Attach Support Blocks and Secure Wedges

What happens in this clip

With the pilot holes pre-drilled, it's time to secure the support blocks. Start by driving one screw through the block into the riser to hold the block firmly in place. This allows you to remove your hand for the second screw. Then, drive the second screw into the other pilot hole in the block, ensuring the block is fully secured to the riser. Next, take one of your smaller wedge pieces. Apply wood glue generously to the flat, angled side of the wedge that will contact the riser and the angled surface of the block. Position the wedge so its flat side is facing upwards, against the underside of the tread, and its angled side mates with the block's angled side. Push the wedge gently into place. Use a blunt object, such as the end of a hammer or a small piece of wood, and lightly tap it with a mallet or hammer to drive the wedge firmly into the space between the block and the underside of the tread. As the wedge is driven in, it will lift the tread slightly, pressing it firmly against the riser and eliminating movement. Wipe away any excess wood glue that squeezes out immediately with a damp rag. Repeat these steps for all the blocks you've prepared for each squeaky tread. Ensure each block and wedge system is secure and the glue is setting.

Goal: Permanently attach the support blocks and wedges to eliminate movement and squeaking.

What's used

Tools

• Blunt Object
• Hammer
• Scrap wood
• Drill Porter Cable
• Rag
• Screws
• Support Blocks (Mini-Risers)
• Wedge Pieces
• Wood Glue Titebond Premium II

About the full video

This project provides instructions on how to fix noisy stairs by adding support blocks (mini-risers) underneath the treads and risers, and by re-securing or replacing loose wedges in the stringers. The main issue addressed is the movement and rubbing between the tread and riser due to a lack of central support and the dislodging of structural wedges.

Step 4 of 6: Insert and Secure Shims

Carefully tap the glued shims into the identified gaps using a hammer. The goal is to create a snug fit that eliminates any looseness. Once the shims are in place and the movement is reduced or eliminated, you can add glue blocks. Cut small triangular blocks of wood and glue them in the corners where the tread meets the riser and stringer, providing extra support and further preventing movement. You can also drive short screws through the stringer into the tread or riser if needed, but be careful not to split the wood or penetrate through the visible side of the tread.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Fix Squeaky Stairs from Underneath with Shims and Glue Blocks

1. Step 1: Locate Squeaky Tread

   • 0:14–0:34 Fix Squeaks from Underneath with Shims
   • 0:13–0:20 Locate Squeaky Floor Section
   • 2:45–5:32 Identify Squeak Causes and Mark Fixings

2. Step 2: Prepare Shim Material

   • 0:14–0:34 Fix Squeaks from Underneath with Shims
   • 0:15–0:38 Shim Gaps from Underside
   • 3:09–3:51 Tighten Loose Risers with Shims

3. Step 3: Apply Wood Glue

   • 6:40–7:13 Apply Wood Glue (Back Risers)
   • 0:22–0:34 Apply Wood Glue
   • 6:22–6:49 Apply 5-Minute Wood Adhesive

4. Step 4: Insert and Secure Shims

   • 4:46–5:44 Attach Support Blocks and Secure Wedges (this video)
   • 4:08–4:28 Final Gap Filling and Tread Reinforcement
   • 3:09–3:51 Tighten Loose Risers with Shims

5. Step 5: Test for Squeaks

   • 4:28–5:00 Test the Repaired Stairs
   • 0:14–0:34 Fix Squeaks from Underneath with Shims
   • 5:45–6:01 Test the Repaired Stairs

6. Step 6: Clean Up

   • 10:52–11:00 Clean Up Mess
   • 13:42–14:26 Clean Glue Squeeze-out