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Page 46 — Floors, Tiles & Surfaces

How to Fix a Squeaky Floorboard

A squeaky floorboard is caused by wood rubbing against wood or nails as the floor flexes underfoot. The permanent fix is securing the board to the joist below it.

Wood Screws
Driven through the floorboard into the joist below, pulling the board down tight and eliminating the movement that causes the squeak.
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Drill
Drives the screws and drills the countersink hole.
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Wood Putty
Fills the screw hole flush with the floor surface.
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1
Find the Squeak and Locate the Joist

Walk slowly over the area and press down to find exactly which board squeaks. Tap along the floor with your knuckle — a solid thud means joist, a hollow sound means between joists. You need to drive the screw into the joist.

2
Drill and Drive the Screw

Drill a small pilot hole through the floorboard into the joist to prevent splitting. Drive a wood screw through the pilot hole into the joist. Countersink it slightly below the surface of the floor.

3
Fill With Wood Putty and Test

Press wood putty into the screw hole with your finger and smooth it flush with the floor surface. Let dry and sand lightly if needed. Walk over the repaired board — the squeak should be completely gone.

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