How to measure your staircase
You don’t need perfect measurements to start planning a staircase.
At an early stage, the aim is to understand what layouts are possible and what type of staircase will work in your space.
This guide explains the key measurements you need and how to take them safely and accurately enough to move forward.
What you’ll need
Most staircase measurements can be taken with:
A tape measure
Access to drawings (if available)
A clear view of the staircase opening
If you’re working from drawings, always confirm whether dimensions are finished floor levels or structural levels.
1. Measure the floor-to-floor height
The most important measurement for any staircase is the floor-to-floor height.
This is the vertical distance from the finished floor level on the lower floor to the finished floor level on the upper floor.
If you’re unsure of the exact floor-to-floor height, it is usually best at the design stage to work with a slightly higher measurement.
Designing to a higher floor-to-floor height ensures the staircase proportions remain compliant and comfortable. If the final height is lower, the stair will naturally become less steep or use slightly smaller step sizes.
Once a staircase is manufactured, its dimensions cannot be increased, which is why establishing the correct design height early is important.
Measure the floor-to-ceiling height
In addition to the floor-to-floor height, it is important to measure the floor-to-ceiling height on the lower floor.
This helps identify potential headroom issues and obstructions before the staircase layout is finalised.
Floor-to-ceiling height is measured from the finished floor level to the underside of the ceiling.
Measure the stairwell opening
Measure the length and width of the stairwell opening.
If the opening has not yet been formed, measure the maximum available space and note any constraints.
The opening size is critical in determining whether a straight staircase will fit or whether a turn or winder is required.
Identify the entry and exit points
Identify where the staircase will start (entry point) and where it will exit on the upper floor.
Note:
Whether the staircase turns
The direction of travel up the stair
Whether the exit is into a room, landing, or loft space
This information is essential when assessing layout options.
Identify walls and balustrade positions
Note which sides of the staircase will be against walls and which sides will be open.
This determines:
Where balustrades are required
Handrail positions
Usable stair width
If a wall is not straight or not vertical, note this so allowances can be made.
Check ceiling height and headroom
Headroom is measured from the pitch line of the staircase to the underside of the ceiling or any obstruction above.
Headroom issues often occur:
Near the top of the staircase
Where the stair passes beneath a ceiling or landing
Where roof slopes are involved
Identifying potential pinch points early avoids layout changes later.
If the new staircase passes over an existing staircase
If the new staircase passes over an existing staircase, measure key height points along the existing stair.
This helps assess whether sufficient headroom can be achieved.
Photographs of the existing staircase are extremely helpful at this stage.
Measuring for loft staircases
For loft staircases, it is important to identify where you have sufficient headroom to exit the staircase in the loft space.
Measure:
Roof slopes
Available headroom at the top of the stair
Distance from roof edges and walls
Check doors near the staircase
Note any doors near the entry or exit of the staircase.
Door positions can affect:
Compliance
Safety
Usable landing space
Doors opening into stairways may require repositioning to comply with Building Regulations.
Note windows and obstructions
If the staircase crosses a window, record:
Window height
Window position
Distance from floor level
Also note:
Beams, bulkheads, radiators, structural elements, or sloping ceilings should all be recorded.
Create a simple sketch
A simple hand sketch is often the easiest way to communicate measurements and layout.
Include bullet list exactly like this (it’s excellent):
Your sketch should include:
Stairwell opening dimensions
Floor-to-floor height
Floor-to-ceiling height
Direction of travel up the staircase (arrow)
Walls and open sides
Doors, windows, and obstructions
An elevation sketch if required
You can send us this sketch or use it to identify a staircase layout close to what you need.
Final measurements and ordering
Once you are ready to order a staircase, all dimensions must be accurate.
If you are ordering a premium staircase, we offer a professional measuring service at an additional cost.
If you are not comfortable taking final measurements, we recommend the carpenter or joiner who will be installing the staircase carries out the final measure and signs off the drawings for production.
This is often more economical than a site visit, depending on location.
Need help interpreting your measurements?
If you’re unsure about any measurements or how they affect layout options, we’re happy to advise before you move forward.