How to Fix a Squeaky Floor

Squeaky floors are caused by loose subfloor boards or friction between floor components. Fix them by securing loose boards with screws from below or using specialized screws from above.

Find the Noise's Exact Address. Walk slowly across the squeaky area while someone listens from below. Mark the exact spot where the squeak occurs. The sound usually comes from loose subflooring, gaps between joists and subfloor, or loose floorboards rubbing against each other.
Scout Your Underground Route. Go to the basement or crawl space directly under the squeaky spot. Look for gaps between the subfloor and floor joists, or see if the subfloor moves when someone walks above. This is the easiest access point for permanent fixes.
Lock Down Loose Subflooring. If you can access from below, drive 2½-inch wood screws through the subfloor into the floor joist every 6 inches along the joist. Make sure screws penetrate the joist by at least 1 inch but don't go all the way through the finished floor above.
Bridge the Subfloor Gaps. For gaps between subfloor and joists, squeeze construction adhesive into the gap and insert wooden shims. Tap shims snugly but don't force them, which could raise the floor above. Let adhesive cure for 24 hours before testing.
Repair Without Basement Access. Use a Squeak Ender kit or drive finish screws at an angle through the tongue of hardwood boards into the subfloor. For carpet, use special breakaway screws that snap off flush with the subfloor after driving through the carpet.
Silence Hardwood Friction Fast. For hardwood floors with seasonal gaps causing squeaks, work powdered graphite or talcum powder into the cracks between boards. This reduces friction and often eliminates minor squeaks without structural repairs.
Confirm the Quiet Returns. Walk across the repaired area to test for remaining squeaks. Some floors have multiple squeak sources, so you may need to repeat the process in nearby areas. Mark any remaining squeaks and address them using the same methods.