How To Fix Squeaks In Hardwood Floors

Tired of hearing squeaks in hardwood floors with every step you take? You're not alone! Squeaky hardwood floors are a common issue many homeowners face, but you can silence these with a few practical fixes.

Stop wondering and restore peace and quiet to your home with our straightforward solutions to fix squeaky hardwood floors. Let’s dive in!

How To Fix Squeaks In Hardwood Floors

Squeaks in hardwood floors, common in both old and new homes, often result from natural house settling or changes in humidity. We’ve listed some of the best methods to stop squeaks in hardwood floors.

Methods To Repair from Below

If you can access your squeaky hardwood floors from below, like from a basement or crawlspace, here are effective strategies to fix squeaks in hardwood floors:

Method 1: Apply Carpenter’s Glue with Shims

Identify the exact location of the squeak by having someone walk on the floor above while you listen from below. Once you pinpoint the noisy spot, prepare a thin wood shim. Coat the shim with a strong carpenter’s glue ($6) for a firm hold. Insert the shim gently into the space between the joist and the subfloor. Do not force the shim too deeply to avoid raising the floor level. The goal is to snugly fill the gap and stabilize any movement. For added stability, secure the shim and subfloor to the joist with a 1 1/4-inch drywall screw, driven at an angle to ensure a tight fix.

Method 2: Install O’BERRY Floor Repair Kit

The O’BERRY Floor Repair Kit, priced at $17, offers a simple yet effective mechanical solution to securely pull the subfloor tight against the floor joists and stop squeaks in hardwood floors. Start with the two joist-finding screws included in the kit to precisely locate the joists beneath your flooring. Once you’ve identified the joists, set the alignment tool over the squeaky area, aligning it directly above the joist. Use the driver bit to drive the screws through the tool and into the floor, pulling the loose floorboard securely against the joist. The design of the screws ensures a firm fix without damaging your floors, providing a permanent solution to reduce noise efficiently.

Methods To Repair from Above

When access from below is not an option, you can still address squeaks effectively from above and maintain the integrity of your floor’s finish:

Method 1: Utilize Specialized Kits for Carpeted and Hardwood Floors

For carpeted floors, the Squeeeeek-No-More Kit, available for $15,offers an effective solution. The kit includes a special screwdriver bit, a pilot screw to locate joists, a depth-control fixture, and breakaway screws designed specifically for this purpose. Place the fixture on the carpet directly over the joist where the squeak is located. Drive the screw through the fixture and into the joist. Once the screw is in place, the fixture allows you to snap off the screw head below the surface of the subfloor, leaving no trace on your carpet.

For hardwood floors, the Counter-Snap Kit provides a nearly invisible fix. Start by drilling a small pilot hole through the hardwood directly above the squeak. Use the kit’s depth-control fixture to drive a specially designed breakaway screw into the pilot hole. As you drive the screw, its head will automatically snap off below the surface of the wood. Conceal the small hole left by the screw with matching wood putty, and lightly sand it once dry for a seamless finish.

How To Fix Squeaky Stairs?

Stair squeaks, which are usually more pronounced than floor squeaks, typically occur because of loosened wood joints over time. Here’s how to address them effectively:

From the Back of the Staircase

If you can access the back of your staircase, such as from a basement or closet, this is the ideal place to start. Apply glue-coated shims into the joints between the treads and risers or install wood blocks at the corners where these elements meet, securing them with screws for a lasting solution.

From the Topside

When rear access is not possible, work from the topside by inserting thin wood shims into any loose or squeaky joints you find along the steps. Carefully trim the excess shim with a utility knife($16). For additional reinforcement, apply a bead of wood glue along the joint before setting the shim, and consider adding quarter-round molding along each step for extra stability and aesthetic finish.

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