ᐅ Squeaky Wooden Staircase – Defect or Normal? Rights & Solutions
Created on: 21 Dec 2025 15:10
H
Henning
Hello dear forum members,
I have a question and would appreciate your advice. We moved into our semi-detached house last year. The house was completely renovated under construction management. Overall, we are very satisfied with the result. As part of the renovation, a new wooden staircase was installed. It is a staircase with mortise-and-tenon joints between the treads and stringers (I have attached photos). Visually, it is really very well made.
Unfortunately, there is a problem:
Each individual step creaks with every step, even when walking very slowly and carefully (almost tiptoeing; I have an audio file but unfortunately cannot upload it). It is not an occasional crack, but a clearly audible creaking. I weigh about 80 kg (176 lbs), so it is not due to excessive weight. Quiet use of the staircase is not possible, which is especially unpleasant when children or guests are sleeping.
We have addressed this issue with the construction manager several times. His response is basically that wooden stairs inevitably creak, everyone has a different "tolerance level," and he doubts whether this qualifies as a defect. As a goodwill gesture, however, we were offered two options: a discount of 900 € or tightening the braces, but without any guarantee that the creaking would improve.
For us, this is not primarily about the money, but about having a quiet staircase. So here are my questions for you:
Thank you in advance for your advice and best regards
Henning
I have a question and would appreciate your advice. We moved into our semi-detached house last year. The house was completely renovated under construction management. Overall, we are very satisfied with the result. As part of the renovation, a new wooden staircase was installed. It is a staircase with mortise-and-tenon joints between the treads and stringers (I have attached photos). Visually, it is really very well made.
Unfortunately, there is a problem:
Each individual step creaks with every step, even when walking very slowly and carefully (almost tiptoeing; I have an audio file but unfortunately cannot upload it). It is not an occasional crack, but a clearly audible creaking. I weigh about 80 kg (176 lbs), so it is not due to excessive weight. Quiet use of the staircase is not possible, which is especially unpleasant when children or guests are sleeping.
We have addressed this issue with the construction manager several times. His response is basically that wooden stairs inevitably creak, everyone has a different "tolerance level," and he doubts whether this qualifies as a defect. As a goodwill gesture, however, we were offered two options: a discount of 900 € or tightening the braces, but without any guarantee that the creaking would improve.
For us, this is not primarily about the money, but about having a quiet staircase. So here are my questions for you:
- Are we being too picky, or is persistent creaking unacceptable in a newly and professionally installed wooden staircase?
- In your opinion, does this count as a defect?
- If yes: To what extent can or should we insist on remedial work?
- What is considered a reasonable effort?
- Based on your experience, are there effective measures to significantly reduce or eliminate the creaking?
Thank you in advance for your advice and best regards
Henning
W
wiltshire23 Dec 2025 08:15In some situations, it is the construction management’s responsibility to protect the profit margin, which includes handling complaints as cost-effectively as possible. Consulting the trade association is one option, while investing in a building surveyor is another way to verify the statements made by the construction manager.