How to Fix Squeaky Floorboards

Squeaky floorboards are often caused by movements in the flooring system or loose connections. They may start as a minor nuisance but can eventually become an issue that you can’t ignore.

If you’ve found yourself in this exact situation and are looking for an affordable solution, you’ve landed in the right place.

As one of the UK’s leading power tool providers, our team at ToolStore UK have compiled everything you need to know to diagnose and fix those creaks and groans for good. We’ll cover everything, including common causes, how to choose the best tools for the job, and easy DIY fixes which don’t require an experienced pair of hands.

There’s no need to rip up your whole floor — just a few tools and a bit of time will do the trick. Shop our power tool range today.

What causes floorboards to squeak?

The first step in any squeaky floorboard repair is identifying the issue. Thankfully, this is relatively easy and simple to do. Nine out of ten times, squeaky floorboards occur when two materials rub against each other, causing friction that creates noise.

Older floors are at higher risk of having squeaky floorboards as they’re more likely to have shifting, loosened, or dried-out components.

Some of the most common squeaky floorboard causes include:

  • Loose floorboards: If your floorboards have been in action for a while, they can sometimes become loose from the joints and cause a squeaky noise when stepped on and shifted.
  • Weak nails or screws: Older fixings can also become loose, especially if they weren’t installed properly in the first place, leading to squeaky noises.
  • Friction between the joists (the wooden beam that supports your floorboards) and the subfloor: Sometimes, it’s the subfloor that’s the issue, not the boards themselves. The subfloor and joists can create a squeaky noise when there’s friction between them.
  • Seasonal movement: Wooden floorboards naturally expand and contract with changes in weather and humidity. Seasonal movement is more likely to create squeaky floorboards in older properties, as it can make existing gaps even worse.

To confidently identify the cause of your squeaky floorboards, walk slowly around the affected room and listen carefully to pinpoint exactly where the noise is coming from. If you’re dealing with a carpeted floor, you may need to lift a corner of the carpet to assess what’s underneath.

Tools and materials you’ll need

Before donning your PPE and grabbing your tools, it’s worth checking that you have absolutely everything you need before you get started — this will save you both time and effort in the long run. 

Thankfully, fixing a squeaky floorboard doesn’t take an expansive toolkit, but these power tools and materials will go a long way in making your repair quicker, safer, and much more effective.

Most of these tools and materials are available online at ToolStore UK!

Essential tools for fixing a squeaky floorboard

  • Wood screws: Make sure to choose the correct length (usually around 40 to 50mm) to ensure the screw can be fixed into the joist without penetrating through the board.
  • Stud finder or joist finder: This nifty tool can help you locate where the joists sit beneath the boards, allowing you to secure the screws exactly where they need to go.
  • Claw hammer: It’s likely that you’ll need to lift old, loose boards or remove an old nail or two, and a claw hammer is the most efficient way to complete the task.
  • Nail punch: A nail punch can be used to hide any protruding nails beneath the floorboard’s surface.

Optional extras for a neater finish

  • Wood adhesive: To strengthen the joins between the boards for improved longevity.
  • Wood filler: To conceal screw holes for a more professional finish.

Quick fixes for squeaky floors (with no lifting needed)

Short on time but need a quick fix to save your ears as well as your sanity? These DIY methods can keep small squeaks at bay and require minimal effort. While they may not be as permanent as the fixes we’ll discuss later on, they can offer fast relief and minimise noise.

These squeaky floor quick fixes are best for:

  • High-traffic locations where you want to save a full repair for later down the line
  • Homes with carpeted floors
  • Renters who want to get rid of the squeaky noise without making significant changes to the property

Apply graphite powder or talcum powder

A sprinkling of graphite or talcum powder can act as a dry lubricant between the gaps of your squeaky floorboards. It’s a very temporary fix, but it's easy to repeat whenever needed and works well for subtle squeaks coming from dry floorboards.

Screw through the board

If you think your squeaky floorboard has been caused by it becoming loose and lifting away from the joist, driving a screw or nail into the offending board could be all you need to stop the movement.

Simply use a stud finder to locate the nearest joist beneath the problem board, drill a small pilot hole, and insert a wood screw until it is flush with the floor. This is a better quick fix for ongoing squeaks stemming from a visibly moving/sinking board.

How to permanently screw your floorboards down (for exposed floorboards and carpeted floorboards)

If you’re looking for more than a quick fix, we don’t blame you. To get that horrible squeaking noise gone for good, you’ll need to secure any loose boards with screws. This will provide you with peace of mind that the job was done properly, and that any future squeaks will be kept at bay.

Here’s how to screw your floorboards down properly to a professional standard for best results (even if you have a carpet!):

  1. Find the squeaky board(s)

Walk around the room and listen out for squeaks to determine the exact location of the issue. If you have a carpeted floor, lift a corner of the carpet near the noise and fold it back to prevent damage — you can use pliers or a flat-head screwdriver to help you with this. 

Once you’ve found the problem boards, use a piece of masking tape or chalk to mark the area.

  1. Locate the joist

For a floorboard to be properly secured, you’ll need to sink a screw into the joist. To find your squeaky floorboard’s joist, use a stud or joist finder and then mark its location. 

  1. Choose the right screws

There are many different types of screws available, and each varies in length and application. 

For fixing squeaky floorboards, 40 to 50mm wood screws are best as they are long enough to secure into the joist but short enough to poke through the board and cause damage. Screws are much better than nails for this, providing a stronger and more reliable hold.

If you’re fixing squeaky floorboards under carpet, you may want to invest in a specialised carpet screw kit — these come with carpet-friendly screws and allow you to screw directly into the carpet (with a pilot hole) without having to worry about snagging.

  1. Pre-drill a pilot hole

Grab your drill and a small wood bit to create a pilot hole in the board directly above the pre-marked joist. A pilot hole is useful for guiding screws and can reduce the chance of splitting (an essential step for old, weak floorboards).

We recommend using a 2 to 3mm drill bit and drilling to the depth of your chosen wood screw.

  1. Drive the screws

It’s time for the ‘permanent’ part to take place. Use your cordless drill to drive your screws into the pilot hole, ensuring it sits flush with the surface. Pay attention to your drill’s resistance to avoid overtightening, as this could lead to a split or dip in the board. 

For carpeted squeaky floorboards, you can use a drill guide to help you drive the screw to the exact depth you need. These guides are handy as they’re designed to snap the screw head off just below the carpet, so your carpet remains intact and without visible damage.

  1. Fill and finish

For exposed floorboards, apply a wood filler over the screwheads for a more professional finish. You can then sand the area once dry or touch up with a matching stain or paint. For carpenter floorboards, simply smooth out the underlay and carefully press the carpet back onto its gripper rods.

When to call a professional to fix a squeaky floor

While the above methods are usually all it takes to fix a squeaky floor, you may find that the following scenarios mean it’s time to call in professional help:

  1. You can see visible water damage or signs of rot on your joists or floorboards
  2. You can feel a lot of underfoot movement, like sagging or bouncing
  3. You can hear squeaks and groans even after attempting a repair
  4. You can see cracks in the ceiling underneath the affected floor

Seeking professional help is sometimes the most sensible solution, especially if you want to prevent serious structural damage and save yourself time and money on subpar repairs.

Get all the tools you need for a reliable fix from ToolStore UK today

Ready to tackle your squeaky floorboards with confidence? Get all the tools and materials you need from ToolStore UK.

Enjoy FREE UK delivery on all orders over £55 and next working day delivery when you order before 4pm (Monday to Thursday).

 

FAQs

Are squeaky floors a sign of structural damage?

Not always! Usually, floorboard squeaks are caused by friction and loose fixings.

Do I need special screws or just wood screws?

Standard wood screws should be all you need to complete the repair, as long as they’re designed for using in wood and are the correct length for your specific boards and joists.

How long does it take to fix squeaky floorboards?

Repairing a squeaky floorboard can take as little as 30 minutes. However, fixing multiple boards may take up to a few hours, depending on how many squeaky floorboards you have.

How do I prevent squeaky floorboards?

To minimise the risk of squeaky floorboards, monitor any signs of movement, minimise moisture with good ventilation wherever possible, use rugs on areas with heavy footfall, and always opt for professional-grade fixings.

23rd September 2025

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