Tighten Loose Risers with Shims

What happens in this clip

With the treads removed, you'll have access to the risers. If any risers are loose or pulled away from the skirt board (the vertical board running along the wall), use a hammer to gently tap them back into position, ensuring they are flush against the skirt board. To prevent them from moving again and to eliminate squeaks, apply construction adhesive to thin wooden shims. Insert these adhesive-coated shims into any gaps behind the risers, driving them in securely until the riser is tightly held against the skirt board. This step stabilizes the stair structure and prevents future noise.

Goal: Address any loose risers by gently hammering them back against the skirt board and securing them in place with shims coated in construction adhesive.

What's used

Tools

• Caulk Gun
• Hammer
• Wooden Shims

Materials

• Construction Adhesive Gorilla Glue

About the full video

This video provides detailed instructions on how to update an old, noisy, and discolored oak staircase by replacing the worn treads and resurfacing the risers. The process involves carefully disassembling the existing stairs, preparing the structural components, custom-cutting new oak treads to fit irregular spaces, and applying an oak veneer to the risers for a refreshed, modern look. The project focuses on improving aesthetics, reducing noise, and extending the lifespan of the staircase.

Step 4 of 6: Insert and Secure Shims

Carefully tap the glued shims into the identified gaps using a hammer. The goal is to create a snug fit that eliminates any looseness. Once the shims are in place and the movement is reduced or eliminated, you can add glue blocks. Cut small triangular blocks of wood and glue them in the corners where the tread meets the riser and stringer, providing extra support and further preventing movement. You can also drive short screws through the stringer into the tread or riser if needed, but be careful not to split the wood or penetrate through the visible side of the tread.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Fix Squeaky Stairs from Underneath with Shims and Glue Blocks

1. Step 1: Locate Squeaky Tread

   • 0:14–0:34 Fix Squeaks from Underneath with Shims
   • 0:13–0:20 Locate Squeaky Floor Section
   • 2:45–5:32 Identify Squeak Causes and Mark Fixings

2. Step 2: Prepare Shim Material

   • 0:14–0:34 Fix Squeaks from Underneath with Shims
   • 0:15–0:38 Shim Gaps from Underside
   • 3:09–3:51 Tighten Loose Risers with Shims

3. Step 3: Apply Wood Glue

   • 6:40–7:13 Apply Wood Glue (Back Risers)
   • 0:22–0:34 Apply Wood Glue
   • 6:22–6:49 Apply 5-Minute Wood Adhesive

4. Step 4: Insert and Secure Shims

   • 4:46–5:44 Attach Support Blocks and Secure Wedges
   • 4:08–4:28 Final Gap Filling and Tread Reinforcement
   • 3:09–3:51 Tighten Loose Risers with Shims (this video)

5. Step 5: Test for Squeaks

   • 4:28–5:00 Test the Repaired Stairs
   • 0:14–0:34 Fix Squeaks from Underneath with Shims
   • 5:45–6:01 Test the Repaired Stairs

6. Step 6: Clean Up

   • 10:52–11:00 Clean Up Mess
   • 13:42–14:26 Clean Glue Squeeze-out