Discover how to fix squeaky floorboards with this step-by-step DIY guide. Quiet, noisy floors quickly with expert-approved tips!
Squeaky floorboards are a problem in many homes. The creaking sound every time you walk can be annoying. The good news is you don’t always need help from a pro. With simple tools and a little work, you can fix squeaky floorboards by yourself.
This simple guide shares ways to stop squeaks on wood, laminate, or carpeted floors. Fixing squeaky floorboards helps make your home quieter. For bigger issues or older floors, it's best to call a floor repair expert to check the damage and fix it properly.
Why Do Floorboards Squeak
Before learning how to fix squeaky floorboards, it helps to understand why they squeak in the first place. The most common causes include:
1. Loose Floorboards
Floorboards can become loose when nails or screws move over time. This causes the wood to rub against other boards or the floor underneath, causing squeaks. Walking on them often or having older floors can make this happen more easily.
2. Humidity Changes
Wood floors change shape when there’s too much or too little moisture in the air. They can grow or shrink, which makes the boards rub together and squeak. This often happens during weather changes or when a room is too dry or damp.
3. Poor Installation
The boards might not stay tight if the floor is not positioned correctly. When you walk on them, they can move and squeak. This happens when the boards aren’t lined up well or if insufficient nails or glue are used.
4. Subfloor Issues
The floor under your floorboards is called the subfloor. If it’s not flat or damaged, your floorboards can move and make noise. Fixing this often means lifting part of the floor and making the subfloor flat and firm again.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need
Before starting, gather these essential tools:
1. Screwdriver or Drill
You need a screwdriver or a drill to tighten loose screws or add new ones. This tool helps stop floorboards from moving, which is one of the main reasons floors squeak in the first place.
2. Wood Screws or Nails
Wood screws or nails hold floorboards tightly in place. If the boards are loose, they make noise. Adding screws or nails keeps everything steady and helps fix squeaky floorboards quickly.
3. Talcum Powder or Powdered Graphite (for Minor Squeaks)
Talcum powder or powdered graphite can stop small squeaks. Just sprinkle a little between noisy boards. It reduces rubbing between the wood pieces, making your floors quieter without needing tools.
4. Construction Adhesive (for Gaps)
Construction adhesive is a strong glue that helps fill empty spaces under the floor. If boards move and make noise, adding this glue keeps them still. It’s great for stopping squeaks caused by small gaps.
5. Hammer
A hammer helps push nails back in or tap shims under loose boards. If a board sticks up or moves, gently hitting it with a hammer can help fix the problem and reduce squeaky noises.
6. Wood Shims (for Gaps Between Joists and Subfloor)
Wood shims are thin wood used to fill small gaps under your floor. Sliding in a shim can help keep the floor firm and stop the sound if the floor bounces or squeaks.
7. Stud Finder (to Locate Floor Joists)
A stud finder helps you find the wooden beams under the floor. This tool shows you where it’s safe to screw or nail. It helps make sure you fix squeaky floorboards the right way.
Steps on How to Fix Squeaky Floorboards
1. Tighten Loose Floorboards
The simplest way to fix squeaky floorboards is by returning them to the subfloor.
- Locate the squeaky spot by walking over the floor and marking the noisy areas.
- From below (if accessible), drive screws through the subfloor into the floorboard.
- From above, use trim-head screws that can be countersunk and hidden with wood filler.
This method works best for hardwood and engineered wood floors.
2. Lubricate the Joints (For Minor Squeaks)
If the squeak is caused by friction between boards, a dry lubricant can help.
- Sprinkle talcum powder or powdered graphite between the squeaky boards.
- Work it into the gaps with a brush or cloth.
- Walk over the area to distribute the lubricant.
This is a quick, temporary fix, but it works well for minor squeaks.
3. Use Wood Shims for Gaps
If the squeak comes from a gap between the subfloor and joist, wood shims can help.
- Locate the floor joist using a stud finder.
- Insert a wood shim into the gap between the subfloor and joist.
- Tap it gently until snug, but avoid over-tightening to prevent bulging.
- Secure with construction adhesive for a long-lasting fix.
4. Reinforce with Construction Adhesive
For persistent squeaks, construction adhesive can stabilize loose floorboards.
- Lift the floorboard slightly (if possible) and apply adhesive beneath it.
- Press the board down and place a heavy object on top until the adhesive dries.
- Wipe away excess glue to prevent staining.
This method is ideal for areas where screws aren’t an option.
5. Fix Squeaky Floorboards Under Carpet
If your carpeted floors squeak, you’ll need a different approach.
- Locate the squeak by pressing on the carpet to find movement.
- Drive screws through the carpet and into the subfloor, making sure they’re short enough not to puncture through.
- Use a specialized squeak-repair kit designed for carpeted floors.
This ensures the carpet fibers remain undamaged while silencing the noise.
How to Prevent Future Squeaks
Once you’ve learned how to fix squeaky floorboards, take steps to prevent them from returning:
1. Keep Humidity Levels Steady
Keep the air in your home at the same moisture level all year. Too much or too little moisture makes wood floors move and squeak. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier to help stop floorboards from making noise.
2. Check for Loose Boards
Look at your floors often to see if any boards feel loose or sound squeaky. If they do, tighten the screws or nails. Fixing small problems early helps stop loud squeaks and keeps your floor strong and safe for walking.
3. Use Good Underlayment
When putting in new flooring, use a strong underlayment. This soft layer goes between the floor and the subfloor. It helps stop rubbing, lowers noise, and keeps your floor from squeaking. A good underlayment also helps your new floor last longer.
When to Call a Professional
While most squeaks can be fixed DIY, some situations require floor repair expert help:
1. Subfloor Damage
If your subfloor rotates, bent, or breaks, fixing squeaky floorboards might not help much. Big damage like this needs a pro to repair or replace the floor so it stays safe and quiet.
2. Squeaks Keep Coming Back
If the squeaks return after trying many repairs, there may be a bigger problem. A professional can check your floor and find the real cause to stop the squeaky sounds for good finally.
3. Not Comfortable With Tools
Fixing squeaky floorboards often means using power tools or working under the floor. If that feels hard or unsafe, it’s better to call someone who knows how to do it safely and properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to fix squeaky floors without removing the flooring?
You can fix squeaky floors without taking them out. Use special screws that go through the floor and tighten it to the base. You can also sprinkle baby powder or graphite in the gaps. These simple tricks can stop squeaky floors fast.
Can creaky floorboards be fixed?
Yes, creaky floorboards can be fixed. Loose boards can be made tight with screws, or powder can be added between the boards to stop the sound. Most creaks happen when the wood moves or rubs, but they’re easy to fix.
Can you stop wood floors from squeaking?
Yes, you can stop wood floors from squeaking. Just tighten the loose boards with screws or nails. You can also add powder between the boards to stop the rubbing. These small steps can prevent squeaking and save you money.
What is the best lubricant for squeaky wood floors?
Baby powder or dry graphite is the best lubricant for squeaky wood floors. Both help the wood slide quietly and stop the noise. They are cheap, easy to use, and safe for your floors. Just sprinkle some between the boards to fix the squeak.
Conclusion
Say goodbye to the squeaky sounds that bother you every time you walk. When you fix squeaky floorboards, your home becomes quieter and more comfortable. These minor fixes can make a big difference and help your floors last longer without spending much money.
Fort Worth Refinishing knows how important it is to have strong and quiet floors. Try the easy steps in this guide or call us for help. We’re happy to make your floors smooth, calm, and friendly to walk on again.
Don’t wait until the squeaks get worse. Take the first step now and fix the problem. If you need help, just contact our team. Our experienced floor contractor can quickly fix squeaky floorboards and make your home feel better.
End Note
Fort Worth Refinishing takes pride in giving worn-out bathtubs a smooth, like-new finish. Our bathtub refinishing service is a smart, budget-friendly way to upgrade your space. Visit ftworthrefinishing.com to see how we can refresh your bathroom with care and skill.
We believe in doing honest, high-quality work every time. Learn more about who we are at About Us and what we stand for at Our Philosophy. We proudly serve many areas, which you can view at Areas We Serve. Ready to get started? Reach out through our Contact page.
Take a look at our past work in the Gallery. Follow us on Instagram and check out our YouTube channel for real results. Fort Worth Refinishing is here to help you love your space again.
Fort Worth Refinishing
2627 S Cooper St Suite E12, Arlington, TX 76015, United States
+18176339100
