How to Measure Your Stairwell Before Ordering a Steel Staircase

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To measure a stairwell for a steel staircase, record the total height from floor to floor, the horizontal length the stairs will occupy, the usable width, and the headroom above the steps. Take each measurement at several points and note any landings, openings or obstacles, because the final drawing depends on these exact figures.

Why accurate measurements matter

A steel staircase is made to measure, so every dimension you give us becomes part of the drawing and the production process. A small error at the start can mean a step that is too high, a landing that does not line up, or a stair that does not fit the opening. Taking careful measurements before you order saves time, avoids rework and helps the staircase sit correctly once it is installed.

Measure the space as it is today, not as it appears on the original plan. Walls are often not perfectly straight or level, and finishes such as tiles or screed change the height of the floor.

Measure the total rise

The total rise is the vertical distance from the finished floor on the lower level to the finished floor on the upper level. Measure from the surface you will actually walk on, including tiles or flooring that will be laid later, and confirm with your builder what thickness is still to come.

Measure at two or three points along the opening.
Record the lowest and highest readings.

If the readings differ, tell us. Differences often mean the floor is not level, and this needs to be considered in the design.

Measure the run and available length

The run is the horizontal space the staircase will take up from the bottom step to the top. Measure the length of the stairwell from the wall or opening where the first step will begin to where the last step will reach the upper floor.

Also check the clear width of the stairwell and mark any columns, beams, doors or windows that may affect the layout. A spiral or turning staircase needs a different set of measurements, so describe the shape you have in mind when you send your details.

Check the width and headroom

Measure the usable width between the walls, railings or openings where the staircase will be placed. Measure the width at the bottom, middle and top, as walls can narrow along the way.

Headroom is the vertical clearance above the steps, measured from the front edge of each step up to the ceiling or any beam above. Low headroom can limit the design, so note any beams, ducts or ceiling features that are close to the staircase path.

Note landings, openings and obstacles

If the staircase includes a landing or a change of direction, measure the landing size and the position of the turn. Also record the location of the opening in the upper floor, since the staircase must connect correctly to it.

Doors and windows near the stairs
Electrical boxes, pipes or vents
Walls that are not square

Photos with a short written note next to each one are very helpful when we review your project.

Send your measurements for review

Once you have your figures, send them along with photos of the stairwell from several angles. Include the type of staircase you prefer, such as a straight run, a staircase with a landing or a turning design, and any finish you are considering.

We check the measurements, prepare a written specification and drawing, and share it for your approval. Measuring on site is also part of the process where needed, so the final order is based on confirmed dimensions.

Frequently asked questions

Should I measure before or after the floor is finished?

Measure the stairwell as close to the final finished state as possible. If tiles or flooring will be added later, include their thickness in your figures or confirm the final height with your builder.

What if the walls of my stairwell are not straight?

This is common and not a problem in itself. Measure the width at several points and tell us where the narrowest and widest readings are, so the staircase can be designed to fit.

Do I need to measure the headroom above the stairs?

Yes. Headroom affects the design and comfort of the staircase, so measure the clearance from the steps up to the ceiling or any beams and include it with your details.

Can you measure the stairwell for me?

Yes, on-site measurement is part of our process. We can confirm your figures before preparing the drawing and specification for your approval.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistakes are measuring only once, using the original plan instead of the real space, and forgetting to include the thickness of future floor finishes. Always check your figures at more than one point before sending them.

Our recommendation

Take each measurement at least twice and note any differences, then send photos along with your figures. This gives the production team a clear picture and reduces the chance of changes later.

Summary

Measure the total rise, run, width, headroom and any landings or obstacles at several points, then share the figures and photos so the staircase can be designed and confirmed before production.

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