How to Stop Wood Floors From Creaking

A creaky wood floor isn't necessarily an indication of a structural problem or other serious issue with the floorboards, but it can drive you nuts. It's caused by the loosening of the floorboards that often happens over time, which allows the boards to move against each other when weight is applied. One quick-fix is to sprinkle talc over the area (it lubricates the friction), but this usually isn't a permanent solution. Ultimately, you have to re-secure the boards.

Things You'll Need

• Chalk
• Drill
• Pilot bit
• Wood screws
• Wood putty to match the floor color
• Small putty knife
• 300-grit sandpaper

Instructions

1. Starting at one side of the room, slow walk across it, listening for a creak as you set down your foot each time. When you hear a creak, mark the spot with your chalk.

2. Load your drill with a pilot bit. Walk over the floor and put two pilot holes through the floor boards, about an inch apart, everywhere you've marked a creak.

3. Re-load your drill with a screwdriver bit. Sink a wood screw into each pilot hole, making sure it grips the underlayment beneath the floor. Sink the screw heads to just below the surface.

4. Take your wood putty and, with a putty knife, wipe it into each of the screw holes, covering up the screw head. Use the flat edge of the putty knife to get the top of the putty very flat and even with the floor.

5. Once the putty dries, go back and very gently buff it with 300-grit sandpaper, just enough to smooth it out.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear eye protection when using your drill.

References

• The Natural Handyman: Repairing Squeaky Floors.