How to Fix Creaking Stairs

Walk slowly up and down the stairs until you locate the source of the noise. Keep track of which step makes the noise, or make a light chalk mark on each stair if there are multiple issues.

Stand on the stair that is squeaking. Carefully shift your weight to find out where the squeak is coming from. If the squeak occurs when your weight is on the front of the tread, the tread is likely loose from the rise. If it occurs elsewhere, the tread is likely loose from the stringers.

Inspect the stair to see where the tread meets the riser or the stringers. You can do this by locating the nails or screws already in place, or by viewing the stairs from underneath, if you have access to do so. Circle the connection areas with chalk so that you can find them later.

Instruct a helper to stand on the tread of the stair with feet on either side of the loose connection point. This will apply even pressure downward, forcing the tread into contact with the riser or the stringer.

Drill two 1/8- to ¼-inch diameter starter holes through the tread at a 45-degree angle where it contacts the riser or stringer. Straight attachments will loosen quickly; using the angle will allow the fastener to take more abuse.

Drive 8- or 10-penny finish nails into the starter holes at the 45-degree angle with a hammer. Hammer until the head of the nails are set just below the tread. This will firmly attach the tread to the riser or stringer below. Repeat the procedure for every loose connection on your stairs to eliminate the creaking.