Fix Squeaks on Hardwood Stairs with Screws and Putty

What happens in this clip

For hardwood stairs, the process is similar to carpeted stairs but with an additional finishing step. Locate the squeaky area and use small diameter screws driven by a cordless drill to secure the tread. Drive the screws slightly below the surface of the hardwood, creating a small indentation. After the screw is in place, fill the recessed hole with color-matched wood putty. Once the putty dries, it should blend seamlessly with your hardwood, making the repair almost invisible.

Goal: Secure loose hardwood stair treads and conceal the repair

What's used

Tools

• Cordless Drill
• Driver Bit

Materials

• Color-Matched Wood Putty
• Wood epoxy
• concealed finish.
• Small Diameter Screws
• Finish screws

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 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 (this video)
   • 11:15–11:37 Final Inspection

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