Diagnose Creaking Causes

What happens in this clip

Before fixing, it's crucial to understand why stairs creak. Over time, timber warps, dries out, and moves, creating gaps. There are two primary locations where creaks originate: 1. **Riser-Tread Rebate**: The riser (vertical part) sits within a rebate (groove) in the tread (horizontal part). When the riser moves within this rebate as you walk up or down the stairs, it generates creaks. 2. **Tread-Riser Underside Gap**: Gaps can form between the bottom of the tread and the top of the riser below it. The tread moves up and down slightly, rubbing against the bottom of the riser, causing squeaks. The video notes that the majority of noise in the demonstrated stairs comes from the riser-tread rebate. Both issues will be addressed.

Goal: Identify the structural reasons for stair creaks.

What's used

Tools

• Screwdriver (as pointer)

About the full video

This DIY project provides a step-by-step guide to fix creaky stairs without needing access from underneath. The process involves removing the carpet and underlay, diagnosing the causes of creaks (movement in the tread-riser rebate and gaps between tread and riser), and then securely bonding and screwing these components together using various adhesives and screws. The final steps include reinstalling the underlay and carpet.

Step 2 of 7: Inspect for Loose Tread or Riser

Apply pressure to the tread near the suspected squeak. Observe if the tread lifts or shifts independently of the riser or stringer. Check for any separation where wood components meet.

Open this step in the guide

Other videos for this step

• Locate Squeak and Assess Access
• Diagnose the Squeaky Stair Problem