How to Replace Stair Treads to Stop Squeaking

Stair treads help make stairs safer, but the layer of carpeting can prevent you from being able to silence squeaking floorboards. Floorboards squeak when they buckle and warp slightly over time, and begin to rub against each other. Pulling off the stair treads will allow you to access the wood underneath to silence squeaks. Replace the stair treads when you are finished.

Pliers
Liquid dish soap
Plastic scrubbing pad
Cloths
Talcum powder
Ruler
Double-sided carpet adhesive strips

Instructions

- 1
  Pull the stair treads off the stairs by ripping from the corners toward the center of each tread. Pull hard with a pair of pliers to get the best grip possible.
- 2
  Add five drops liquid dish soap to 1 cup hot water. Dip a plastic scrubbing pad into the soapy water and scrub it over the step platform to remove the adhesive residue.
- 3
  Rinse the stair platform with water and immediately dry it.
- 4
  Sprinkle talcum powder over the stair treads. Spread the powder so that it falls in between the floor boards. Walk over the top of the stair to work the talcum powder in between the boards and silence the squeaks. Use as much of the powder as necessary.
- 5
  Repeat the process over the entire stairs until you cannot hear any more squeaking.
- 6
  Wipe the stairs with a damp cloth to remove the excess powder. Immediately dry the stairs completely.
- 7
  Place double-sided carpet adhesive strips on the back of the new carpet tread.
- 8
  Measure and mark the placement of the carpeted stair tread on the platform. This will ensure that the tread is even.
- 9
  Pull the paper backing off the adhesive tape. Press the carpet tread over the stair platform. Press hard and let it sit for several hours to set completely.

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Carpentry