Repairing Creaks in Wood Stairs

Moving Components

• Stairs are built using three basic components. The side piece, or stringer, provides a template for the connection of vertical risers and horizontal treads. Looking for visible gaps between components is the best method of finding the source of the squeaking, and the first "step" toward effective repairs. A staircase may be fixed from the unfinished underbody or from the surface. The former repair method will be easier and more seamless than the latter, but it may be negated by accessibility issues.

Shimming

• A helper walking up and down the stairs will help you find loose boards and visible gaps. A thin wedge of cedar, or shim, driven between the riser and tread on the offending step will often fix the problem. Once the shim is driven as far as it will go into the gap, the rest can be cut off to provide a seamless repair. A piece of wood placed between the inserted shim and the head of your hammer will make the process easier.

Smaller Gaps

• Repairing smaller gaps that may not accept shims can be done by screwing a piece of stabilizing wood up against the riser and the tread. This method serves to stabilize both stair components. Securing a loose riser may also be done by driving a screw through the back of the offending piece and through the step below it. Drilling small pilot holes will prevent the wood of your stairs from splitting when thicker screws are subsequently driven.

Finishing Touches

• Repairs made at the back of the stairs, or on treads and risers that will be covered with carpeting, may not require further touch-up work. If your repairs will be more visible, filling the recessed screw holes with color-matched wood putty or plastic wood, and sanding the area flush before applying a coat of matching stain and sealer, will give your stairway a professional, finished appearance.