How to Fix a Squeaky Floor

Floor squeaks happen when loose floorboards rub against nails or subfloor. Fix them by driving screws through the subfloor into joists from below, or by securing loose boards from above.

1. Find the Exact Squeak. Walk across the floor slowly and have someone listen from below if possible. Mark squeaky spots with tape or chalk. The noise usually comes from loose floorboards moving against nails, subfloor gaps, or loose subfloor sections.
2. Check Under the Floor. If you can reach the underside of the floor from a basement or crawl space, this is your best option. Look for gaps between the subfloor and joists, or loose subfloor sections that move when you push them.
3. Lock Down the Subfloor. Drive 2½-inch wood screws through the subfloor into the joists at squeaky locations. Place screws every 6 inches along problem areas. Make sure screws are shorter than your total floor thickness to avoid poking through the surface.
4. Seal Every Gap. Squeeze construction adhesive into any gaps between the subfloor and joists. Use a putty knife to work it into tight spaces. This eliminates movement that causes squeaking.
5. Work from the Top. For hardwood floors, drill pilot holes and drive finish nails at an angle into the subfloor and joists. Set nail heads below the surface with a nail set, then fill holes with wood putty that matches your floor color.
6. Hide the Fix Completely. For carpeted areas, use breakaway screws designed for squeak repair. Drive them through the carpet and pad into the subfloor, then snap off the heads at floor level. The carpet will hide the screw locations.
7. Confirm the Silence. Walk across the repaired areas to test for remaining squeaks. Some floors need multiple screws or additional adhesive in stubborn spots. Address any remaining noise with the same techniques.