Wooden floors look absolutely gorgeous, especially newly polished to a gleam. But so many homeowners, especially those with older homes, deal with an issue that can take away from that natural beauty: squeaky floors.
One of the most common inquiries we get? No surprise, it’s how to stop squeaky floors! If you’re suffering from that awful, groaning creak every time you step wrong, then this is the blog for you. Read on, because we’re tackling why wooden floors squeak and how to stop them.
Why Wooden Floors Squeak
Generally speaking, wooden floors squeak because they’re moving. The planks are packed together so tightly that, if one or more of them start moving for some reason, the resulting friction can create that iconic creaking sound.
That said, one of the reasons that so many people struggle with how to stop squeaky floors is that there are a variety of causes for the movement of the planks.
Seasonal Humidity
Wood’s a natural material, so it reacts to the weather, especially here in NZ, where we get a bit of everything in one day. Timber will expand and contract depending on the humidity. Over time, this movement causes boards to rub together or against the subfloor, which creates that telltale squeak.
Loose Floorboards
If your home’s been around the block a few times, the floorboards might’ve started loosening. When boards aren’t tightly secured anymore, they shift slightly when you walk, and that’s what causes the creaky noise.
Subfloor Movement
Sometimes the issue isn’t with the floorboards, but with what’s underneath. If the joists or subfloor have moved or warped over time, they can leave gaps that let your floorboards move around too much.
Nail Friction
Many timber floors in older New Zealand homes were nailed in rather than screwed in, and as the timber moves, those nails can start squeaking as they rub against the wood.
How to Stop Squeaky Floors
The good news? Small-scale squeaks can generally be sorted out with a little bit of DIY work, but larger problems warrant a professional look.
Even the smaller issues are easily sorted with help from a professional as part of a regular wood floor polishing or some other maintenance ritual, but if you don’t want to wait that long, here are a few tips and tricks.
1. Pinpoint the Squeak
Take a slow walk across your floor and listen carefully. Mark any squeaky spots with a bit of chalk or a sticky note. Knowing where the problem is helps you (or your floor specialist) sort it faster.
Quick note: If the squeaks are everywhere, then it’s time to get a professional in. This is a sign that your floors need more intense help.
2. Tighten Loose Boards
If the boards are shifting around too much, try:
· Driving in trim screws to tighten things up. Just be careful not to split the wood.
· Using a squeaky floor repair kit (they exist!) that includes snap-off screws to anchor floorboards down without making a mess.
3. Lubricate Any Friction Points
Sometimes the squeak is just two boards rubbing. Sprinkling some baby powder or powdered graphite between the boards can reduce the friction and stop the squeak. Old-school trick, but it works as a temporary fix.
4. Fix From Below
If you can get under the floor (like from a basement or crawlspace), you’ve got more options. You can:
· Add wooden shims to fill gaps between joists and subfloor.
· Use a bit of construction adhesive to hold things steady.
· Add extra support where needed to stop bounce or flex.
5. Replace Nails with Screws
Nails tend to slip and cause a lot of grief, especially in older floors that haven’t seen much tender loving care since they were laid. We tend to recommend replacing nails with screws where possible.
They hold on much better long-term and, thanks to the bite of the thread on each screw holding the planks down, they also tend to move less with changes in temperature or foot traffic.
So, that’s how to stop squeaky floors! These are pinpoint fixes that can handle creaking or squeaking in specific areas of your wooden floor, but if you’re hearing those squeaks throughout your whole home, then it might be time to look into a professional wooden floor restoration.
The widespread squeaking can indicate a deeper issue, like damage to the joists from age or warped subfloors from a malfunctioning ground moisture barrier. If this is happening, bringing in the professionals will make sure you get everything fixed solidly and that the floors shine like new once they’re done.
Count on Floorsanding NZ for superior wooden floor restoration.
Our team has been answering the question ‘how to stop squeaky floors’ for over a decade. When it comes to wooden floor restoration, we’re proud to be the top name in Auckland.
If your wooden floors are squeaking or you’ve noticed a persistent dullness, we’re the team to call. Get in touch with us for a free quote today!