Stair & Shelf Gauge - Build The Perfect Fitting Stair Treads


The trickiest part of installing stair treads is often cutting them to fit perfectly between the walls or baseboard. The Perfect Fit Stair Tread and Shelf Gauge makes it easy to determine the length of the stair tread and if the ends need to be cut at an angle to fit against the sides walls. No need to measure. The gauge slides to set the length of the stair tread from 28" to 48" long. And, the side angle finders pivot to match the angles of tread ends.



Watch: Using the Perfect Fit Stair Tread and Shelf Gauge




stair tread jig set to 48

This stair tread measuring gauge can be adjusted to measure stair treads, risers or shelves from 28" to 48" long.



Measure, Cut and Install Stair Treads

To determine the length of a stair tread, place the stair tread measuring gauge in the opening. Loosen the two four-star knobs closest to the center of the gauge and extend the rails.

adjusting stair tread jig to fit the tread area

The stair tread measuring gauge features an adjustable arm at each end. Loosen the four-star knobs holding the angle arms in line with the rails. Turn the angle arms so they are roughly perpendicular to the rails. Retighten the knobs slightly, but not so much that the angle arms can’t move. Register the gauge off the desired “edge,” making sure it is as square as possible. Extend the rails until the angle arms are tight against the sides of the opening. Tighten the two four-star knobs closest to the center of the gauge to lock in the arms. If the angle arms are not already tight against the sides of the opening, adjust them so that they are. Make sure they extend far enough that you’ll be able to mark across the entire workpiece. Once the angle arms are tight against the sides, fully tighten the four-star knobs to lock the angle arms in that position.



transferring stair tread gauge setting to actual tread board

Move the gauge to the stair tread workpiece that needs to be marked. Position the stair tread measuring gauge so that it will register off the appropriate edge. Once you have the gauge positioned properly on the workpiece, hold it in place as you scribe lines along the outside faces of the angle arms. Cut along the lines with a circular saw, track saw or miter saw.



installing stair tread

Install the stair tread.



Measure, Cut and Install Stair Risers

three photos showing measuring and installing stair risers

The stair tread measuring gauge also works well for installing stair risers. Repeat the same process that was shown for the stair treads, except orient the stair tread measuring gauge vertically.

Measure, Cut and Install Countertop or Shelves Between Two Walls

built-in cabinet between two walls

This jig also works well for sizing countertops or shelves that are captured between two walls.