The Reasons Why Staircases Squeak and How We Make Sure They Don’t

A squeaking staircase is a common complaint associated with new builds and can be difficult and disruptive to resolve once a property is finished.

Unlike a structural defect, squeaking often develops gradually and tends to surface after handover. By that point the staircase is in daily use and any remedial work becomes significantly more disruptive.

Understanding the root causes is the most effective starting point for preventing it from happening in the first place.

Why staircases squeak

Squeaking is caused by movement between staircase components, which creates friction and noise when the staircase is in use. The question is what causes that movement in the first place, and the answer almost always comes back to either the materials used, the construction method, or both.

The problem with MDF

MDF is a common material in staircase construction, but it behaves very differently to solid timber. MDF has no grain fibres, which means screws cannot bind into it in the same way they do with solid timber. It is also less structurally strong than timber, giving it more flex and movement when in use. Its smooth surface does not allow for a good glue bond either, meaning joints that should be fixed and stable can work loose over time.

Each of these factors contributes to movement and noise, and when they are combined the result is a staircase that squeaks.

Construction methods

Even with the right materials, poor construction methods can create movement in a staircase, as seen in this video. Why does this happen? Nails are sometimes used instead of screws to fix risers to the back of treads. They are quicker to apply but they don’t provide the same grip, they don’t meet British Standards for staircase construction and over time are far more likely to allow movement between components.

The tolerances to which components are manufactured and fitted also play a significant role. Where components don’t fit together precisely, there is room for movement, and movement means noise.

Timber movement and moisture

Wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in humidity and temperature throughout the seasons. Where this movement hasn’t been factored into the design and manufacture, joints that were tight at installation can gradually loosen, creating the small gaps and friction that produce noise.

This is another reason why the quality of materials matters. Lower grade timber is more susceptible to this kind of movement, and MDF adds to the problem as it absorbs moisture and can swell and lose its shape, creating gaps where the riser meets the tread.

When does squeaking show up?

One of the reasons squeaking stairs can be difficult to manage is that the issue rarely becomes apparent during installation. It develops as the staircase settles into use, often becoming noticeable only once the property is decorated, carpeted and occupied. By that point, resolving it properly is a significant undertaking that involves disrupting a finished, lived-in space.

For developers, contractors and single-property developers, that can mean callbacks, disruption and additional costs. On larger developments, these issues can also repeat across multiple plots, significantly increasing the scale of remedial work required.

How to prevent it

Preventing a squeaking staircase comes down to getting three things right. The materials, the construction method and the quality of manufacture each play an important part.

Solid timber should be used in preference to MDF, particularly for treads and risers. Screws and proper triangular glue blocks should be used rather than nails, with glue applied at the joints between treads and risers to create a connection that remains secure with regular use.

At Multi-Turn, our Fit First Time commitment means every staircase is manufactured in-house using solid timber and dry assembled in our workshop before delivery. This means any movement or fit issues are identified and resolved before the staircase reaches site, rather than after handover when remedial work is far more disruptive and costly.

With the right specification and the right manufacturer, a squeaking staircase is an avoidable problem.