Stair Measurement Guide: Measuring Before You Order Railings

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To order stair railings that fit, measure the total run and height of the stairway, the pitch and wall-side details, the landings, and the exact fixing points on the walls. Take each measurement at least twice, record it on a simple sketch, and send the sketch with photos so the factory can plan the order accurately.

Why accurate stair measurements matter

Railings are made to measure, so every millimeter of the drawing has to match the staircase in your home or building. A small error in length or angle can mean a rail that does not sit flush against the wall, a post that lands in the wrong place, or a whole section that must be remade. Careful measuring at the start saves time, material and frustration for everyone involved.

Before you begin, make sure the stairs are finished. Tiles, screed, carpet or wall cladding change the real dimensions, so measure after the final surfaces are in place, or note clearly which layers are still to come.

What to measure on the staircase

Start with the overall run, meaning the horizontal length from the first step to the last, and the total height between floors. Then measure the pitch, which is the angle of the slope, and note whether the stairs are straight, quarter-turn or have a winder.

Length and height of each flight
Width of the stairway between walls
Position and height of the handrail on each wall side
Number of steps and the step depth and rise
Type of wall: concrete, plaster, tile or glass

Measuring the landings and turns

Landings and turns need their own measurements. Measure the length and width of each landing, and where a flight meets a landing, note the height at which the railing must continue. For winders or curved steps, sketch the shape and mark the distances along the inner and outer edges, since these points are where the railing changes direction.

Mark any obstacles such as light switches, pipes, windows, door swings or ceiling beams that could affect the placement of posts or the height of the top rail.

Checking fixing points and wall conditions

Railings are fixed either to the wall, to the stair edge, or to the floor at the base of posts. Check that the fixing surface is solid. Concrete and solid masonry are generally strong, while hollow blocks, thin plaster or tile over weak backing need extra planning. Mark where you expect each fixing to go, and measure the distance from the step edge or the wall corner to each mark.

If you plan a glass infill or a glass railing, note the thickness of the glass and whether it will be fitted into a channel or fixed with brackets, as this changes the required clearances.

Recording your measurements clearly

Draw a simple sketch of the staircase from above and from the side. Write each dimension on the drawing and label the walls, the landings and the direction of travel. Use one unit throughout, preferably millimeters, and state it at the top of the sketch.

Take each measurement twice and confirm they match
Photograph the stairway from the bottom and the top
Note any slopes or irregularities in the floor or walls

Sending your order and planning installation

Send your sketch, measurements and photos to the factory along with a short description of the style you want, such as a bar, glass or mixed infill design. Our team reviews the information, may ask follow-up questions, and can arrange an on-site measurement when the details are complex. Once you approve the written specification, the railing is produced in the factory and finished, typically with hot-dip galvanizing or powder coating, before being installed on site.

Plan the installation after the final floor and wall finishes are complete, so the railing fits the finished stairway. For the handrail height, guards and spacing, check the Israeli railing standard SI 1142 and confirm exact values with your engineer or building inspector before final approval.

Frequently asked questions

Should I measure before or after the floor tiles are laid?

Measure after the final floor and wall finishes are in place, since tiles, screed or cladding change the real dimensions. If the finishes are not yet done, note their expected thickness on your sketch.

Do I need to measure the stairs myself, or can the factory do it?

You can take the measurements yourself using the sketch method, and the factory can also arrange an on-site measurement for complex stairways. Either way, the written specification is confirmed before production.

What is the most important measurement for a stair railing?

The total length and height of each flight, combined with the pitch and the positions of the fixing points, are the most important. Accurate landing and turn dimensions are equally critical for a good fit.

Can I send photos instead of a full drawing?

Photos help a lot, but they should be combined with a simple sketch showing the key dimensions. Photos alone rarely give the precise measurements needed for production.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistakes are measuring before the final finishes are installed and recording dimensions without taking a second check. Forgetting to note obstacles like switches or pipes can also cause problems at installation.

Our recommendation

Measure each dimension twice, write them on a sketch with one unit throughout, and send photos with the sketch. Confirm the final finishes are in place before the order is approved.

Summary

Accurate stair measurements, recorded on a clear sketch with photos, are the foundation of a railing that fits well and installs without delay.

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