How to Fix Squeaky Stairs

How to Fix Squeaky Stairs: 

• Screw down loose treads.
• Nail down loose treads.
• Add a moulding or quadrant for support.

Why Do Stairs Squeak?

With all the wooden parts, it’s pretty much inevitable that stairs will eventually start to squeak. Unlike our own ever-tightening joints, age tends to bring looseness in stairs. This causes the wooden treads to rub against the risers and stringers, and all of it to grind against the nails and screws that hold it all together.

In addition to simply being walked on, seasonal contractions and expansions of the wood further contribute to the loosening of the joints. It can all add up to a heck of a racket. Stairs that were constructed with glue in addition to nails and screws—less common the older your house is—generally are less prone to squeaking, but wear and time do tend to take their toll.

Also Read: How to Fix Creaky Stairs

How to soundproof wood stairs

When soundproofing stairs in a single family home or townhome, we are generally working with wood stairs. In addition to the sounds of footfalls on the tops of wood stairs, noise can be generated by movements in the wood and nails that hold the structure together.

Securing the stair treads tightly can help reduce the squeaks and creaks that come along with an aging stairwell. Stair treads, the part of the stairs that we step on, can loosen over time. Filling holes or gaps and securing the treads with extra nails will reduce the amount of friction created when you walk on them and make the stairwell less noisy.

When you are adding nails to your stair treads, it’s helpful to have someone stand on the step while you pound your finishing nails into it. This will ensure that the tread is pressed tight against the stringer it’s mounted on.

Also, hammering the nails in at different angles will help prevent the stairs from coming loose again in the future. Finish it up by insulating under stairs to trap any noises that come up down the road.

Also Read: Fix Squeaky Stairs

Cost to Repair Stairs by Solution

Depending on what is wrong with your stairs, repair workers may use various repair methods and solutions to fix the problem. You might need to refinish your stairs in situations where they are old and worn. Or, you might need your stairs painted or stained to cover marks and revitalize the staircase. The table below shows common repair methods and average costs of each for a standard 12-step set of stairs.

Tightening

Homeowners pay between $100 and $450 for staircase tightening. You might need to tighten the stair railing or a newel post if they become loose. The process for both is simple and usually involves tightening the screws and fasteners connecting the railings and posts or adding new screws and nails to fix loose or wobbly stairs.

Stair Bracing

If you need stair bracing services, expect to pay between $200 and $550. Bracing is a way to reinforce a set of stairs. It is most commonly used for wooden staircases and involves attaching a piece of wood or other material to the stairway for strength. This can be a useful repair method for stairs that feel loose, squeaky, or move around while they are walked on.

Refinish Hardwood Stairs

Homeowners spend between $200 and $1,000 to refinish a set of hardwood stairs. The refinishing process involves cleaning the stairs, sanding them, filling holes, and patching cracks or other superficial damages to make an old and tired set of stairs look fresh, clean, and new.

Paint and Stain Stairs

The average cost to paint or stain a set of stairs is between $250 and $600, but you may have to pay more or less, depending on the staircase size. Painting and staining can be a useful method to cover marks, chips, and stains. It can also be a good way to breathe new life into an old set of stairs.

Also Read: How to Stop Stairs from Creaking

Are Creaky Stairs a Problem?

While creaky stairs aren't necessarily a problem, they can become a nuisance. Creaky stairs can occur for a few reasons, but the most common reason your stairs may start creaking is due to wear and tear and high levels of foot traffic.

When Should I Be Concerned About Creaking Floors?

Prolonged squeaking could indicate that there is something more serious going on with your flooring. If your floors continue to squeak well past any seasonal changes or you simply don't feel comfortable making repairs yourself, then you should call a professional.