and check whether the opening is square. Note the position of walls, columns and beams that may affect the stair route. If a landing or turn is planned, measure its depth and the space available for it.

Photos with a tape visible in the frame are very helpful when we review the site.

Checking your measurements before ordering

Before sending figures to the factory, repeat the measurements on a second day or with a second person. Compare the readings and confirm the lowest and highest values. Any difference greater than a few millimetres should be investigated on site.

Exact safety values for rise, tread and railings are checked with the engineer during the design stage, so you do not need to calculate them yourself.

Frequently asked questions

Should I measure from the concrete slab or the finished floor?

Measure from the finished floor surface on both levels. The slab alone does not include tiles, screed or other layers that change the total height.

What if the floor is not level across the opening?

Take readings at several points and record them all. Mention the variation to us so the design can account for it.

Do I need to measure again after the floors are finished?

Yes, if you measured before the finishes were installed. Any change in layer thickness affects the stair height.

Can I send photos instead of measurements?

Photos help us understand the site, but we still need written measurements taken with a tape. We will confirm the figures during the on-site visit.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistakes are measuring to the concrete slab instead of the finished floor and forgetting to include planned tiles or screed. Taking only one reading and ignoring small variations across the opening also causes problems later.

Our recommendation

Measure at three or more points, write down each reading, and state which finishes are still to be added so the final stair can be designed accurately.

Summary

Measure from finished floor to finished floor at several points, include all planned layers, and record every reading before ordering your steel staircase.

השאירו פרטים ונחזור אליכם