Home Improvement Project for Fixing Squeaky Stairs
The sound of squeaking from stairs can be a constant annoyance for many householders. Squeaky stairs tend to be more of a problem in older houses because the wood that forms the risers and treads of the stairway can dry out and shrink over time. The nails that hold stairs in place can also work loose and lead to noisy, squeaky stairs. Return to peace and quiet in your home by repairing old and squeaky stairs. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Find the location of the squeaks. Get a friend or family member to slowly walk up and down the stairs while you listen for the squeaks. Make a note of each squeaky stair to make finding it easy when you want to carry out the repair.
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Remove the stair carpet, if necessary. Do this by firmly pulling the edge of the carpet away from the gripper on the wood below.
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Check the tread and riser of each squeaky stair to establish the cause of the problem. Do this by pushing down all around the step.
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Repair loose treads by screwing them down with a wood screw. Do this by drilling a small hole at the side of the tread. Insert a wood screw and tighten it with a screwdriver until the tread is firmly re-attached to the stair frame.
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Fix a loose riser by drilling a hole through the back of the tread and into the riser. You will need to drill the hole at a slight angle into the wood at the rear of the tread. Again, screw the riser down with a wood screw. Ensure the screw is long enough to penetrate through the tread and into the riser behind it.
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Plug any squeak-causing gaps between tread and risers with a thin piece of wood. Brush PVA wood glue onto each side of the wood and push it between the gap. Hold it in place for a few minutes to allow the glue to dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Use small offcuts of wood from other projects to plug gaps between treads and risers.
Use protective eyewear while drilling holes in wood.
References
Resources
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