Secure Front Treads with Screws

What happens in this clip

Once all pilot holes with countersinks are prepared, insert the appropriate size screws (e.g., 4.5 x 40mm screws) into each hole. Use the cordless drill to drive the screws down until their heads are flush with or slightly below the surface of the tread. This action will pull the tread firmly against the riser, reducing movement and eliminating squeaks from the front joint.

Goal: Drive screws into the pre-drilled and countersunk holes along the front of each tread to firmly secure them to the risers.

What's used

Tools

• Cordless Drill

Materials

• Wood Screws

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 3 of 6: Secure Loose Tread/Riser

Once you have accessed the underside of the stairs and located the loose connection between a tread and a riser, the next step is to secure them. This is typically done by driving long wood screws through one component into the other. If the tread is loose on the riser, drive screws from the underside of the tread up into the riser. If the riser is loose on the tread, drive screws horizontally through the riser into the tread. It is critical to use screws that are long enough to get a good grip in both pieces of wood but not so long that they will poke through the visible surface of the stair. Pre-drilling pilot holes can help prevent the wood from splitting, especially in hardwood.

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 (this video)
   • 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

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