Fix Squeaks from Underneath with Shims

What happens in this clip

If you have access to the underside of your stairs, purchase wooden shims from a home center. Locate the area under the stairs where the squeak is occurring. Gently tap a wooden shim into the gap between the stair tread and the stringer or riser using a hammer. The goal is to fill the void and prevent movement. Once the shim is in place and the squeak is eliminated or significantly reduced, apply a good quality construction adhesive around the shim to seal it in place and provide additional rigidity, further preventing future squeaks.

Goal: Eliminate squeaks by shimming from the underside

What's used

Tools

• Caulk Gun
• Hammer
• Wooden Shims
• Thin wood scraps

Materials

• Construction Adhesive Titebond
• Gorilla Glue Construction Adhesive

About the full video

This project provides practical solutions for silencing squeaky wooden stairs. It covers two main methods: using wooden shims and construction adhesive for stairs with accessible undersides, and using small screws with appropriate finishing techniques for carpeted or hardwood stairs.

Step 6 of 7: Address Sub-Surface Creaks

If the popping noise persists after addressing carpet adhesion, the issue may be with the wooden stairs themselves. Carefully inspect the wooden treads and risers for any visible cracks, loose boards, or signs of movement. Tap on the wood to listen for hollow sounds indicating looseness. You may need to access the underside of the stairs if possible (e.g., from a basement or attic) to drive screws or shims into the joists or stringers where the treads are attached.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Fix Popping Noises from Adhesive Carpet Treads on Wood Stairs

1. Step 1: Inspect Carpet Tread Noise

   • 0:00–0:17 Identify Squeak Location
   • 2:21–3:48 Diagnose Creaking Causes

2. Step 2: Examine Carpet Tread Adhesion

   • 0:00–0:04 Inspect Damaged Carpet Edge
   • 0:06–0:17 Inspect Loose Stair Nosing
   • 0:36–0:40 Apply Adhesive to Secure Carpet

3. Step 3: Clean Carpet Tread Underside and Stair Surface

   • 0:09–0:45 Prepare and Clean Stair Treads
   • 0:07–0:17 Apply Adhesive to Carpet and Subfloor
   • 0:00–0:05 Prepare the Loose Carpet Section

4. Step 4: Apply New Adhesive

   • 0:07–0:17 Apply Adhesive to Carpet and Subfloor
   • 0:04–0:08 Apply Spray Adhesive
   • 0:04–0:08 Apply Carpet Adhesive

5. Step 5: Reinforce Loose Carpet Edges (Optional)

   • 0:29–0:34 Secure Carpet Edge with Staples
   • 0:08–0:11 Secure Carpet at Bullnose with Stapler
   • 0:11–0:14 Secure Carpet with Staples

6. Step 6: Address Sub-Surface Creaks

   • 3:29–3:39 Eliminate Squeaks from Treads
   • 0:14–0:34 Fix Squeaks from Underneath with Shims (this video)
   • 1:24–2:44 Fix Squeaks on Carpeted Stairs

7. Step 7: Test Repaired Treads

   • 11:15–11:37 Final Inspection
   • 0:07–0:10 Test Stair Stability
   • 4:28–5:00 Test the Repaired Stairs