Ask House Spouse · Interior Repairs · Flooring
How do I fix squeaky hardwood floors?
Short answer
For floors over a crawlspace or basement, the fix is from below: shim the gap between joist and subfloor where it moves. For floors on slab or over unreachable framing, use a Squeeeeek No More kit from above — special screws that snap off flush below the surface. Both work; both take about 10 minutes per squeak.
Locate the source
Have one person walk on the floor while another watches or listens underneath. The squeak is caused by wood moving against a nail or against another piece of wood. You need to stop that specific movement — not fill it, not lubricate it.
From below (the right way)
If you can access the joists, look for a visible gap between the joist and subfloor at the squeaky spot. Tap in a cedar shim (or use construction adhesive) to close the gap. Add a screw from below into the subfloor if there's meat to grab. Permanent fix.
From above (when you have to)
The Squeeeeek No More kit uses a jig and special break-off screws that go through carpet or hardwood, into the joist, and snap off below the surface. Works well. Requires knowing where the joist is (a stud finder helps). $30 kit does most houses.
What we see on Home Health Assessments
Based on real experience across Snohomish and King County, interior repairs issues like this are among the ones homeowners most often miss until they become expensive. Our Home Health Assessment catches them early — while they're still a maintenance item, not a repair.
How the Home Health Assessment works