Hi!
Maybe I'm posting in the wrong thread now, but I'll give it a try. I've seen numerous threads about similar issues, but mine seems to be uniquely problematic.
According to the pictures, I have an open staircase, and every step creaks loudly when walked on. I have a theory that the balustrade contributes to the sound, as there is a noise coming from the attachment point in the joist on the side.
The step itself makes the most noise, and if you silence it by placing lots of wood scraps between the steps, it becomes completely silent. But that's obviously not a viable solution!
The steps attached to the stringer don't have any screws that can be tightened; they're secured with some kind of flat bolt.
1. Is the balustrade important, does it support the staircase in any way?
2. How can I make the steps silent without angle screwing or closing off the staircase?
Thanks in advance.
Maybe I'm posting in the wrong thread now, but I'll give it a try. I've seen numerous threads about similar issues, but mine seems to be uniquely problematic.
According to the pictures, I have an open staircase, and every step creaks loudly when walked on. I have a theory that the balustrade contributes to the sound, as there is a noise coming from the attachment point in the joist on the side.
The step itself makes the most noise, and if you silence it by placing lots of wood scraps between the steps, it becomes completely silent. But that's obviously not a viable solution!
The steps attached to the stringer don't have any screws that can be tightened; they're secured with some kind of flat bolt.
1. Is the balustrade important, does it support the staircase in any way?
2. How can I make the steps silent without angle screwing or closing off the staircase?
Thanks in advance.
The trellis has no load-bearing function whatsoever. The staircase itself does not appear to be under-dimensioned either. Most indications point to some form of installation error. There is a mini beam under each step that is supposed to provide reinforcement. There seems to be a gap between the step and the mini beam. If that's the case, it's wrong. These two parts should ideally be glued to each other.
HiJ justusandersson said:
Isn't it just meant to protect small curious children from crawling through? Like a child safety list or whatever it's called. I have also read that there should be a gap (spacer exists) precisely so it doesn't creak. But you mean it could be the other way around too, i.e., glued directly to prevent creaking.
It depends on the dimensions of the treads. It can be a child protection strip or a reinforcement. If it is a child protection strip, it should be placed at a distance. Stairs without risers are sensitive. The best thing is to first rule out the dimensions of the treads. Then you can consider other causes. What are the dimensions of the treads? Is it solid wood?
Construction veteran
· 2 741 posts
Everything that moves can creak; the more you stiffen things up, the fewer movements you have that can cause noise.
Regardless of what we call the strip under the step, if you glue and screw it to the step, the movement is reduced.
It may not silence everything, but it will certainly get better.
Regardless of what we call the strip under the step, if you glue and screw it to the step, the movement is reduced.
It may not silence everything, but it will certainly get better.
The step dimensions are completely adequate. A 100 kg person causes a deflection of 0.75 mm which is perfectly acceptable. The problems likely lie in the attachment of the steps.
