How Do I Fix Squeaky Floors?
Topics
- Squeaky Floor
- Hardwood
- Subfloor
- Joist
- Repair
Answer
Squeaky floors are caused by wood rubbing against wood — usually the subfloor moving against joists, or hardwood planks rubbing against each other. The fix depends on where you can access the squeak from.
Fix from below (best option when accessible)
If you have access to the floor from below (unfinished basement or crawl space), this is the easiest fix. Have a helper walk on the floor above while you mark the squeaking spot from below.
- Small gap between subfloor and joist: Drive a thin wood screw through the joist up into the subfloor. Don't go through the finished floor — measure the combined thickness of the subfloor and finished floor, subtract ¼ inch, and use that length screw.
- Larger gap: Apply construction adhesive and a shim into the gap. Let cure before walking on it.
Fix from above when you can't access from below
- Hardwood floors: Use a specialized screw kit like Squeeeeek No More ($20). The kit includes a pilot bit that snaps the screw head off below the surface. Fill the hole with wood filler that matches your floor color.
- Carpet: Drive a trim screw through the carpet into the subfloor and into a joist. The carpet hides the screw head. Use a special breakaway screw kit that snaps below the surface.
- Apply powdered graphite or talcum powder between squeaking boards as a temporary fix — it lubricates the joint without damaging finish.
Finding the joist
Joists typically run 16 inches on center. Use a stud finder, or tap the floor — a dull thud means you're over a joist; a hollow sound means you're between them. Drive screws into joists for a permanent fix — screwing into the subfloor alone often doesn't hold.
Squeaks in stairs
Stair squeaks come from the tread rubbing on the riser or on a worn wedge. From below: apply construction adhesive along the joint and drive a screw through the riser into the tread. From above: drive finish nails at angles into the riser and fill the holes with wood filler.
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