How to Fix Squeaky Stairs for Good! | Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford

Moments in this video

1. 0:14–0:34 Fix Squeaks from Underneath with Shims From How to Fix Squeaky Stairs from Underneath with Shims and Glue Blocks, Step 1: Locate Squeaky Tread

   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.

2. 0:14–0:34 Fix Squeaks from Underneath with Shims From How to Fix Squeaky Stairs from Underneath with Shims and Glue Blocks, Step 2: Prepare Shim Material

   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.

3. 0:14–0:34 Fix Squeaks from Underneath with Shims From How to Fix Squeaky Stairs from Underneath with Shims and Glue Blocks, Step 5: Test for Squeaks

   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.

4. 0:14–0:34 Fix Squeaks from Underneath with Shims From How to Fix Squeaky Hardwood Stairs from Above, Step 2: Access from Above

   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.

5. 0:14–0:34 Fix Squeaks from Underneath with Shims From How to Fix Popping Noises from Adhesive Carpet Treads on Wood Stairs, Step 6: Address Sub-Surface Creaks

   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.

6. 0:46–0:52 Fix Squeaks on Hardwood Stairs with Screws and Putty From How to Fix Squeaky Hardwood Stairs from Above, Step 5: Test for Squeaks

   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.

Guides that use this video

• How to Fix Squeaky Stairs from Underneath with Shims and Glue Blocks
• How to Fix Squeaky Hardwood Stairs from Above
• How to Fix Popping Noises from Adhesive Carpet Treads on Wood Stairs