How to Fix the Squeak in Stairs

The stair tread--the part of the step you actually walk on--dries out and shrinks over time, which causes it to form a cup (U shape) or a bow (reverse U shape). This warping also causes it to loosen from the riser, the vertical board that links each pair of treads. Each time someone steps on the stair, the pressure causes it to rub against the surface it's attached to (called a stringer), causing that annoying squeak. This article describes two ways to fix the squeak in stairs--one method from underneath the stairs, the other from the top.

Things You'll Need

• Construction adhesive
• Wood block
• Drill
• Wood screws
• Wood glue
• Shims
• Coping saw or utility knife

Instructions

Fix the Squeak from Underneath the Stairs

1. Inspect the stair from the underside, if you can get beneath your stairs. (If you can't, skip to Section 2). Examine the joints that link the stair tread with the riser to determine the location of the warping.

2. Use construction adhesive to glue a wood block to the loosened joint between the tread and the riser.

3. Drill pilot holes through the wood block into the riser and then into the tread. Drive in screws to firmly fasten the stair parts.

4. Read Section 3 for an alternate fix using wood shims.

Fix the Squeak from Topside

1. Peek under the stair carpeting, or remove the molding to inspect the joints between the stair tread and the riser.

2. Determine whether the squeak results from a cupped (U-shaped) stair tread or from a bowed tread (inverted U shape). Step heavily on the very edge of the stair; if it squeaks, it has most likely warped into a cupped, or U-shaped, tread. On the other hand, if it squeaks when you step heavily on the center of the step, it is very likely to have warped upward.

3. Drill pilot holes and drive screws through the treads and into the risers. For cupped (U-shaped) warping, drive in the screws at the two opposite ends of the stair tread. For a bowed tread, drive in the screws at the center of the tread. Cover the screws by filling screw holes with wood plugs or putty.

4. Read Section 3 for an alternate fix using wood shims.

Fix the Squeak Using Wood Shims

1. Fill the gaps between the loosened stair tread and riser with wood shims. A shim is a wedge-shaped piece of wood. This method is especially helpful if the wood is too dry or old.

2. Apply wood glue to the shim. Insert it into the gap between the stair parts and tap it in until it is snug. Let the glue dry.

3. Drill pilot holes through the stair tread, through the shim and into the riser. Drive in the screws to firmly fasten the tread and riser.

4. Use a coping saw or utility knife to carefully cut the protruding shim flush with the stair. This is done not only to maintain the appearance of your staircase, but also for safety's sake too.

Tips & Warnings

• It is preferable to fix the squeak in stairs from the underside, if possible, so that you won't need to hide your repairs.