How to Fix Squeaky Hardwood Floors: Is It Possible?
Posted by SPECIAL HARDWOOD
Squeaky hardwood floors can be annoying, and they’re a surprisingly common problem. Usually, the squeaks and chirps your flooring might make when walking across can be traced back to varying moisture levels, which may lead to warping and shrinking of the floorboards. Consequently, spaces and gaps can form between the wooden floorboards and the subfloor that allows for rubbing, which produces that squeaking sound we all dread when making midnight runs to the kitchen.
Fortunately, you don’t typically need to call a professional to fix noisy hardwood floors. If you’re wondering how to fix squeaky hardwood floors, keep reading for a look at some easy DIY solutions you can try that usually do the trick—without the added expense.
Though oiling your hardwood floors provides many benefits and can protect and maintain their beauty, the oil used in oiling your floor will not address any underlying causes behind those pesky squeaks.
For more tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your hardwood flooring, furniture, and other surfaces, check out the other articles on our blog.
Browse more wood care products such as Universal Maintenance Oil to help nourish and enhance the appearance of your hardwood floors (and without dangerous chemicals).
Fortunately, you don’t typically need to call a professional to fix noisy hardwood floors. If you’re wondering how to fix squeaky hardwood floors, keep reading for a look at some easy DIY solutions you can try that usually do the trick—without the added expense.
What’s Behind Squeaky Floors
Before attempting any DIY fixes, it’s essential to understand the underlying cause of squeaky floors—and what won’t fix them. Floorboards usually squeak due to movement between them and the subfloor or other structural elements they’re resting on or against.Though oiling your hardwood floors provides many benefits and can protect and maintain their beauty, the oil used in oiling your floor will not address any underlying causes behind those pesky squeaks.
Secure Loose Floorboards
The first step in eliminating squeaks is to secure any loose floorboards. If the squeakiness is caused by movement between the floorboards and the subfloor, the issue can often be resolved by simply securing the boards more firmly in place. To accomplish this, if you are comfortable and experienced handling the tool, use a nail punch to drive nails into the loose boards, which helps keep wooded boards in place and may help to reduce the noise.
Tighten or Replace Flooring Nails
Squeaks can also be caused by floorboards moving or rubbing against nails or other fasteners used to secure them in place. If the squeaking noises are caused by friction between the boards and the subfloor, you may be able to fix the issue by tightening or replacing the nails. If you prefer DIY methods, you may use a nail set and hammer to drive the nails further into the subfloor. If the nails are loose, you may need to remove them and replace them with new or larger nails. In some cases, your floorboards may need to be patched with wood filler so new nails fit more securely.Add Additional Support
Not all squeaks are coming from the floorboards themselves. For more persistent or severe squeaking problems, you may need to add additional support to the subfloor itself. This might include using flooring adhesive to bond the boards to the subfloor, adding additional fasteners such as screws or nails, or adding supports between the joists under the flooring itself. For these more complex issues, it might be best to consult a professional flooring contractor.Steps to Fix Squeaky Flooring
Fixing squeaky hardwood floors can be a tricky task, and it’s essential to take the proper steps to ensure the problem is accurately identified and addressed. With the right tools and techniques, most squeaks can be fixed without the need for professional help.For more tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your hardwood flooring, furniture, and other surfaces, check out the other articles on our blog.
Browse more wood care products such as Universal Maintenance Oil to help nourish and enhance the appearance of your hardwood floors (and without dangerous chemicals).