Eliminate Squeaks from Treads

What happens in this clip

Walk up and down the stairs to identify any squeaky or loose treads. For each identified squeak, drive one or more screws into the tread, ensuring they penetrate the underlying stringers or support structure. This helps to firmly secure the tread and eliminate movement that causes squeaks. Repeat this process for all problematic treads until the staircase feels solid and quiet.

Goal: Identify and fix any squeaks or instability in the existing stair treads by driving screws into them.

What's used

Tools

• Cordless Drill/Impact Driver
• Screws

About the full video

This project provides detailed instructions on how to install hardwood stair treads and risers using construction adhesives, ensuring a secure and durable finish while preventing squeaks. The process involves preparing the existing stairs by removing old nosing, cleaning surfaces, addressing squeaks, precisely cutting new hardwood components using specialized tools, and finally adhering and securing them.

Step 6 of 7: Address Sub-Surface Creaks

If the popping noise persists after addressing carpet adhesion, the issue may be with the wooden stairs themselves. Carefully inspect the wooden treads and risers for any visible cracks, loose boards, or signs of movement. Tap on the wood to listen for hollow sounds indicating looseness. You may need to access the underside of the stairs if possible (e.g., from a basement or attic) to drive screws or shims into the joists or stringers where the treads are attached.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Fix Popping Noises from Adhesive Carpet Treads on Wood Stairs

1. Step 1: Inspect Carpet Tread Noise

   • 0:00–0:17 Identify Squeak Location
   • 2:21–3:48 Diagnose Creaking Causes

2. Step 2: Examine Carpet Tread Adhesion

   • 0:00–0:04 Inspect Damaged Carpet Edge
   • 0:06–0:17 Inspect Loose Stair Nosing
   • 0:36–0:40 Apply Adhesive to Secure Carpet

3. Step 3: Clean Carpet Tread Underside and Stair Surface

   • 0:09–0:45 Prepare and Clean Stair Treads
   • 0:07–0:17 Apply Adhesive to Carpet and Subfloor
   • 0:00–0:05 Prepare the Loose Carpet Section

4. Step 4: Apply New Adhesive

   • 0:07–0:17 Apply Adhesive to Carpet and Subfloor
   • 0:04–0:08 Apply Spray Adhesive
   • 0:04–0:08 Apply Carpet Adhesive

5. Step 5: Reinforce Loose Carpet Edges (Optional)

   • 0:29–0:34 Secure Carpet Edge with Staples
   • 0:08–0:11 Secure Carpet at Bullnose with Stapler
   • 0:11–0:14 Secure Carpet with Staples

6. Step 6: Address Sub-Surface Creaks

   • 3:29–3:39 Eliminate Squeaks from Treads (this video)
   • 0:14–0:34 Fix Squeaks from Underneath with Shims
   • 1:24–2:44 Fix Squeaks on Carpeted Stairs

7. Step 7: Test Repaired Treads

   • 11:15–11:37 Final Inspection
   • 0:07–0:10 Test Stair Stability
   • 4:28–5:00 Test the Repaired Stairs