Consult your Local Building Code to determine Code Compliance requirements.

Refer to the diagram when measuring:

1. Head Room - measure ceiling to top of finished floor - minimum of 80 inches.
2. Well Hole Opening - measure the opening for the stair - header to header.
3. Height - measure top of finished lower floor to top of finished upper floor in inches.
4. Total Run - the horizontal distance covered by the entire stairway.
5. Run - measure face of riser to face of riser - does NOT include nose (rough cut of tread).
6. Box Width - measure outside of stringer to outside of stringer.
7. Open Width - measure outside of stringer to outside of stringer (normally 5 1/2" wider [per open side] than box width for standard 4 1/2" finished wall).
8. Length of Wall, Right Side - on part open stairs.
9. Length of Wall, Left Side - on part open stairs.

You may also need to determine:

• Number of Risers - count the number of risers. For a standard 8-ft. ceiling, the riser count will be either 13 or 14, with the individual rise falling between 7" and 8 1/4". Check your local code.
• Rise - Individual riser height (from top of tread to top of tread).
• Nose - the portion of the tread protruding beyond the face of the riser.
• Brackets - the decorative pieces fastened to the outside of the stringer.