Squeaky or creaky stairs are two of the most accepted noise issues in our homes. Why don’t we do something even though it’s bothering us? Tackle the issue and learn how to fix noisy stairs.
In this article, we’ll go through the reasons why you may have noisy stairs, before giving you solutions.
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Reasons for noisy stairs
Before discussing how to fix noisy stairs, you should be aware of the potential reasons why:
It doesn’t take much for stairs to become noisy. Think about all the various components that have to support your weight each time you put a foot down. Let’s start with the part of the stairs that you come into contact with each time you step.
Loose treads
Treads are the part of the stairs that you put your foot on. Do you have one step or stairs that are more noisy than the rest? This might be due to a loose individual tread. Treads can bend and loosen over time, especially if your stairs are covered with carpet. Loose finish nails may also contribute to excess tread movement each time somebody uses the step.
Key takeaway – loose treads can lead to squeaks and creaks, and should be addressed.
Loose banisters or railings
Banisters and railings are other parts of stairs’ anatomy that can become noisy if loose.
The banisters and railings are the structures on the side of the stairs that you use for support when walking up or down.
Over the years, regular usage can lead to loose banisters or railings, and connections that need tightening.
Your risers aren’t level
The risers are the vertical part of a step that rises upwards to meet the tread.
When risers aren’t even for some reason, this can lead to noise. Inconsistencies in individual riser heights throw off stair mechanics. The pressure each time you put your weight on a step can lead to the shifting of the riser balance.
Your noisy stairs could be down to problems with riser inconsistencies.
You have open risers
Some stairs, especially in modern interior design, have open risers with no backer board. This means you can ‘look through’ the stairs – pretty stylish, we think. Anyway, the problem with open risers is that they leave a gap for noises to come through from contacts between the treads and framing.
If you have open risers, you may need to implement solutions to absorb excess sounds.
Loose stringer connections
Stringers are basically the side of your stairs. They meet with both the riser and the tread, as well as the banisters.
Because they are another vital component that comes into contact with all other parts, loose or warped connections can cause rubbing or knocking that will be audible. This can happen over time.
Root causes
All of the potential reasons given above can happen over time due to wear and tear. They can also be due to the environment, especially changes in humidity that come with varying seasonal weather.
We tend to walk up the same stairs in the same way. You may notice that your stairs are particularly noisy in certain spots. This can be due to a high volume of foot traffic over a particular part of your stairs.
Ways to fix noisy stairs
Here are the ways you can fix noisy stairs, starting with the simplest solutions:
Lubricate the tread-riser connection
The connection where the tread meets the riser can often be the culprit. Before you try anything else, ensure that the area is properly lubricated.
You can use a dry lubricant – talcum powder or graphite, for example – to fill cracks between the riser and the tread. Don’t use an oil-based lubricant, as this may warp the wood and make your stairs slippery.
Used in problem spots, dry lubricant can reduce friction and bring down the squeaks and creaks significantly.
Tighten or reinforce connections
If your stairs are still noisy after lubrication, it’s time to get inspecting.
You’ll need access to the underside of your stairs so that you can examine the treads, risers, stringers, and all other components and connections. Are all the connections secure, or do they need tightening?
Screw down any connections which need securing using extra nails and wood glue (this can be applied using a paintbrush). Screws into predrilled holes are an alternative to nails.
Replace damaged sections
It might sound obvious, and that’s because it is. Cut out and replace individual treads or risers that have broken down over years. Replace any nails, screws or glue joins at the connection points that have failed.
Add tread overlays
You shouldn’t use this option until you have inspected your stairs from underneath. Take care of any tightening or reinforcing required first but then as an extra protection against noise, and for general durability, you could add tread overlays.
Covering noisy stairs in their entirety with a new tread overlay adds fresh tread material while also stabilizing and absorbing sounds from the original stairs now buried underneath. Plywood topped with durable carpeting works really well.
Add backer boards
If your staircase is designed with open risers, this gap might be the reason for noise every time you go up or down the stairs. If it turns out this is the problem, there is nothing to stop you from adding backer boards to connect the treads and the riders.
Weatherproof your stairs
If your stairs are in a particularly humid or damp area, you may want to negate the environmental factors that can lead to warping and other damage – this environmental wear can lead to noise.
Sealing stairs with protective finishes prevents seasonal wood expansion and contraction which can loosen parts. Spar urethane works well for outdoor stairs while polyurethane is ideal for indoor stairs. This also keeps wood from drying out and maintains stability.
Insert shims
Shims are small wedges used for positioning, adjusting, and securing many elements in construction. They are also useful in fixing noisy stairs.
Insert small shims under treads to position the steps to be more level and stable. This prevents the flexing and movement that causes noises. It also tightens everything to restrict sounds. Shims can fix environmental or use-based loosening over time.
Noisy stairs FAQs
Should I be worried about noisy stairs?
Let’s not pretend noisy stairs are a major concern most of the time. Loud, creaking stairs are primarily an annoyance. Over time, they can contribute to your stress and anxiety while at home.
However, noisy stairs can be accompanied by more serious issues like cracked steps, loose railings, or obvious weak spots. You should look at creaks as a clue that there might be structural problems, and a nudge to evaluate your overall stair integrity.
Is there a way how to fix noisy stairs without building work?
Yes. You don’t necessarily need to use nails or screws to tighten the treads, risers, and stringers of your stairs. Dry lubricants can often do the trick in stopping sounds at connections caused by friction. Loose boards or railings can be secured with wood glue and clamps. And shims can be added underneath loose steps to stabilize them.
Will adding carpet stop my stairs from creaking?
Adding carpet can muffle noises from creaky stairs but usually doesn’t solve the underlying issue. The carpet padding absorbs some noise when stepped on rather than amplifying creaks from the wood. But joints will still rub together underneath unless refastened or shimmed properly. Carpet can help, won’t provide you with a structural fix.
Why are my stairs creaking after years of being quiet?
Previously quiet stairs can start emitting creaks due to minor structural shifting over many years. Temperature and humidity fluctuations gradually loosen joints by tiny fractions each season. Also, common renovations like repainting or refinishing floors can lead to unintentional structural movement making previously silent joints start to rub.
Do noisy stairs mean they need a full replacement?
Noisy stairs don’t usually mean full replacement is required. Structurally, small repairs like shims, glue, screws or bolts to resecure joints may do the job. Cosmetic fixes like carpet can help muffle sounds without replacing the entire structure.
However, stairs with underlying weaknesses like rot or insect damage are good candidates for full replacement.
Can metal or concrete stairs creak?
Creaky metal or concrete stairs are less common. If you have metal or concrete stairs that are noisy, this indicates repairs are needed, usually at connections, and could suggest more serious reinforcements are required, or that your stairs need replacing.
Metal can creak from wall connections or bolts getting loose over time. Concrete creaks point to issues like crumbling risers or cracking at seams. Have these types of stairs evaluated for corrosion or deterioration, which can be very dangerous.
