Wooden stairs should be given a quick check at least once a year, and more often if you start hearing new squeaks or feeling movement underfoot. Over time, screws and nails can loosen, joints can shift, and wood can shrink or swell with humidity. A small creak isn’t dangerous by itself, but combined with visible movement or gaps, it can signal a step that needs attention.

Walk the stairs slowly and pay attention to which treads feel soft, spongy or louder than others. Look along the sides for cracks, split boards, or gaps between steps and risers. Check handrails too, as they’re a big part of safety.

Tightening screws, adding proper fixings or reinforcing weak areas early is much simpler than rebuilding parts of the staircase later. And because stairs are such a high-traffic, safety-critical area, they deserve a regular spot on your home maintenance list.