Wood flooring adds timeless beauty to any home or office, and it improves the value of the entire property. While these floors are generally easy to clean and care for, you may find that they creak and squeak due to the floorboards loosening and rubbing together over time. If this is an issue for you, here are a few steps to follow. 

3 Steps to Quiet Squeaky Wood Flooring

1. Lubricate the Floors

One quick solution is to apply a lubricant between the floorboards. Talcum and graphite powder are cheap and effective flooring lubricants and can be picked up at a hardware store.

Once you’ve identified the squeaky areas of your flooring, sprinkle the lubricant powder between the floorboards and subfloor. Once you apply it, walk on the floor to work it into the cracks. If you still hear squeaking, repeat the process. Over time, the lubricant wears away, so do this every few months.

2. Reinforce the Joist

If the squeaking is caused by gaps between your subfloor and floor joist, slide a piece of scrap wood between them. Ensure a snug fit so that the flooring is properly supported. If there are still gaps, experiment with a thicker piece of wood until the noise is effectively muffled. 

3. Use Finishing Nails

You can also address gaps between your floor and subfloor by using finishing nails. Using a stud finder, locate the floor joist under the squeaky area. Then, drive a nail through the wood floor with a hammer to connect it with the joist. Continue the process until all squeaky flooring has been attached to the joists below. Don’t forget to fill the nail holes in with wood filler to restore your flooring’s even, smooth surface. 

If you’ve attempted the above steps and your wood floor still squeaks, contact Bend Floor Covering Solutions in Deschutes County, Oregon. Whether you want to replace an old wood floor or install a new one, they will get the job done well and at an affordable price. For a free quote, contact them at (541) 382-3503. To learn more about their flooring services, visit them online.