Fix Squeaks from Underneath with Shims

What happens in this clip

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.

Goal: Eliminate squeaks by shimming from the underside

What's used

Tools

• Caulk Gun
• Hammer
• Wooden Shims
• Thin wood scraps

Materials

• Construction Adhesive Titebond
• Gorilla Glue Construction Adhesive

About the full video

This project provides practical solutions for silencing squeaky wooden stairs. It covers two main methods: using wooden shims and construction adhesive for stairs with accessible undersides, and using small screws with appropriate finishing techniques for carpeted or hardwood stairs.

Step 2 of 6: Access from Above

Depending on the construction of your staircase and the floor above, you may need to access the underside of the stairs to address the squeak. This is often the most effective way to secure loose components. If you have a basement or crawl space below the stairs, you can likely get underneath. In some cases, access might be gained from an attic space if the stairs are near the top of the house. The goal is to be able to see and reach the area where the tread meets the riser or stringer, or where the riser meets the stringer, which are common points of squeaking.

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 (this video)
   • 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
   • 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