How to fix squeaky particleboard stairs?

[Laurens]

The 30-year-old house has very noisy particleboard stairs.

I have watched the YouTube videos and screwed treads to the back-boards and the risers, but I suspect that the screws, 75mm particle board screws, are not holding in the risers.

The timber looks and feels very dry.

I could cut the bullnose off the step to access the joint between the riser and the step so properly seal that and then add a new bullnose.

I had even considered partly cutting the tread, ever so slightly, just enough so that the screws that pull down the tread to the riser can successfully pull the riser down completely. The cut would only be at the very front of the tread.

What ideas does the Bunnings workshop staff have as being most suitable?

[EricL]

Hello @Laurens 

Thanks for sharing your question about your squeaky particleboard stairs. Can I please request for a photo of the steps in questions? This will give our members a better idea of the current condition of the timber steps and the structure itself We can then make recommendations on possible repair options. By the sounds of your description, the stairs appear to be quite old and have lost the surface stiffness and that's why the screws are not holding it in place.  

I suggest having a look at this step-by-step guide: How to fix a squeaky floor

If you need a hand posting the pictures, please let us know.

Eric

[Laurens]

I would think that a squeaky floor is different to squeaky stairs. Screwing down a squeaky floor fixes the problem, whereas the step treads have multiple surfaces that need to be considered.

The first photo shows the before, after the carpet has been removed and staples removed*

[Laurens]

This photo is of stage 2, where bolting the step down successfully by making sure the front edge, ie the bullnose has some flex.

I added 2 saw cuts to give it the necessary flex.

[Laurens]

I then securely bolted the front of the step after adding liberal doses of dilutes water based wood glue.

[Laurens]

Those steps currently make no noise when I use them, and that is before I have fixed the risers to the back of the step… 

I will again apply diluted wood glue after pre drilling the holes.

The problem with squeaky old particle board is that it has no ability to hold a screw. Drowning it in diluted wood glue probably makes it swell somewhat before the board dries and grips the screw.

its all a case of ‘suck it and see’

[MitchellMc]

It sounds like you're all over it, @Laurens. I trust any of our members reading this discussion with a similar issue will benefit from your comprehensive solution.

Are you able to get under the stairs so that you can screw up through the back of the tread into the bottom of the riser?

Please keep us updated.

Mitchell

[Laurens]

Not at the moment. It just so happens that the carpet is being removed, and I have a small window to fix the problem. Possibly at a later date, I might be able to get under the stairs, but it won't be an easy task, another reason I grabbed this opportunity.

Getting under the stairs and adding more timber to support the joins will be a bonus..

[EricL]

Hi @Laurens 

Excellent solutions to the squeaking stairs. I can see what you mean when you say the screws are pulling on the surface of the steps. As Mitchell has mentioned you are all over it. 

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing your stairs free and clear of squeaks.

Eric