How can I repair creaking stairs?
by
Alex
+18
Hi Hometalkers,First off, I hope everyone is well!My problem is OMG, WE'RE FINALLY MOVING, oops! sorry for that outburst.The new stairs are creaky as creaky can be. Carpeted, at the moment, but we might replace that.But, how to stop those creaks??Hints & tips will be gladly appreciated!Thank you all in advance.
EDITED -
My son, who works with wood, told me he can fix the creaks for me, so I don't need to worry about them!!
Thanks to all of you for your answers. I know that although my problem will be sorted now, at least your answers will help others!!
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You will need to remove the carpet to make the repair, so when you replace it, you have the perfect opportunity. Here's a link with the steps to take:
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/stairs/21015214/a-silent-stair
Graphite or baby powder swept into the cracks after removing the carpet might fix it. I hope you don’t find any weak spots. Congratulations!!
Hi! Congrats on your move!
Maybe this will help!
https://www.familyhandyman.com/floor/floor-repair/how-to-repair-squeaky-stairs/
Hopefully this link can help you:
https://www.thespruce.com/fix-squeaky-stairs-easily-1821642
Hello!
We sucessfully fixed our annoying kitchen hardwood floor squeak a while ago using one screw from a kit like this. The kits are available in the big box hardware stores.
The screw is placed in the support below and the screw breaks off. Wax crayon covered our HW repair. This kit can be also used in carpeted areas with squeaks using the other accessory.
You can check out the reviews and Q&A here in the link below.
https://www.amazon.com/OBERRY-ENTERPRISES-3233-SQUEEEEEK-REPAIR/dp/B0006IK8YE/ref=asc_df_B0006IK8YE/?nd=4918035008276974037&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008412&hvtargid=pla-312808039115&psc=1
Congratulations on your new home, that's so exciting. WRT your creaking stairs I'm hoping this article will help you out - https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-fix-squeaky-stairs/
Squeaky stairs are easy to fix from underneath—provided they're exposed. A simple fix is to tap shims into voids between the treads and the stringers and add some glue. Then screw the stringer to each stud. But most stairs are finished on the underside with drywall or plaster.
If they are just creaky but not bouncy they might just need secured better. You should be able to see how well secured they are underneath, or when you remove the carpeting.
You might need to pull up the carpeting to see what state your boards are in underneath. As others have mentioned, you might be able to add support to the current stair boards or you might need to replace them, but you'll probably need to see them to determine which it is.
Here's a step by step way to stop the squeak on your stairs:
https://www.wikihow.com/Quiet-Squeaky-Stairs
I wrote a step by step guide and made a video for how to get rid of squeaks under carpet! https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/how-to-fix-squeaky-floors-through-carpet/
Thank you everyone. Great tips, and some new handy sites to join, too!!
You can put a piece under the stair (like the absolute bottom that may be above another set of stairs?)which will give the stairs more support and lessen the squeaks.