How to Fix Creaking Floorboards | Carpet Up, Pipes Avoided, Solid Fixes!, by retro_restorations on YouTube. 3 min.
- Video length
- 3 min
- Time to do it
- 2 to 3 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Pull the carpet back from the wall at the creaking spot. Lift the edge gently with a pry bar and roll it clear so you can reach the floorboards.
Pry up the floorboards over the noise. Work along the board edges with a chisel or pry bar and lift them without splitting the tongues.
Look under the floor before you cut or screw. Check for pipes, cables and joists, and mark their positions so you avoid them.
Check the joists for movement. If a joist rocks or has shrunk away from the boards, pack it or add a timber batten alongside to stiffen it.
Fix the timber to the joist with screws. Drill pilot holes first so the timber does not split, then drive screws through the batten into the joist.
Run expanding glue into the gaps between the boards and joists. Let it foam up and set, then trim any excess with a knife.
Screw the floorboards back down. Drive screws through the boards into the joists at each end and along the middle, countersinking the heads.
Remove the skirting if it is loose or rubbing. Lever it off carefully, then refit it tight against the floor after the boards are fixed.
Trim a dragging door if it rubs the floor. Take a small amount off the bottom edge with a saw or plane and test the swing.
Relay the carpet and press it back under the gripper rods. Vacuum the area and walk over the floor to check the creak is gone.
Tips and common mistakes
Never screw or nail blind into a floor, because a water pipe or cable can be just below the surface.
Expanding glue needs room to foam, so do not overfill gaps or it will push boards up.
Squeaks often come from movement between board and joist, so fixing both is better than screwing the board alone.
Wear gloves and eye protection when prying boards, as old timber and nails can splinter.
Questions
Can I fix creaking floorboards without lifting the carpet?
Sometimes. You can drive screws down through the carpet and underlay into the joists, but you risk hitting pipes and you cannot see the cause. Lifting the carpet gives a proper fix.
What causes floorboards to creak?
Most creaks come from boards rubbing against each other or moving on a loose joist. Gaps, shrinkage and missing fixings make it worse.
Will expanding glue damage my pipes?
Expanding glue is safe around pipes if you keep it off them and let it set fully. Check the pipework first and keep the foam away from joints and fittings.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
