How to Fix Creaking in a Bamboo Floor

Bamboo is attractive but also squeaky when stepped on.

Bamboo, one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet, is an economical and earth-friendly material for building walls, roofs and floors. Bamboo is an attractive replacement for wood; unfortunately, like wood, it sometimes squeaks when walked upon. Squeaky bamboo floors are annoying but there are a few ways to get the noise to stop. Most creaks are preventable if you install the flooring correctly. If the floor is already installed and you can get underneath it, one of several modifications will silence the squeaking.

Things You'll Need

• Shims
• Construction adhesive
• 2-foot by 8-foot wood board
• Talcum powder

Instructions

1. Ask someone to stand on the bamboo floor while you stand beneath it. Have your partner walk around on the floor to identify squeaky areas. Look for movement as your partner walks. Mark the exact area under the floor where you heard the squeak or saw movement.

2. Slip two shims between the subfloor and the joist where you saw the floor move. Gaps between the joist and the subfloor are a common cause of squeaking. Shims fill in the gap and stop the creaking.

3. Cut a 2-foot by 8-foot wooden block and coat the top with construction adhesive. Slip the block between the floor joists to stop squeaking.

4. Apply construction adhesive to gaps between the joists and the subfloor. This is an ideal way to stop squeaking when you cannot easily determine the exact noise source.

5. Spread talcum powder over the bamboo floor, if you cannot get underneath. If there are cracks between the bamboo floorboards, work the powder into them. The talcum powder reduces friction and squeaking. Vacuum up excess powder after you finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow the bamboo flooring to sit inside your home for at least three days and up to one week before installation. This lets the bamboo get used to its new environment. As a result, the bamboo squeaks and creaks less.

• Install 15-pound asphalt felt paper on the subfloor before bamboo flooring installation. The felt paper helps minimize squeaking.

References

• The Family Handyman: How to Fix Squeaky Floors
• Ask the Builder: Bamboo Flooring