Squeaky Floors — How to Silence the Squeak

Every step announces your presence? Squeaky floors are annoying but rarely indicate structural problems. They’re usually just wood rubbing against wood or nails.

What Causes the Squeak

Floors squeak when:

• Subfloor has separated from joists
• Floorboards rub against each other
• Nails have loosened and move in their holes
• Wood has shrunk from drying out

Quick Fixes (Try First)

For Hardwood Floors — Lubricate the Seams

Squeaking between boards can be silenced with lubrication:

1. Sprinkle talcum powder, powdered graphite, or powdered soap between boards
2. Work it into the seams by walking on the area
3. Wipe up excess

Time: 5 minutes. Cost: $5.

This is temporary but effective for minor squeaks.

For Carpet — Work From Above

If you have access, the Squeeeeek No More kit or similar lets you drive screws through carpet into the subfloor, then snap off the screw head.

1. Locate the squeak
2. Drive the special screw through the carpet
3. Use the tool to snap off the head below carpet level

Cost: $20-30 for the kit.

Permanent Fixes

From Below (If You Have Access)

If you can access the subfloor from a basement or crawlspace:

For gaps between subfloor and joist:

1. Have someone walk above to locate the squeak
2. Look for gaps between subfloor and joist
3. Insert wood shims (with carpenter’s glue) into gaps
4. Don’t over-shim — you don’t want to raise the floor

For reinforcement:

• Screw a 2x4 block against the joist under the squeaky area
• Or drive screws through the subfloor into the joist from below

From Above

If you can’t access from below:

Hardwood floors:

1. Locate the squeak
2. Drill pilot holes at an angle through the floorboard into the subfloor/joist
3. Drive finish nails or trim screws
4. Countersink and fill with wood filler
5. Touch up with stain if needed

Carpet:

1. Pull back the carpet
2. Drive 2” screws through subfloor into joists below
3. Replace carpet

Finding Joists

Joists typically run perpendicular to your floorboards, spaced 16” apart. Find them by:

• Using a stud finder
• Tapping and listening for solid vs. hollow sounds
• Looking at nail patterns in the subfloor (from basement)

When to Call a Pro

• Squeaks are throughout the house
• Floor feels bouncy or saggy (structural issue)
• You’re not comfortable driving screws into your hardwood
• Squeaks persist after DIY attempts

Cost: $100-300 for most squeaky floor repairs.

The Bottom Line

Most squeaks come from movement between the subfloor and joists. Securing that connection — with screws, shims, or blocks — solves the problem. Start with the easy lubricant method, move to screws if that doesn’t work.