How to Fix Creaky Stairs: A Simple Guide for Homeowners

Why Are My Stairs Creaking? Common Causes of Squeaky Stairs

If your stairs creak every time someone walks on them, you’re definitely not alone. That familiar eeeerkkk sound happens in thousands of homes — especially older ones — and while it’s usually not an emergency, it can drive you up the wall.

Creaks and squeaks almost always come down to movement between parts of the staircase. Even a small shift in a tread or riser can cause friction, and when wood rubs against metal fasteners or other wood components, it creates that unmistakable sound.

One of the most common culprits is a loose stair tread — the flat part you step on. If it’s not fully secured to the stringers underneath, it can move slightly when weight is applied. The same goes for risers, the vertical boards between each step. When those separate from the treads, even just a little, you’ll start to hear it.

Another factor? Wood itself. It naturally expands and contracts with changes in humidity and temperature. That means your staircase might be whisper-quiet in spring, then suddenly sound like it’s haunted in the middle of winter.

Throw in some old nails or loose screws that have lost their grip over time, and boom — your once-silent stairs have turned into a noisemaker.

The good news? Creaks are fixable. The next step is figuring out whether it’s something you can DIY or if it’s time to call in backup.

When to Worry (And When It’s Just Noise)

Not every squeaky stair is a reason to panic. In fact, most creaks are cosmetic — just a sign that your stairs are aging and the wood is shifting a bit more than it used to. It’s annoying, sure, but not dangerous.

That said, some noises are worth paying closer attention to.

If the squeaking is accompanied by any of the following, it’s time to take a deeper look:

• A stair tread feels soft, bouncy, or shifts underfoot

• The squeak comes from the same step every time, and it’s getting louder

• There’s a gap between the tread and riser, or the riser is visibly pulling away

• You hear a cracking or popping sound along with the squeak

These signs can point to loose fasteners, worn joints, or even deeper structural issues — especially in older homes where the staircase hasn’t been maintained in a while. And left alone, those problems can lead to more than just noise. They can impact the stability and safety of your stairs over time.

If you’re not sure which category your creak falls into, trust your gut. If something feels off when you walk up or down the stairs — even if it’s subtle — it’s always worth checking.

For more details on what causes stair squeaks (and how to handle them), This Old House has a great guide on what causes stair squeaks.

Quick Fixes You Can Try Yourself

Not every squeaky stair needs a contractor and a full remodel. If the noise is minor and there’s no sign of structural damage, there are a few quick fixes you can try at home with basic tools and supplies you probably already have (or can grab at the hardware store).

These are low-risk, low-effort tricks that can make a surprisingly big difference — especially if you’re just trying to stop the sound, not overhaul the whole staircase.

Use Wood Glue or Construction Adhesive

If you can get underneath your stairs — like from an open basement or crawl space — you may be able to fix the squeak right at the source. Look for any gaps between the stair treads and risers or between the tread and the stringers (the angled supports on the sides).

A little bit of wood glue or construction adhesive squeezed into those joints can help tighten things up and eliminate friction between moving parts. Just be careful not to overdo it — a small bead goes a long way, and you don’t want glue seeping out onto your floors.

Secure Loose Parts with Screws (Carefully)

If glue isn’t cutting it — or the stair tread still feels loose — you might be able to secure it with a few well-placed screws. But here’s the catch: you have to be very careful where you drill.

Always pre-drill pilot holes to avoid splitting the wood, and try to screw into the stringers or risers — not just the tread itself. And if your stairs are finished wood or painted, make sure to countersink the screws so they sit flush and don’t become a trip hazard.

This method works best for solid wood stairs with easy access from above or below. For carpeted stairs, hold tight — we’ve got a trick for you next.

Baby Powder or Graphite for Minor Creaks

It sounds silly, but baby powder, graphite, or even baking soda can sometimes do the trick for minor squeaks — especially if they’re coming from wood rubbing against wood.

Just sprinkle a little into the seams where the tread meets the riser or stringer, then step on the stair a few times to work it in. The powder helps reduce friction and absorb tiny movements that cause squeaking.

This fix won’t last forever, but it’s a good short-term solution if you need quiet right now — like when guests are staying over, or your kid’s nap depends on silent stairs.

How to Stop Wooden Stairs from Squeaking Underneath

If your squeaks seem to be coming from below, and you’ve got access to the underside of the staircase, that’s usually the best place to start. Tighten joints, apply adhesive to any visible gaps, and reinforce weak areas with extra support blocks if needed. Tackling the problem from below can be more effective than trying to fix it from the top side — especially if you want to avoid touching the finished surface.

How to Fix Squeaky Carpeted Stairs

Carpeted stairs can be trickier, but not impossible. You won’t want to remove the carpet (unless you’re ready for a bigger project), but you can screw through it. Just make sure to use trim-head screws and a countersink tool to hide the heads beneath the pile. Some homeowners use a stair repair kit that includes breakaway screws made for this exact job.

If the noise is mild, you can also try baby powder under the edge of the tread — though it may take a little more trial and error.

When DIY Isn’t Enough: Call a Professional Stair Company

DIY fixes are great when the problem is surface-level — a little glue here, a screw there, maybe some powder to stop wood-on-wood friction. But when the squeaks keep coming back or you notice other signs of damage, it’s probably time to call in someone who can take a closer look.

Creaks that won’t quit can sometimes point to deeper structural issues.

Maybe the treads have come loose from the stringers. Maybe the risers are starting to separate. Maybe the entire staircase is shifting just enough to throw things out of alignment — especially in older homes where years of use and humidity changes have slowly pulled everything apart.

Here are a few red flags to watch for:

• Steps that feel spongy or flex under your weight

• Visible cracks in the wood around joints or where treads meet risers

• Stairs that slope, tilt, or feel uneven

• Nails or screws pulling out or popping through the surface

These aren’t just sound issues — they’re potential safety risks. A loose tread might squeak today and collapse under pressure tomorrow. That’s why it’s worth getting an expert opinion before a small fix turns into a bigger repair job.

If you’re dealing with more than a minor annoyance, it might be time to contact a professional stair repair company. We’re here to evaluate the full structure, reinforce what’s already working, and replace what’s worn out.

And if the squeak turns out to be a symptom of something deeper? Like damaged or warped treads? You might want to check out our guide on when stair treads need more than just tightening — it breaks down exactly what to look for.

What a Pro Might Look for During a Stair Repair

When a stair expert inspects a noisy staircase, they’re not just listening for the creak — they’re looking for the source of the movement that’s causing it. And sometimes, that source isn’t where you’d expect.

A professional will likely:

• Check the stair structure from underneath, especially if there’s basement or crawlspace access. Loose stringers, failing fasteners, or even subtle shifting in the framing can cause persistent squeaks that glue and screws won’t fix from above.

• Test each tread and riser for movement, identifying which ones have loosened and whether they need reinforcement or replacement.

• Evaluate for long-term wear, especially in older homes where nails have worked loose over time or where stairs were built using older techniques or materials.

If needed, a pro might recommend reinforcing the stairs from underneath, but in many cases, it’s more effective to replace the problem tread — or both the tread and riser — especially if they’re cracked, warped, or just too worn down to hold fasteners anymore. And in some situations, a full staircase replacement is the smarter long-term move. Not sure what that might cost? Here’s a breakdown of full stair replacement might cost if left unchecked.

Quiet Stairs, Solid Structure, Peace of Mind

Fixing creaky stairs isn’t just about getting rid of an annoying noise — it’s about taking care of your home before little problems turn into expensive ones.

When stairs start squeaking, they’re telling you something. Sometimes it’s just a bit of wear and tear, but other times, it’s a sign that your staircase is starting to loosen up in ways that could affect safety and structure down the line.

Tackling those creaks now — whether with a simple fix or professional help — can keep your home quieter, safer, and more solid for years to come. It also shows future buyers that you’ve taken good care of the place, which never hurts when it’s time to sell.

Whether your stairs just need some tightening up or a few parts replaced, we’re here to help.

Need help fixing creaky stairs in New Jersey? Contact us today to get started.