How to Stop Creaking Floating Floors

It is almost inevitable that some portion of your floating hardwood floor, whether it is real or laminate, will start to creak. As time goes by, the wood in your floor expands and contracts with the change in the climate. This constant movement by the wood eventually loosens the connection between the flooring pieces, and it can also begin to loosen the grip any adhesive may have on the flooring as well. There is a simple way to stop the creaks, and it does not involve any ghost hunting.

Things You'll Need

• 3/32 inch pilot hole drill bit
• Power drill with a countersink on it
• Small wood screw
• Liquid wood as close to the color of your floor as possible
• Damp cloth

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Instructions

Fixing a Floating Floor Creak

1. Narrow down the creak to the one board that is causing it. This will require you to walk over the creaking area until you are able to eliminate the boards that are not causing the noise and find the one that is causing it.

2. Drill a pilot hole using a 3/32 inch drill bit through the piece of flooring and down through the sub-floor. It does not matter where you drill the hole on the piece of flooring. Experiment with the board and see if there is one spot in particular that is louder than the rest of the board and drill there.

3. Countersink a screw into the hole down at least one-eighth of an inch below the surface of the board. Do not countersink the screw too deep as you do not want to have to do too much finishing work.

4. Fill in the hole from the screw with liquid wood that is as close to the color of your floor as possible.

5. Wipe the excess liquid wood from the floor board and allow the liquid wood to dry before anyone can walk in that area. Liquid wood usually dries completely in 24 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are getting creaking from many different places on your floating floor then you may want to call in a flooring expert to help you diagnose the problem. More than two creaks needs a professional's touch.

• Do not sand the liquid wood after it dries. Get it as smooth as you can with the damp cloth. Sanding will ruin the finish of the floor.

References

• Faceliftfloors.com - Creaking Noises in Hardwood Floors
• This Old House - Fixing a Squeaky Floor