Final Inspection

What happens in this clip

Once the carpet is fully reinstalled, walk up and down the stairs to test for any remaining squeaks or movement. The stairs should now be silent and solid. Visually inspect the carpet to ensure it is evenly laid, without wrinkles or loose spots. This concludes the repair process.

Goal: Perform a final check of the repaired stairs to confirm that all squeaks have been eliminated and the carpet is securely in place.

About the full video

This project provides detailed instructions on how to eliminate squeaks and creaks from old wooden stairs by securing loose treads and risers using screws and wood glue. The process involves removing existing carpet and gripper rods, marking and drilling pilot holes for new fasteners, applying wood glue, and then re-installing the carpet and underlay.

Step 5 of 6: Test for Squeaks

Once you have completed the securing steps, it's essential to test your work. Carefully walk up and down the stairs, paying close attention to whether the squeaking has stopped. Sometimes, a single stair might have multiple sources of noise, or a repair might not have been completely effective. If you still hear squeaks, go back to step 1 and re-evaluate the source. It may require additional screws or a slightly different approach to fully silence the stair. Patience and thoroughness are key to a successful stair repair.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Fix Squeaky Hardwood Stairs from Above

1. Step 1: Locate Squeak Source

   • 0:00–1:23 Identify Squeak Source
   • 2:46–5:26 Identify Squeak Points and Mark Drilling Guides
   • 0:44–1:08 Identify Squeak and Gather Materials for PVA Method

2. Step 2: Access from Above

   • 0:14–0:34 Fix Squeaks from Underneath with Shims
   • 0:03–1:05 Identify and Prepare Problem Area
   • 0:56–1:24 Apply Screws or Blocks for Stability

3. Step 3: Secure Loose Tread/Riser

   • 6:29–7:31 Drive Screws to Secure Tread to Riser
   • 6:13–6:27 Secure Front Treads with Screws
   • 2:05–4:08 Reinforce Risers and Treads with Adhesive and Timber

4. Step 4: Address Loose Stringers

   • 0:09–0:13 Secure Lower Stringer Section
   • 0:56–1:24 Apply Screws or Blocks for Stability
   • 1:24–2:44 Fix Squeaks on Carpeted Stairs

5. Step 5: Test for Squeaks

   • 4:28–5:00 Test the Repaired Stairs
   • 0:46–0:52 Fix Squeaks on Hardwood Stairs with Screws and Putty
   • 11:15–11:37 Final Inspection (this video)

6. Step 6: Conceal Screw Heads (Optional)

   • 1:12–1:17 Conceal Screw Holes
   • 0:22–0:30 Fill Screw Holes with Wood Putty
   • 4:26–4:39 Conceal Screw Heads