Repair Squeaky Stairs with This Easy Tutorial

A squeaky stair tread is an annoyance that can easily be fixed with a few basic tools and materials. However, the repair method varies according to whether you repair it from above or below. Included in this article are both methods of eliminating squeaky stairs, ensuring that you will meet with success when you try this easy home improvement project.

Before beginning to stop any squeaky stairs you should know why they occur. Most squeaks happen because tread is not being properly supported by the riser and is able to move around. Squeaky stairs can be caused by a warped board or even poorly assembled stairs. To fix this problem, you must identify which part of the tread is moving. Doing this is simple; just walk up and down the stairs, noting where your foot is placed to create the squeak. Mark these areas with masking tape as you discover them, and then continue with the appropriate repair.

Underneath the stairs

If you have access to the underside of your staircase you should almost always use this repair method to fix squeaky stairs. One advantage is if the underside of the stairs are hidden from view, you will not have to be as concerned with disguising your handiwork. To repair a squeaky tread this way you will only need some small blocks of wood, wood glue, a hammer, and some nails.

Perhaps the easiest way of eliminating a squeaky step is to use small blocks of wood to stabilize the treads and prevent any movement. A piece of a 1"x1" is perfect for the job. Just apply wood glue on two adjacent sides of the wood. Then stick the piece of wood in the corner created by the tread and riser. Then hammer a few nails through the block and into the riser. Be sure to choose nails that are not long enough to completely penetrate the tread, but are still long enough to reach it to add extra support and stop the squeaky tread.

Above the stairs