How to Quiet Squeaky Stairs

Squeak, squeak, squeak . . . it can really get to you after a while, so why not fix that troublesome tread? If you have access to the underside of a squeaky stair, you can make an easy, invisible and effective repair. It's only slightly more difficult from above, and with the right fasteners and a crayon for cover-up, no one will notice the repair.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wax-filler sticks or crayons
• 2-inch (5-cm) coarsethread drywall screws
• Hammer
• 4d finishing nails
• Drill and driver with countersink bit
• Quarter-round molding
• Wood glue
• Saw or utility knife
• Cloth
• Graphite or talcum powder
• Squeeeeek No More or Counter Snap Kits

Working From Below

1. 

   For squeaks at the nose of the tread, cut short lengths of 3/4-inch (2-cm) quarter-round molding, coat them with wood glue, and toenail them into the inside corner formed by the tread and riser (see A).

2. For squeaks at the rear of the tread, use a countersink bit to bore a pilot hole through the back of the riser into the tread. Then drive in a 2-inch (5-cm) screw to join the two parts and eliminate any friction. Install additional screws as needed.

Working From Above

3. 

   For a squeak at the nose of the tread, nail the tread into the top of the riser. To make nailing easier, bore a pilot hole slightly smaller than the nail's diameter through the tread. Drive one or more pair of nails about 2 inches (5 cm) apart and at opposing 45-degree angles for maximum holding power (see B).

4. Alternatively, use Squeeeeek No More (for carpeted stairs) or Counter Snap (for hardwood stairs) fastening systems (see Tip). The trim screws in both systems break off just below the surface, leaving only a tiny hole, and Squeeeeek No More screws go right through the carpet without damaging it.

5. Fill any holes with color-matched wax-filler sticks or crayons, and buff any wax residue off the face with a dry cloth.

6. Put graphite or talcum power into the crack at the rear of the tread to stop squeaks there.

Tips & Warnings

• Squeeeeek No More and Counter Snap are unique systems made by O'Berry Enterprises. You can reach them at [phone] or at their Web site (see Resources).
• Toenail (angle) nails so they won't penetrate the face of the tread or riser.

on 11/22/2005 Cut strips of roofing felt (either 15 pound or 30 pound) just a little wider than your stringers are thick, and as long as your tread is wide. Example: if your stringers are 2 x 12's and your tread is 13 inches wide, the strips of felt should be about 2 inches wide x 13 inches long. Tack these strips in place on the stringers before attaching the treads to the stringers. The roofing felt will be a cushion between the bottom of the tread and the stringer and will prevent the stairs from squeaking.
If your treads are 2 pieces (one 2x6 and one 2x8), the felt will also keep the stringer from decaying at the crack between the two tread boards.