As a homeowner, few things are more frustrating than a squeaky floor. It's like a high-pitched shriek that echoes throughout the house, ruining your peaceful ambiance. Following this simple guide, you can repair your squeaky floors and reclaim your peace of mind. Imagine walking confidently on your beautiful floors again, free from those pesky squeaks. In a few steps, you'll be back to enjoying your home.

What causes squeaky floors?

Before you panic, you should know that it's not uncommon for your flooring to shift due to changes in temperature or general wear and tear. Additional reasons for a squeaky floor include a sneaky subfloor issue or a case of two boards scraping against each other and creating a creak loud enough to make anyone's ears twitch. 

By understanding the root cause of the issue, you can work on securing those loose nails and joints and enjoy squeak-free flooring once more. Don't let your squeaky floors get the best of you; find the root cause and silence them once and for all. 

How do I fix a squeaky upstairs floor?

There are several ways to fix a squeaky floor. However, the method you choose will depend on what's causing the noise. For upstairs floors, lubricant is your best bet. But don't reach for cooking or motor oil. You need a special dry lubricant that won't damage your floors. 

Specifically, you want a bit of lubricant magic in the form of powdered soapstone, talcum powder, or powdered graphite. It's like fairy dust for your floors. Simply sprinkle it into the floor cracks, place a rag over it, and work the powder into the floor by stepping on the rag repeatedly. In no time, your floor will be whisper-quiet, and you can reclaim your sanity. Then, you just vacuum up the leftover lubricant. This hack won't break the bank, either. It's easy, cheap, and takes just a few minutes.

How much does it cost to fix a squeaky floor?

If you’re tired of hearing that annoying squeak every time you walk across the floor, the cost of repairing it can vary widely, from a mere $10 to more than a whopping $1,000. The extent of the damage and the affected area all play a role in determining the final bill. So, whether a single board or multiple ones is the problem, the solution may require some dry lubricant or something more extensive like subfloor work. 

DIY Squeaky Floor Repair: Access to Subfloor

If you're willing to get your hands a little dirty and have access to your subfloor, there are some great cost-effective solutions for silencing a squeaky floor. However, we recommend you consult with manufacturers, contractors, or other experts before taking these more advanced steps.

Fill the Gap

If you suspect the problem is a gap between your floor and a joist, try wedging a shim between them to eliminate the unwanted noise. If that doesn't do the trick, try filling the void with construction glue.

Add Support

If you're dealing with a warped or noisy joist, before shelling out big bucks to replace it, try this simple fix: Drill a support piece of wood onto the warped portion to create a flat surface for your floor, which can more evenly distribute weight. Or, if your whole joist is noisy, simply wedge some 2" x 8" blocks between them to add some tension and support.

Bonus tip: An improperly cleaned floor can lead to an annoying squeak that makes your home feel less like a rickety old house in need of repair. Check out our ultimate floor cleaning guide to ensure your cleaning routine isn’t causing those creaks.

Even high-quality new homes can't escape the squeaks and groans of the settling-in process, but that doesn't mean you have to suffer with a creaky floor. There are simple solutions that won't cost you an arm and a leg, and you don't always need to be a pro to fix the problem, though  these recommendations may not result in complete fixes to a squeaky floor. If problems persist, contact a professional floor repair person or the manufacturer. With just a little bit of effort, you can put an end to those pesky squeaks once and for all.

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