How to Silence a Squeaky Floorboard for Good

Nothing disrupts the peace and quiet of your home like the constant creak of a squeaky floorboard. Whether it wakes up the whole family or just drives you a bit mad each time you walk by, it pays to tackle the problem early. Floor squeaks often develop due to loose boards or shifting subflooring. With a few simple techniques, you can restore the comfort of your living areas and prolong the lifespan of your floors. Read on to discover how Handydads can help silence those pesky squeaks once and for all.

Project Snapshot

This project is suitable for most homeowners and renters, especially if you have access to your floors from above or below. The process is quick in most cases and doesn't require expensive equipment or professional carpentry experience. You can usually address the issue without removing the entire floor or disrupting household activities. For best results, plan to complete the repairs when the squeak is most audible, such as in quiet evening hours. Tackling squeaks promptly can prevent bigger issues down the road.

Tools and Materials

You will need a stud finder, drill and bits, wood screws specifically for flooring, wood glue, a hammer, shims, a utility knife, and a vacuum. Optional but helpful are floor repair kits and finishing materials if your boards need to be touched up afterward.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by walking over the squeaky spots to precisely identify the location of the noise. Use a stud finder to determine where joists are located beneath the boards. If you have basement or crawl space access, check from below to spot gaps or movement between the subfloor and joists. Drive wood screws at an angle through the board into the joist, pulling the flooring tightly down without over-tightening. For minor gaps, gently tap a wooden shim coated in wood glue between the joist and subfloor, trimming excess shim as needed with a utility knife.

From the Toolbox

Recently, a client called Handydads about a squeak right in the middle of their nursery room. It was waking their baby every night. Our technician found that one board had loosened from its joist, gently secured it with a couple of well-placed screws, and peace was restored. The client sent a thank you note the following week, sharing that everyone was finally sleeping through the night again. Sometimes the simplest fixes bring the biggest relief.

Top 5 Mistakes

Ignoring the source and just using oil or powder which only masks the problem briefly, Over-tightening screws which can split boards, Forgetting to check from beneath which may miss gaps between joists and subfloor, Using nails instead of screws as they tend to loosen again, Skipping cleanup so dust and debris interfere with repairs.

Tool and Material Recommendations

Consider using specialty flooring screws that secure without damaging finished surfaces. For temporary fixes, squeak repair kits with breakaway screws can be useful. Quality wood glue and sturdy hardwood shims are affordable items that make a major difference. Invest in a reliable stud finder and a well-balanced cordless drill to make your work easier and more accurate.

Quick Tips and Hacks

Mark squeaky spots with tape before starting so you don't lose track. Always vacuum dust before gluing or shimming. If squeaks persist, try repairs from above and below. Test repaired spots before finishing. Touch up screw heads with a wood filler that matches your floor color.

Need a Hand?

Don’t let squeaky floors drive you crazy. Call Handydads today for expert floor repairs and a quieter, more comfortable home.