How to Fix Squeaking Wood Stairs

Stairs squeak when the wood in your stairs shrinks or swells, causing the boards to rub against each other. The treads, the portion of the stairs you step on, and the risers, the portion of the stairs that hold the treads up and give them height, are separate parts that can cause noise when pressure is applied. Similarly, the stringers, the sides of your stairs, can also cry out when the stairs are used. There are several repair methods that can be used when your wooden stairs become too loud.

Powdered graphite
Talcum powder
Hammer
Nails
Small wood blocks
Wood glue
Wood shims

Instructions

- 1
  Put a small amount of powdered graphite or talcum powder into the crack between the risers and the treads where the squeak occurs. Powdered graphite and talcum powder act as lubricants, preventing the boards of the stairs from rubbing together. Rub the powder into the crack to ensure it penetrates thoroughly.
- 2
  Flatten any nails rising from the tread’s surface by using a hammer. Over time, nails can be loosened, allowing the boards to become free to move and squeak. Replace any missing nails when you check the area. Pounding the nails flat can prevent injury if you often go up and down the stairs barefoot.
- 3
  Use wood glue and a hammer and nails to attach a small wood block to the underside of the stairs where the riser and the tread join. This area is known as the nose of the stair tread. With a wood block secured in place, the tread and the riser are held steady and cannot rub against each other. Most stairs already have wood blocks in place for this reason, but some do not, and over time, the wood blocks can rot or fall off.
- 4
  Pound wood shims into the space between the existing wood blocks and the stairs using a hammer. Over time, the wood block can shrink, which prevents it from doing its job. Wood shims enlarge the wood block’s profile and hold it steadily in place once more.

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