Stop the Creaks and Wobbles: Repairing Loose Stair Treads the Right Way
Old homes have a lot of charm, but loose stair treads are not part of that charm. If your stairs creak, shift, or feel shaky underfoot, you’re not alone. This is a common issue in older houses where wood dries out, fasteners loosen, and years of use take their toll.
The good news is that most loose stair treads can be repaired without tearing out the staircase. With a few tools and some patience, you can restore your stairs to being solid and safe again.
This guide walks you through practical, homeowner-friendly ways to fix loose stair treads step by step.
Why Stair Treads Become Loose in Old Homes
Before fixing the problem, it helps to know why it happens.
Common causes include:
- Wood shrinking over time
- Old nails pulling loose
- Worn glue joints
- Movement in the stair stringers
- Decades of foot traffic
In many older homes, stairs were built with nails instead of screws. As the house settles and the wood moves, those nails slowly lose their grip.
Tools and Materials You’ll Likely Need
You don’t need anything fancy. Most of this is basic homeowner gear.
- Drill or screwdriver
- Wood screws (2 to 2½ inches)
- Wood glue or construction adhesive
- Shims or wood wedges
- Hammer
- Nail set (optional)
- Safety glasses
If the stairs are carpeted, you may also need a utility knife and pliers.
Step 1: Find the Loose Tread
Walk up and down the stairs slowly. Step on each tread and listen for squeaks or movement. Mark the loose ones with painter’s tape so you don’t lose track.
If possible, check the stairs from underneath. Many old homes have open access from a basement or closet. This makes repairs much easier.
Step 2: Tighten the Tread with Screws
If the tread is loose but still in good shape, screws are usually the best fix.
From underneath the stairs:
- Drive wood screws up through the stringer and into the tread
- Angle the screws slightly for better grip
- Don’t overtighten, or you risk cracking the wood
From the top (if you can’t access underneath):
- Drill pilot holes near the back of the tread
- Drive screws down into the riser below
- Set the screw heads slightly below the surface
- Fill the holes with wood filler if needed
This alone fixes most loose treads.
Step 3: Add Glue for Extra Strength
For stairs that still move or squeak, glue helps lock everything in place.
- Apply wood glue or construction adhesive where the tread meets the riser and stringers
- Press the tread down firmly
- Add screws while the glue is still wet
Glue won’t replace screws, but together they create a much stronger bond.
Step 4: Use Shims for Gaps and Movement
If there’s a gap under the tread, shims are your friend.
From underneath:
- Tap wood shims into the gap between the tread and stringer
- Add glue to the shim before tapping it in
- Trim off excess once it’s snug
This stops movement and helps eliminate squeaks.
Step 5: Deal with Old Nails
Many old stairs squeak because nails have worked loose.
- Use a nail set to drive sticking nails deeper
- If nails won’t hold, remove them and replace them with screws
- Always pre-drill to avoid splitting old wood
Replacing nails with screws is one of the best long-term fixes for old stairs.
What If the Tread Is Cracked or Rotted?
If the wood itself is damaged, tightening it won’t help.
Signs you may need a new tread:
- Deep cracks
- Soft or crumbly wood
- Severe warping
In that case, replacing just the tread is usually enough. You don’t need to rebuild the entire staircase.
Safety Tips Before You Start
- Work on one step at a time
- Keep the staircase clear while repairs are drying
- Wear eye protection when drilling overhead
- Test each tread before moving to the next one
Stairs are high-traffic areas, so take your time.
When to Call a Professional
If multiple stairs are moving, the stringers feel loose, or the staircase shifts as a whole, it’s time to call a pro. Structural issues go beyond simple tread repairs and should be handled by someone experienced.
Final Thoughts
Loose stair treads are a common problem in old homes, but they’re rarely a lost cause. In most cases, a few screws, some glue, and a little patience can restore your stairs to their solid state.
Fixing them not only makes your home safer, it also quiets those annoying creaks that give old houses a bad reputation. Take it one step at a time, and your staircase will feel sturdy for years to come.