How to measure for stair rods
Staircases come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important that once you’ve found some stair rods you love, that you measure your stairs properly for these to fit.
All of our stair rods are made to measure to ensure that you get the perfect fit. The length of rod you order will depend on your choice of stair runner or fitted carpet and the type of bracket fixing (runner, front or side) you prefer, which we cover in our stair rod fitting guide.
When sharing your measurements, you will need to specify the length of stair rods you require from tip to tip, with the finial added. The finial is the decorative end many stair rods have, which can vary from a small circular end to something more extravagant. But don’t worry too much about the length of the rod or finial as separate measurements, as we will make these calculations to ensure we create the exact overall length you order for each stair rod.
It’s important to remember that not all of your stairs may be the same width. Even on straight stairs, a newel post (the supporting pillars of your staircase) or other obstruction may affect the space available between the edge of your runner and the skirting board or spindles (the vertical posts that connect the handrail and base of your staircase). If you find this is the case, you may need to order a shorter rod for one or more of your stairs.For winding staircases, or ones with a half landing, you will need to carefully measure each individual stair on the turn as these will require different length rods to fit correctly.
To provide a neat and professional finish, we recommend fitting a stair rod at the very bottom of the stairs, no matter if they’re straight or curved. So, please don’t forget to include this rod in your order.
Our stair rods come in 4 different diameters, which we have detailed in the table below. This offers a guide to the calculations you should use to find the correct length of stair rods to order with us. Please note, the measurements you’ll need for stairs with runners compared to fitted carpet will differ.
MEASUREMENTS FOR STAIRS WITH RUNNERS
| ROD DIAMETER | ORDER WIDTH OF RUNNER PLUS |
|---|---|
| 10mm (⅜”) | 75mm (3″) to allow 37.5mm (1 ½”) each side |
| 12.5 mm (½”) | 100mm (4″) to allow 50mm (2″) each side |
| 16 mm (⅝”) | 125mm (5″) to allow 62.5mm (2 ½”) each side |
| 19 mm (¾”) | 150mm (6″) to allow 75mm (3″) each side |
NB: “Plus” refers to the additional measurements you need to include on top of the width of the runner.
MEASUREMENTS FOR STAIRS WITH FITTED CARPETS
| ROD DIAMETER | FRONT-FIX BRACKETS ORDER WIDTH OF STAIRS* LESS | SIDE-FIX BRACKETS ORDER WIDTH OF STAIR* LESS |
|---|---|---|
| For all rod diameters | 100mm (4″) to allow a 50mm (2″) gap from the tip of the finial to the skirting board or spindle on each side. | 12.5mm (½”) to allow 6.25mm (¼”) each side, for easy fitting.(NB side-fix brackets do not require finials.) |
* Please measure from skirting board to skirting board (or spindle).
NB: “Less” refers to the width of your stairs minus the numbers in the relevant columns. This will give you the correct measurements.
Once you have worked out the correct stair rod measurements, you can pass these on to our helpful team, so we can get started. Here at Stair Rods Direct, we have a wide range of stair rods in many different styles to suit your home. Additionally, we stock runners, door bars, carpet studs, underlay, easy bind, and plenty more to help you transform your staircase.
For more fitting and measuring advice, as well as decorating inspiration, be sure to check out the rest of our how to guides. We have guides to door thresholds, as well as staircase decorating tips for you to check out. For any enquiries about our products or to discuss your next staircase DIY project, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team on 0330 113 4909.