Installing Stair Treads and Hardwood Nosings: How to Build Squeak-Free Stairs

Why Stair Installation Requires More Than Just Good Carpentry

Stairs are one of the most used and most scrutinized parts of any home. Unlike flooring that quietly performs in the background, stairs are front and center—visually, physically, and structurally. And when they’re not installed correctly, people notice fast. Creaking steps, uneven risers, gaps at the nosings, or even a slight shift underfoot can become daily frustrations or safety hazards.

At FC Millworks, we specialize in crafting custom stair treads and stair hardwood nosing that not only match your floors perfectly but also install securely and silently. Whether we’re fabricating treads from hardwood, engineered wood, or vinyl planks, the key to long-lasting performance comes down to precision in both design and installation.

Start with a Solid Framing Foundation

Proper stair construction starts before the treads or finish pieces are even added. A solid, well-built stringer frame is non-negotiable. Stair stringers must be evenly spaced, properly supported, and level across the width of the run. If the structure flexes or is uneven, no amount of finish carpentry will compensate.

We often get called in to troubleshoot squeaky stairs or loose nosings. Nine times out of ten, the root issue lies in the framing—either stringers are spaced too far apart, or risers were installed out of level. Before installing any stair treads or nosings, always ensure that framing is secure, riser heights are consistent, and all surfaces are free from debris and high points.

Use Quality Adhesives and Fasteners (But Not Too Much of Either)

When it comes to securing stair components, a combination of mechanical fastening and adhesive gives the best result. Construction adhesive (like PL Premium or a subfloor adhesive) helps prevent squeaks, but it must be applied properly. Too much glue or poor contact with the substrate can create soft spots or future separation.

Fasteners should be used to hold each tread and nosing tightly in place while the adhesive cures. Typically a small gauge fastener like a 21ga or 23ga nail is best due to the small hole left behind. Where possible, fastening through the riser into the back of the tread adds strength. At FC Millworks, when installing stair treads, we choose the most inconspicuous area for the fastener i.e., next to a knot or check where the filled nail hole would blend in and guarantee tight bonding without gaps.

Stair Tread Fitment Is Key

Stair treads must be custom-cut to fit the specific width and depth of each step. Rarely are stair openings perfectly square, especially in older homes. That’s why our shop crafts each stair tread a few inches longer than required to allow the installer to cut down to the precise  dimensions on site. This ensures tight, gap-free installation that doesn’t shift over time.

If flooring is being installed throughout the home, stair treads should be matched in both colour and grain direction to maintain flow and continuity. For homeowners who prefer a modern look, we also fabricate full false-tread caps that install over existing stair structures—these can dramatically upgrade the visual appeal without requiring a full rebuild.

Don’t Overlook the Nosing

The stair nosing is the most visible and most used edge of any step—and the most prone to damage if installed poorly. For flooring systems like hardwood or laminate, nosings should match perfectly in thickness, finish, and grain direction. At FC Millworks, we manufacture custom stair hardwood nosing in-house to match any flooring material, from solid hardwood to engineered or even vinyl plank.

Proper installation means securing the nosing so it won’t flex or detach under foot traffic. In many cases, the nosing is glued and reinforced with pocket screws or hidden fasteners. Some installers rely on prefabricated plastic or metal nosings, but these rarely hold up over time and often clash with the flooring. A custom-milled nosing creates a smooth transition that’s safe, durable, and aesthetically consistent.

Floating Stairs Require Specialized Methods

If you’re installing floating stairs or open-tread stairs, installation becomes even more critical. The lack of risers means each step must support full weight while appearing seamless and light. In these cases, treads are usually mounted using brackets or concealed hardware, and every millimetre matters.

FC Millworks manufactures floating stair treads with exacting standards for width, thickness, edge detail, and bracket compatibility. These are typically installed with adhesive and under-tread reinforcement to maintain structural integrity. Whether the stair treads are stained oak or matte-finish white oak, the key is a flawless edge and perfect alignment.

Squeak-Free Techniques We Rely On

To eliminate squeaks permanently, here are the techniques we build into every stair installation:

• Use high-quality subfloor adhesive between all contact points

• Ensure risers and stringers are fastened tightly before installing treads

• Add blocking between stringers at midpoints to reduce flex

• Clamp nosings tightly while adhesive cures

• Use finish screws instead of nails in critical spots, then conceal with wood filler

• Never rely on glue alone for tread-to-stringer contact

These may seem like small details, but they make all the difference after years of foot traffic, temperature swings, and seasonal settling.

Why Professional Finishing Matters

Even the best materials can underperform if the finished work isn’t done right. Gaps at the nosings, visible fasteners, squeaky treads, or inconsistent grain matching can all detract from the overall impression of quality. At FC Millworks, we specialize in finish-grade stair parts because we know they’re what people notice — especially on main-level feature stairs.

We also offer finishing options like flush-mount vents, custom reducers, and a custom wood molding that tie the entire flooring and stair system together. These extra touches give the project a showroom finish and boost the value of the home.

Summary: What Makes a Great Staircase?

A great staircase isn’t just about how it looks — it’s about how it performs every single day. Safe, quiet, and consistent stairs come from a combination of proper structure, careful material selection, and expert finishing. Whether it’s a renovation, a new build, or a single staircase replacement, the right techniques and details matter.

At FC Millworks, we’re committed to delivering stair systems that look incredible and last for decades. Whether you need a stair treads custom-milled to match your flooring, a floating stair solution, or just reliable, squeak-free stair nosings, we’re here to help. Every project is built with care, because we believe stairs should do more than connect levels — they should add lasting value and craftsmanship to your home.