Fix creaking stairs

P-plats · 30 Dec 2017 at 6:51 PM

I'm working on fixing the staircase to the second floor and I'm wondering if there's anything I can do about the steps that creak a bit? It seems to be the third step and from the left side where all the parts come together. The staircase is very well built and from the late 70s.

Wooden staircase with green carpet on steps; third step partially uncovered, revealing wood beneath. Stairs from the 1970s, mentioned as squeaky.

Liteavvarje · 30 Dec 2017 at 7:14 PM

Is the mattress support attached to the wall, or is it free-hanging to the left in the photo

justusandersson · 30 Dec 2017 at 7:15 PM

It is not surprising that the creak occurs specifically in the third step to the left. It has probably developed some play in the mounting itself. I find it difficult to say from a distance how you should fix the problem, but it involves reinforcing so that the step remains stable even when it is loaded.

P-plats · 30 Dec 2017 at 8:05 PM

Here's a better picture of how it looks.
I think the third step can be wobbled more and it's so narrow on the left side, so it's probably not surprising that it creaks right there.

Wooden staircase with uneven steps, third step appears to be loose. Left side is narrower, possibly causing a creaking noise.

Liteavvarje · 30 Dec 2017 at 8:19 PM

Those with cantilevered outer stringers are a nuisance, got a staircase at home, it wobbled after installation, made a post and placed it straight up at the crease, got a good anchor for the railing, and put a piece in the corner underneath, no creaking even when met
<try placing something under the 3rd and 4th step (wedge it a little so it tightens)

Immobil · 30 Dec 2017 at 8:48 PM

1. Tighten the screws that go into step 3.
If this doesn't help or if screws are missing...
2. Drive in a sturdy screw from the left small vangstycke into step 3.
Still creaking...
3. Diagonally screw under step 3 into the left vangstycke.

justusandersson · 30 Dec 2017 at 11:02 PM

I believe in Immobil's suggestion. If there had been problems with the outer vangstycke, it would have creaked in more places. But I agree with Liteavvarje. It's not a good construction.

Peter2400 · 31 Dec 2017 at 1:27 PM

Our creak disappeared when we painted the stairs and saturated all the gaps with paint.
It was 9 years ago, still no creak.

justusandersson · 31 Dec 2017 at 2:57 PM

Peter2400 said:
Our creaking disappeared when we painted the stairs and saturated all the gaps with paint.

That should probably not be considered a miracle solution, even though it was right for you. Often the creaking is due to undersized treads. In that case, paint will not help.

KnockOnWood · 1 Jan 2018 at 1:14 AM

I had tried to loosen the creaking stair tread, and then reassembled it with PU glue in between.

Immobil · 1 Jan 2018 at 12:11 PM

No, don't use glue! It only solves the problem temporarily. After a while, it will creak even more.

P-plats · 1 Jan 2018 at 2:46 PM

I have tried tightening the few screws that hold the staircase together, but it's not easy to tighten those slotted screws.
Instead, I tightened two screws to the left, and now it's quiet...
Thanks for all the tips!

Wooden staircase step with two visible screws on the left, adjusted to reduce noise.

KnockOnWood · 1 Jan 2018 at 10:31 PM

Immobil said:
No, don't use glue! It only solves the problem temporarily. After a while, it will squeak even more.

That's something I don't understand.
If all the joints are tight and don't move, then there's nothing that can squeak, right?

Immobil · 1 Jan 2018 at 10:46 PM

The glue doesn't hold forever.

KnockOnWood · 1 Jan 2018 at 11:00 PM

Maybe not, but it lasts longer than a couple of screws, and provides a completely rigid joint.
And then it can't creak and squeak, right?