How to fix creaky floorboards

Creaky floorboards are a common teething issue in old and new homes, and while some think they’re responsible for adding rustic charm, most homeowners seek to address the noise. 

Fortunately, most causes of creaky flooring can be identified pretty easily and solved with some solid DIY effort. But it’s important the advice you follow is from a trusted resource that understands the complexities of flooring installation and maintenance. 

In this blog, we will help you find the source of creaking, what you can do to fix it, and when it should be left to a professional. 

Why are my floorboards creaking? 

Floorboards are typically made of wood – a natural material that expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. This makes movement perfectly normal and noise likely.  

Creaking is caused by floorboards rubbing against each other or against the subfloor and joists below. There are a number of reasons as to why this might be happening, friction being the primary source. As you walk, the pressure causes boards to move and rub against neighbouring boards or the nails holding them in place. 

In the winter months, wood shrinks and creates small gaps between the floorboards and the subfloor, allowing for movement and noise. When temperatures start to warm up, wood expands to force the boards to press tightly against one another and creak. Ultimately, there is no seasonal exception to creaky floors – it’s all-year-round issue that will continue until it’s addressed properly. 

Particularly in older homes, the nails or screws that secure the subfloor to the floor joists can be loose, causing the subfloor itself to move and squeak whenever walked on. In less common cases, creaking can be a sign of more significant structural problems with the floor joists or foundation. It’s rare, but it can happen and is therefore important to be aware of. 

Locating the source of noise 

Before you can fix a creak, you need to find its exact location. It sounds simple, but noise can echo which makes it difficult to pinpoint the cause accurately.  

It’s easier if you have assistance from another person, like a friend or family member, who can walk slowly around the noisy area while you listen closely with your ear near the floor. If you are tackling the issue alone, use your hands to press down on individual boards to see which ones move or make a sound. Once you’ve found the problem board or section, mark it lightly with a piece of chalk or painter’s tape so you don’t lose which one it is.  

Better still, if you can access the floor from below via a basement or crawl space, you’ll have a more detailed view. It’s the same process – simply ask someone to walk on the floor above you whilst you watch from underneath. The key things to look out for are movements between the subfloor and the floor joists, which might look like a small gap opening and closing as weight is applied. 

How to stop creaking floorboards yourself

Once you’ve identified the source, you can try one of these simple solutions, starting with the least invasive: 

• The talcum powder trick 

A classic remedy that works best for minor squeaks caused by boards rubbing together. 

Sprinkle a generous amount of talcum powder, powdered graphite, or baking soda over the creaky floorboard, which acts as a dry lubricant to reduce friction. Using a small brush, work the powder deep into the cracks and gaps between the boards and wipe away any excess. Then you can walk on the area to see if the noise is gone – you may need to reapply this from time to time as it’s not designed to be a long-term solution. 

• Tighten from below with shims 

A shim is a small, tapered piece of wood that can be used to fill gaps and is one of the most effective solutions if you can access the floor from underneath. Through a basement or crawlspace, locate the gap between the floor joist and the subfloor directly under the squeak. Apply a thin line of wood glue to a wooden shim and gently tap it into the gap with a hammer – don’t do this too forcefully as it could lift the floorboard and create a new problem. The aim is to fill the space tightly, without applying upward pressure. 

• Support blocks 

Again, this requires access from underneath, but it does offer a more permanent fix. Cut a piece of 2×4 lumber so it fits nicely between the floor joists and apply a generous amount of wood glue to the top of the block where it will meet the subfloor. Press the block firmly up against the underside of the creaky subfloor and secure it by driving screws through the joists and into the ends of the block. This will brace the subfloor and stop it from moving. 

• Secure loose boards from above  

Not every home has a way for you to access underneath the floor, in which case you’ll need to work from above. First, use a stud finder to locate the floor joist beneath the creaky board and drill a small pilot hole through the floorboard and into the joist. Then, drive a trim-head screw through the pilot hole to pull the floorboard tight against the subfloor and joist. Sink the screw head just below the surface of the wood, where you can then fill the small hole with wood putty that matches your floor colour. 

When does it become too technical to do it yourself? 

DIY is a great way to solve common creaks at a reduced price, but some situations require an expert’s touch. Trying to tackle a major flooring issue on your own could lead to more damage and higher costs down the line. 

Widespread creaking can signal a larger issue with the subfloor or humidity levels in your home. So, if you notice your entire floor or multiple rooms are noisy, you should contact a professional who has the skills and equipment to tackle the problem at scale. 

Similarly, if your floor feels spongy or bouncy this could indicate potential structural damage to the joists, which needs an immediate professional assessment. 

For the homeowners who are planning a renovation or a flooring upgrade, this is the time to have a flooring specialist check any underlying subfloor issues before new flooring is installed. They have the knowledge and tools to diagnose the problem accurately and provide a more stable solution that will protect the integrity of your floors. 

Our team at Langan Carpets can perform a thorough assessment to determine the root cause of the noise, offering to repair or replace damaged subflooring and ensuring your foundation is solid before laying down a beautiful new floor. 

Upgrade your flooring for a peaceful home 

Quite often, creaking floorboards are a sign that your current flooring has reached the end of its life. If the predicted repairs are extensive or you’re simply ready for a change, upgrading is a fantastic option. This is your opportunity to not only solve the noise problem for good, but also transform the look and feel of your space. 

As a premium partner of Amtico, we have witnessed firsthand what their luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring has to offer. Their numerous collections combine finesse with durability, mimicking the appearance of natural stone or wood without the susceptibility to temperature and humidity changes that causes creaking. Having an Amitco floor in your home will ensure stability, peace, and minimal maintenance, guaranteed to elevate every room.  

Langan Carpets is a one-stop shop for all your flooring needs. Our team have the experience to handle the entire process, from fixing the creaky subfloor to installing a stunning new floor. You’ll have peace of mind knowing the job is done right and your floor is set for years to come.