How can I stop wooden floorboards from creaking?

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 lubricant, reducing friction.

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 the subfloor into the base of the floorboards (use screws short enough not to poke through the top surface). This tightens the connection.

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 holes with wood putty that matches the floor color. This secures the board directly to the joist.