How to Fix Squeaky Floors (2023)

Family HandymanUpdated: Dec. 14, 2022

Step 1

Squeaky wood floors? Fill gaps with shims

Finding the exact cause of the squeak, and then choosing the best remedy, isn’t always a simple task. Don’t be surprised if you have to try several solutions before you stop it for good. But don’t worry; we’ll show you how to fix squeaky floors for good, no matter the cause.

Start by looking for gaps between a joist and the subfloor first. Plug in a drop light and examine the area closely; a gap or movement may not be obvious.

Step 2

Shim between the joist and subfloor

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If you spot a gap, use the wood shim solution to stop floor movement. Shims are available at any home center or lumberyard. Push a pair of shims in lightly. If you drive them in, you’ll widen the gap and potentially create a new squeak.

Slide a pair of shims into the gap for a snug fit. Draw a line on each shim to mark the depth. Don’t wedge the gap wider.

Step 3

Glue the shims

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Adding construction adhesive before final assembly makes the fix permanent while filling in irregularities between the wood surfaces. Add a bead of construction adhesive to both sides of each shim. Shove shims back into the gap. Align to the depth line.

Step 4

Trim the shims

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Score the excess shim two or three times with a sharp utility knife and snap it off. Keep off the floor for four hours while the adhesive hardens.

Step 5

Reinforce the joists

If you spot wide gaps along sagging or damaged joists or see that a subfloor edge is poorly supported, add blocking to support the subfloor and stop movement. Also, keep an eye out for protruding nails and clip them with diagonal cutters. (You may need a strong grip and a few tries to work your way through the nail!)

Step 6

Measure the gap

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Measure the length of the subfloor gap for 2×4 blocking. Extend the block about 1 ft. on each end. Cut away protruding nails with diagonal cutters and cut a 2×4 block that’s 2 ft. longer than the poorly supported area.

Step 7

Add a 2×4

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Predrill 3/16-in. clearance holes every 12 in. along the 2×4 at a slightly upward angle for the screws. This will prevent splitting and make driving much easier. Then apply construction adhesive liberally to the top and the side of blocking before installation to add strength. It should squish out when you screw the 2×4 in place. Press the block tightly to the subfloor and drive 2-1/2 in. wood screws into the joist.

Construction adhesive contains a strong solvent. Wear a respirator with an organic vapor cartridge when working in closely confined areas.

Step 8

Creaky wood floors? Fill gaps with construction adhesive

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Sometimes the gapping between the subfloor and joist is too narrow, too irregular or too widespread for shims to be effective. Or perhaps you can’t pinpoint the exact source of the squeak.

A good solution is to use a bead of construction adhesive to glue the wood together. You don’t have to press the gaps closed; construction adhesive fills the space and hardens.

The key is to force it as far as possible into the gaps without widening them. Work both sides of the joist for a strong, lasting connection. And glue nearby joists as well in case you can’t find the exact squeak source. Keep off the floor for a day until the glue hardens.

Step 9

Block beneath squeaky joints

Once in awhile, movement in a subfloor joint will cause a squeak. You can stop it by screwing and gluing 2×8 blocking under the joint to give it solid support.

Step 10

Insert the block

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Cut 2×8 blocking to fit snugly between joists. Add construction adhesive to the top and slide it into place.

Step 11

Screw the block

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Predrill angled pilot holes with a 1/8-in. bit. Drive 3-in. wood screws to force the block snug against the subfloor seam. Drive an additional pair of screws (or 16d nails) through the joist into the block on each end.Otherwise, it might work loose and cause more squeaks!

Step 12

How to fix squeaky floors: Screw hardwood flooring from below

A solid wood floor is usually fastened with hundreds of nails, so squeaks often occur as the floor ages. But some squeaks aren’t caused by nails; they come from one edge of a board rubbing on another. A simple “first” solution is to dust the squeaky area of your floor with talcum powder, working it into the cracks. The talc reduces friction and may solve the problem, at least for one season.

Note: Talc can be slippery. Wipe off the excess.

Step 13

How to Screw Floors From Below

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For a more permanent solution, however, you’ll usually have to screw the subfloor to the wood flooring from below. Mark the depth of the pilot hole on a 1/8-in. drill bit with tape. Drill a 1/8-in. pilot hole about 1/2 in. less than the thickness of the entire floor, and buy screws 1/4 in. shorter than the floor thickness so they won’t penetrate the surface. You can find your floor thickness by either removing a floor register and measuring the floor where the duct comes through, or by drilling a small hole in an out-of-the-way corner and measuring with a nail.

To maintain a safe margin, mark the desired drilling depth on the drill bit with masking tape. Space your screws about every 6 in. in the area of the squeak. Drive No. 8 wood screws flush to the subfloor. Have someone stand on the floor above while you drive the screws. Set the heads flush with the subfloor. Sinking the head into the subfloor could cause the screw point to break through the finished floor surface.