I have an older home with wood steps that are squeaking. I’ve tried everything from brackets to screws to shims and nothing works. Can you help? – Robert

Hi Robert,

Those pesky squeaks on wooden stairs or floors are one of my pet peeves. It’s either wood rubbing against wood, such as loose subflooring or a step rubbing on a floor joist or stair stringer, or the subfloor rubbing against a loose nail shaft. Either way, it drives me up the proverbial wall!

If you’ve tried shims, that tells me you have access underneath your steps, which is definitely in your favor. Here’s a tip about using shims: make sure you apply wood glue to the shim first. Also, don’t drive shims in too far or you’ll raise the subfloor and pave the way for even more squeaks.

Since none of the traditional squeak stopping techniques have worked, it may be time to try a new product called the Squeak-Ender that just may do the trick.

The Squeak-Ender consists of a threaded rod attached to a metal mounting plate, and a separate bracket that fit around the joist or stair stringer. Here’s how it works:

  • Screw the mounting plate to the bottom of the step or subfloor.
  • Fit the metal bracket around the bottom of the stringer or floor joist, sliding the other end of the bracket on the threaded rod.
  • Screw a nut on the threaded rod, and tighten it against the bracket to pull the step down tight against the joist or stringer.

This eliminates any movement in the floor or step to stop the squeak.

Good luck with your project,

Danny

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    Danny Lipford

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    Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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