How can I stop wooden floorboards from creaking?
Provides solutions to silence noisy floorboards, which typically creak due to movement and friction between boards or between boards and subfloor joists.
- Apply Lubricating Powder3
Identify the creaking boards. Sprinkle talcum powder, graphite powder, or powdered soapstone generously into the seams between the noisy boards. Use a soft brush or cloth to work the powder down into the cracks. Step on the boards repeatedly to help distribute the powder. The powder acts as a dry…
📌 diy4/23/2025, 10:42:38 PM
🛠️ Talcum powder, graphite powder, or powdered soapstone, soft brush or cloth
- Secure Boards from Below (If Accessible)4
If you have access to the floor from underneath (e.g., via a basement or crawl space), locate the creaking area. Have someone walk on the floor above to pinpoint the loose board(s) and joist(s). Apply construction adhesive between the subfloor and joist, and/or drive short wood screws up through…
📌 diy4/23/2025, 10:42:38 PM
🛠️ Construction adhesive, caulk gun, short wood screws, drill/driver, safety glasses
- Use Trim Screws or Counter-Sunk Nails from Above3
Locate the floor joists beneath the creaking boards (use a stud finder or tap gently). Drill small pilot holes through the floorboard and subfloor into the joist. Drive trim-head screws or finishing nails into the pilot holes, countersinking the heads slightly below the surface. Fill the small…
📌 diy4/23/2025, 10:42:38 PM
🛠️ Drill, small drill bits, stud finder (optional), trim-head screws or finishing nails, hammer or driver, nail set (for nails), wood putty