How to Fix a Squeaky Hard Wood Floor
Squeaks in hard wood floors are caused by the gradual loosening of the nails that are holding down the boards. This allows the boards to move when weight is applied to them, rubbing against each other and causing the noise. There's generally no structural danger to a squeaky floor, but it can be very annoying. Fixing it is a simple matter of re-securing the boards that are loose. Be methodical about finding each squeak and fix them all at once. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Piece of light-colored chalk
- Drill
- 1/16-inch drill bit
- Screwdriver bit
- 1 1/2-inch galvanized drywall screws
- Wood repair putty (same shade as the floor)
- Plastic putty knife
- Cotton cloth
Please enter your 10 digit phone number only.
A link to this article has been sent to the phone number provided.
Instructions
-
-
1
Step on each part of the floor, starting in one corner and walking slowly across in rows, to determine where all the squeaks are. Each time you find one, put a small X at the spot with your piece of light-colored chalk.
-
2
Put a 1/16-inch drill bit in the drill. Starting in the same corner, walk the floor and sink a pilot hole at the center of each chalk mark that you made.
-
-
3
Put a screwdriver bit in your drill, and pick up a handful of 1 1/2-inch galvanized drywall screws. Starting at the same corner as before, walk to each pilot hole that you've drilled and drive in a screw. Drive it straight down, and make sure the head sinks by about 1/8 inch below the surface of the floor.
-
4
Go to the first screw hole with your can of wood putty. Use your finger to scoop up a little wood putty and press it into the hole, on top of the screw head. Press it in firmly, so it's all the way down in the hole and mounding up a little over the top.
-
5
Scrape over the top of the hole with the flat end of your putty knife, taking off the mounded top of the putty and making the repaired area flat and even with the surrounding floor.
-
6
Wipe a clean cotton cloth over the area to take up any remaining chalk and putty. Move to the next hole. Repeat the process of filling, flattening and wiping off each hole.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Wear eye protection when drilling your holes and sinking your screws.
