How to fix squeaky floorboards

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There's a particular type of household noise that's impossible to ignore once you notice it.

One floorboard squeaks every time you walk across the landing. The bedroom floor creaks in exactly the same spot each morning. Or perhaps the entire floor seems to groan whenever someone walks through the room.

The good news is that squeaky floorboards are often fixable. However, the right solution depends entirely on what's causing the noise in the first place.

Here, you’ll discover how to fix squeaky floorboards, how to identify the cause of the squeak, and when it's worth calling in a professional.

Quick answer: How do you fix squeaky floorboards?

Most squeaky floorboards happen because the timber moves slightly against another surface.

To fix squeaky floorboards:

• First, identify where the squeak is coming from

• Determine whether the movement is between the boards, joists or the subfloor

• Tighten any loose fixings where appropriate

• Use shims, screws or specialist repair kits to stop movement

• Lubricate rubbing boards if the squeak is minor

• Call a professional if the floor feels loose, uneven or structurally unsound

The key is finding the source of the movement before attempting a repair.

Don't worry if you're not yet sure what's causing the noise. Most squeaky floorboards are caused by a handful of common issues, and we'll walk you through how to identify the problem and choose the right fix step by step.

Alternatively, it'll probably work out quicker and more cost-effective in the long run to have a tradesperson do the job for you.

Why do floorboards squeak?

Squeaky floors are usually caused by movement. As people walk across the floor, the timber components rub together, creating that familiar creaking or squeaking sound.

Older homes in particular often develop squeaky floorboards simply because decades of natural movement gradually loosen fixings and create small gaps between timber components.

Board-to-board movement

This is one of the most common causes.

Floorboards expand and contract naturally over time. And as they move, the edges of adjacent boards can rub together and create a squeak.

You may notice:

• A squeak in a very specific spot

• Slight movement underfoot

• No obvious signs of damage

Floorboard movement against joists

Sometimes the floorboard itself moves slightly against the joist beneath.

This often happens when:

• The fixings have loosened over time

• Timber has shrunk slightly

• The floor wasn't originally fixed securely

Subfloor movement

If a larger section of floor moves when you stand on it, the issue may be deeper.

Possible causes include:

• Joist movement

• Weak subfloors

• Incorrect spacing between joists

• Previous poor-quality repairs

Seasonal expansion and contraction

Timber naturally reacts to changes in temperature and humidity.

Many people notice squeaks becoming worse during:

• Winter — when the heating comes on

• Hot, dry weather

• Seasonal changes in humidity — aim to keep the humidity levels in your home between 35% and 55%.

Are squeaky floorboards a sign of a bigger problem?

The good news? Usually not.

Most squeaks are simply caused by movement between the timber components and aren't dangerous.

However, it's definitely worth investigating further if you notice:

• Sagging floors

• Bouncy floors

• Cracks appearing in walls nearby

• Signs of damp or water damage

• Significant movement when walking

These can sometimes indicate issues with joists, subfloors or structural timber.

Find experts in wooden flooring repairs near me

Are you looking for an expert in wooden flooring repairs to help fix your broken floorboards, rotten support beams, or cracked timber? Search for experienced professionals near you with Checkatrade. How to find experts in wooden flooring repairs near you Finding a local specialist to repair damaged

Learn more

What type of squeak are you dealing with?

Before reaching for the drill, it helps to narrow down what's causing the noise.

If the squeak...

• Happens in one small spot — it's likely to be board-to-board movement

• Covers a larger area — it could be subfloor or joist movement

• Gets worse in winter — it may just be seasonal timber movement

• Happens beneath carpet — hidden floorboard movement could be the culprit

• Feels bouncy underfoot — it could point to a joist or subfloor issue

Once you know what's causing the squeak, choosing the right repair becomes much easier.

Tools and materials you may need

Depending on the repair method, you may need:

• A drill

• Screws

• Stud finder

• Hammer

• Carpenter's glue

• Timber shims

• Tape measure

• Torch

• Talcum powder

• Dry silicone lubricant

• Squeak No More repair kit

You probably won't need all of these items. The right tools will depend on what's causing the squeak.

How to fix squeaky floorboards when you can access underneath

If you have access beneath the floor from a cellar, basement or crawl space, repairs are often much easier.

Step 1: Locate the squeak

Walk across the floor and mark the noisy area.

Having someone walk above while you inspect from below can help pinpoint the exact location.

Step 2: Identify any gaps

Use a torch to inspect the area where the floorboard meets the joist.

Even small gaps can allow movement and create squeaks.

Step 3: Insert timber shims

For isolated gaps, apply carpenter's glue to a timber shim and gently push it into place.

Avoid hammering it aggressively. The aim is to remove movement, not force the floor upwards.

Step 4: Add adhesive where needed

Longer gaps may respond better to construction adhesive.

Apply carefully along the gap between the floorboard and joist.

Step 5: Reinforce weak joists

Where joists have bowed or degraded slightly, fixing additional timber alongside them can help strengthen the area and reduce movement.

Step 6: Secure loose floorboards

Short screws can sometimes be driven from underneath into the floorboard above.

How to fix squeaky floorboards from above

If you can't access the underside of the floor, repairs become a little more limited.

Method 1: Tighten loose boards

Where the squeak is caused by movement around existing fixings, additional screws can often help secure the floorboard more firmly.

Before drilling, it's important to:

• Check for pipes and cables

• Locate the joists accurately

• Use appropriate screw lengths

Method 2: Use talcum powder

This is one of the oldest squeaky floorboard fixes around.

Sprinkle talcum powder into the gaps between boards and walk across the area to work it in.

It won't solve structural movement, but it can be surprisingly effective at reducing friction between rubbing boards.

Method 3: Try a dry silicone lubricant

Some homeowners have success with specialist dry silicone sprays.

These work similarly to talcum powder but can be less visible.

How to fix squeaky floorboards under carpet

This is one of the most common situations homeowners face.

Carpet adds another layer of complication because you can't easily see what's happening beneath it.

Fortunately, there are still a few options.

Option 1: Use a Squeak No More kit

These specialist kits are designed specifically for carpeted floors.

The process typically involves:

• Finding the joist beneath the carpet

• Using the supplied guide tool

• Driving a specially designed screw into the joist

• Snapping off the screw head below the carpet surface

• The result is a more secure floorboard without lifting the carpet.

Option 2: Secure loose boards (only if you're confident)

If you've accurately located the joist beneath the squeaky area, it's sometimes possible to secure the floorboard using additional fixings.

However, this isn't usually a beginner DIY job. Pipes, cables and carpet grippers can all be hidden beneath the surface, and a misplaced screw can create a much bigger problem than a squeak.

That's why many homeowners either use a specialist floor repair kit designed for carpeted floors or call a professional to carry out the repair safely.

Option 3: Seek professional help

If the squeak is widespread, involves structural movement, or you aren't sure what's underneath, professional investigation is often the safest route.

How much does it cost to fix squeaky floorboards?

The cost of fixing squeaky floorboards depends on what's causing the noise and how easy the affected area is to access. Simple DIY fixes can be relatively inexpensive if the problem is minor. However, costs can rise if the squeak is caused by loose floorboards, damaged joists, subfloor movement, or flooring that needs to be lifted and refitted. If several areas are affected, or the squeak is linked to damaged joists or wider flooring issues, costs are likely to be higher. As a guide, the average cost of fixing a squeaky floorboard under carpet is around £200. If the squeak turns out to be linked to damaged joists or wider flooring issues, repair costs can increase significantly. You can learn more in our guide to the cost of replacing joists and floorboards.

Can you fix squeaky floorboards yourself — and should you?

In many cases, it is possible to put an end to those squeaky floorboards yourself.

DIY repairs are often suitable if:

• The squeak is localised

• The floor otherwise feels solid

• The issue is caused by minor movement

• You have access to the area

It may be worth calling a professional if:

• Multiple rooms are affected

• The floor feels bouncy

• There are signs of damp

• You suspect joist damage

• Previous DIY repairs haven't worked

Sometimes what sounds like a simple squeak is actually a symptom of a larger flooring problem.

Thinking about hiring a professional?

Squeaky floorboards can be frustrating because the noise isn't always where the problem is.

An experienced carpenter or flooring repair specialist can often identify the cause much more quickly than someone working through trial and error.

They can also spot issues such as:

• Damaged joists

• Subfloor problems

• Poor previous repairs

• Damp-related movement

Just as importantly, you'll have the reassurance that the underlying problem has been properly diagnosed and repaired, rather than temporarily masked.

Many homeowners spend hours trying different fixes, only to hear the same squeak return a few weeks later. A professional can usually identify the root cause and provide a more permanent solution.

In many cases, the problem can be resolved in a single visit.

Here’s what recent Checkatrade customers said about hiring a tradesperson for flooring work in their home:

“Adam was friendly and professional throughout the process, always happy to answer any questions and made everything clear from start to finish. The quality of his work is extremely high, would definitely recommend.”

Verified reviewer, Exquisite Flooring, (Location BN43)

“I would highly recommend Harry. Having used Harry a few times now he always does a great job. Good communication, always shows up on time and does a clean and tidy job.”

Verified reviewer, HH Floor Coverings, (Location SO30)

Find flooring repair specialists near you

If you'd rather avoid lifting carpets, tracking down hidden joists and experimenting with repair methods, a flooring repair specialist can help identify the cause and carry out a lasting repair.

With Checkatrade, tradespeople are:

• Checked - Every Checkatrade member must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard

• Reviewed - Over 6.2 million reviews have been published on Checkatrade about real jobs, on everything from communication, tidiness, timekeeping, and quality of work

• Guaranteed - Jobs booked through Checkatrade are covered up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply)

For a job done right, enter your postcode to find checked and reviewed floor repair specialists and carpenters working in your area.

FAQs

Can you fix squeaky floorboards without removing carpet?

Yes. Specialist repair kits such as Squeak No More are designed specifically to secure squeaky floorboards through carpet without needing to lift it.

Will WD-40 stop squeaky floorboards?

Sometimes WD-40 will help temporarily, but it's generally not considered a permanent fix. Dry silicone lubricants or addressing the underlying movement usually produces better results.

How much does it cost to fix squeaky floorboards in the UK?

DIY repairs to squeaky floorboards can cost very little, depending on the method used. Professional repairs might cost in the region of £200, depending on the cause and accessibility.

Who can fix squeaky floorboards?

A carpenter, flooring specialist or general builder will usually be able to diagnose and repair squeaky floorboards.

Are squeaky floorboards a structural problem?

Squeaky floorboards aren't always a sign of a structural issue. Most squeaks are caused by minor movement between the boards, joists or fixings. However, significant movement, sagging or damp may indicate a more serious issue that should be investigated by a professional.

What is the best lubricant for squeaky floorboards?

Talcum powder and dry silicone lubricants are among the most commonly used products for reducing friction between rubbing floorboards.

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