How to Repair Basement Steps
Steps often squeak when you use them. In homes or large buildings, it is hard to take two or three steps without hearing one squeak. This is especially true in basements because the steps are made of wood and exposed to lots of moisture. This moisture causes the steps to loosen over time, making them squeak when weight is applied. The fix is a simple one, however. All you need is the ability to swing a hammer. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Hammer
- Nails, 3-inch
- Wood screws, 3-inch
- Power driver
- Wood shims
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Instructions
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Locate the step that needs repair by walking up and down the stairs and stopping when the squeak occurs. Once on the squeaking step, shift your weight from one foot to another until you locate the exact location of the squeak. Most often, it is located near one of the existing nails in the tread board (the stair board).
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Locate the stair riser support which is directly under the stair. This is the board that the tread board is nailed to.
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Drive a single 3-inch nail through the tread board directly into the stringer board using a hammer. Make sure to drive the nail right into the center of the stair stringer board.
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Test the step by walking on it again. If the squeak is still there, try to secure the step to the riser board using a wood screw and power driver. If this does not work, insert a wood shim under the tread board (the stair) in between the tread board and stair stringer. Then drive another nail through the tread board and into the stringer board.
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Tips & Warnings
Use wood glue with your wood screw to enhance the effectiveness of this quick fix.
If all else fails, you may need to remove the entire tread board and replace it with a brand new stair tread. You will find these at a home improvement store or lumber yard.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit wooden steps image by Aaron Kohr from Fotolia.com
