How to Stop Squeaky Wooden Floors

Squeaky floors are annoying, but can be fixed.

Squeaky wood floors are an annoying sound that can disrupt quiet moments in the home such as bed time. If you have this issue, there is hope. Most squeaks can be repaired with a few simple tools and access to the area either from below or through the top of the boards. If possible, below is better because it will not add holes to the floor that will need to be hidden.

Things You'll Need

• Wood glue
• Shims
• Drill
• Wood putty
• Counter Snap Kit

Instructions

1. Crawl under the house or go to the basement if the issue is on the first floor. Locate the area where the squeak is by having someone walk around on the floor so you can listen for the noise.

2. Wedge shims in between the floor joists and the floor, near the squeak. This will keep the floor from moving up and down. Use wood glue to make sure they stay in place.

3. Use a counter snap kit to fix wood flooring when you have to repair from the top. Locate the squeak and drill a small pilot hole into the floor. Lay down the depth control device over the hole and drill in the snap off screw. The screw will go in so far and then break off. This way there is no screw head showing.

4. Fill the small hole with wood putty and allow to dry.

References

• This Old House: Fixing a Squeaky Floor