A quiet home feels luxurious – but squeaky wood floors can interrupt that sense of calm with every step. Luckily, those creaks are usually easy to fix, especially with the right know-how.
This guide will walk you through how to fix squeaky wood floors, why they squeak, and how to prevent future noise – and our experts at Deerfoot Carpet & Flooring can help!
Why Do Wood Floors Squeak?
Think of a squeak as a conversation between your floorboards and the subfloor – one you didn’t ask for.
Squeaks commonly happen due to:
1. Seasonal Changes
Calgary winters are dry…super dry! And as a result, wood contracts.
Then summer and humidity arrive…and the wood expands.
This natural movement and change throughout the seasons can create gaps or friction between boards.
2. Age & Wear
Older floors tend to shift over time, loosening nails or creating some small separations that allow movement – and a little noise.
3. Poor Installation
If your home’s hardwood flooring, or boards, weren’t securely fastened or the subfloor wasn’t level during the installation process, sometimes squeaks can appear early in the floor’s lifespan.
4. Subfloor Movement
Sometimes it’s not the hardwood – it’s the structure beneath. Having loose subfloor panels can cause a squeaky sound when under the pressure of feet or heavier objects.
Understanding the cause is the first step in knowing how to fix squeaky wood floors and here are a few ways to do exactly that:
Preventive Measures for Squeaky Floors
Prevention keeps your floors beautiful, quiet, and long-lasting.
Choose Quality Materials
High-quality engineered or solid hardwood resists seasonal moisture fluctuations better, reducing movement.
Let Your Floors Acclimate
Hardwood floors tend to need time to adjust to your home’s climate and humidity levels before final installation. Skipping the acclimation process is a major cause of future squeaks.
Correct Installation Practices
- Proper nail length & spacing
- Level subfloor
- Appropriate adhesives
- Expansion gaps to allow for that natural movement
Deerfoot Carpet & Flooring’s installation crews are trained, certified, and backed by decades of experience – helping homeowners prevent squeaks before they start.
How to Stop Your Wood Floors from Creaking So Much
1. Tighten Loose Floorboards
A discreet screw or finishing nail can secure a board back into place. You can take a shot at DIYing this solution, just make sure to drill a pilot hole first to avoid cracking the wood – and if you’d rather leave it to the experts, just give us a call!
2. Use Lubricants
Powdered graphite, baby powder, or talc can reduce friction between rubbing boards. It’s a quick, temporary fix when the noise is minor, but there are other solutions available.
3. Insert Wood Shims
If there’s a gap between the subfloor and joist, sliding a small wooden shim into place can stabilize the movement. Not everyone may know how to conduct this DIY project, so if you have any questions, give us a call and we’d be happy to help!
4. Use a Humidifier in Winter
As we’ve revealed above, dry winter air tends to shrink wood boards, causing gaps between them resulting in movement and then the noise. Maintaining effective indoor humidity helps keep boards snug and quiet.
5. Try a Squeaky Floor Repair Kit
These DIY kits come with the tools and screws designed specifically for squeaky hardwood – great for small at-home fixes.
6. When in Doubt – Call the Experts!
If the squeak is persistent, structural, or getting worse, professional help is the safest solution. Professional installers can assess the flooring, subfloor, and joists to determine the best long-term fix.
Restore Peace, Warmth & Luxury Underfoot
There’s nothing better than walking on your hardwood floor and knowing it won’t be talking back at you. Whether you’re dealing with a single squeak or a whole symphony of them, understanding how to fix squeaky wood floors can help you protect the your investment, craftsmanship, and overall comfort and aesthetic of your home.
Book a consultation with us today and experience what it’s like to work with Calgary’s trusted team for quality flooring materials, flawless installation, expert guidance, and quieter, more luxurious living.
