Creaking Stairs Talcum Powder

Creaking Stairs Talcum Powder: Squeaky stairs sometimes can be fixed quickly with packaged graphite powder or talcum powder in a squeeze bottle. Apply the powder along all the joints in the area of the stair squeaks. The powder lubricates the edges of the boards and might take away the noise.

Stairs are put together with three basic components: the tread, the riser, and the stringer (the side piece). In most cases, stair squeaks are caused by the tread rubbing against the riser or the stringer. If you can, work from under the stairs when fixing a stair squeak. You'll need a helper to walk up and down the stairs while you work.

While your helper walks on the stairs, watch them from below, looking for movement and for cracks in the wood, loose nails, or other problems. One of the simple ways to fix a stair squeak is to wedge the components that are moving. Cut small wedges from wood shingles or shims.

To install a wedge, apply carpenters' glue to the side that will lie against the stairs. Drive the wedge into the squeaking joints, either tread-riser or tread-stringer.

When the wedge is tight, secure it with small nails, being careful not to split the wedge. The nails must be long enough to hold the wedge securely, but make sure they don't go all the way through the stair component and stick out on the other side.

Why Do Stairs 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.

Find the Squeak

Before you can fix a squeaky wooden stair, you’ll need to find where the squeak is coming from. The location of the squeak may also dictate the type of repair you do.

Slowly climb your stairs and note which steps have squeaks and where the squeak is coming from exactly, marking each with masking tape or a sticky note.

Then, stand in the middle of each squeaky step and rock front-to-back and side-to-side to determine if the noise is coming from the side, the back, or the front.

Typically, if the squeak comes from the back of a step, this means it is loose from its riser. If the squeak comes from either side, it usually means the step is loose at its stringer.

A riser is the vertical space between each step, and the stringer is the board on each side of the staircase that is attached to each riser. The stringer, which is saw-toothed shaped, keeps the staircase together and adds support.

Also Read: How to Fix Squeaky Stairs from Underneath

Once you determine the source of the squeak consider one of the following options:

1. Lubricate the step.

If the squeak is coming from the back or sides, fill the crack between the tread and riser with a non-oil lubricant, like powdered graphite or talcum powder. Use a piece of paper to pour power into the space and twist a cloth or stiff paintbrush to work it in a deep as possible. Though this won't stop the pieces of wood from rubbing against each other, it will reduce friction, stopping the noise.

2. Screw down the tread.

If a step is squeaking from the front, tighten up the the fitting between the tread and riser by making a few pilot holes and drilling in screws. Sink them below the surface of the tread and use wood filler to fill the indentation.

3. Nail into the riser.

For a fix more permanent than lubricant for a step squeaking from the side or back, you can nail the tread into its stringer with 8d or 10d nails. On the side of the tread, near the wall, drill two pilot holes about 2 inches apart at opposing 45-degree angles. Hammer the nails in place, being sure to sink them below the surface. This tightens the tread to the stringer and the angle keeps the nails from coming loose over time.

4. Fix a step from underneath.

If you can access the space beneath your staircase, use three glue blocks (small triangular wooden wedges) to fix the squeak. Apply wood glue to the two shortest sides of the glue block and press them firmly into the right angle at the meeting of the tread and riser. Press out any air bubbles and screw the blocks into place.

Also Read: How Often Should I Water My Foundation

What is the best way to stop a creaky floor?

Simply cutting down on friction may be enough to stop the squeak. Give it a try by sprinkling a powdered graphite lubricant over the squeaky spot. Cover the powder with paper towels, so it stays in place. Put on your shoes and use your feet to move the lubricant into the grooves between the flooring.

Quick Fixes for Floor Squeaks