Before you drive any screw into the floor, check what's below it. Pipes, ducts, and wires often run along and between the joists.
What you'll need
You probably have these
Tick them off as you find them.
Only if you're missing something
- Squeak-repair kit with breakaway screwsFor carpet or hardwood from above$20 to $30
- Wood shims and construction adhesiveFor fixing from below$8 to $15
- Powdered graphiteOptional, for hardwood seams$4 to $8
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The fix
- 1
Find the squeak
Walk slowly over the area, or have someone walk while you listen. Mark the spot with painter's tape.
You'll know it's right whenYou know exactly which board is talking.
- 2
Try powder first on hardwood
Sprinkle talcum powder or powdered graphite into the seams around the squeaky board. Work it in with a soft brush.
You'll know it's right whenStep on it. If it's quieter, you're done. Wipe off the extra.
- 3
Find the joist
From below, look for the beams under the spot. From above, use a stud finder. Joists are often 16 in apart.
You'll know it's right whenYou know where the nearest joist runs.
- 4
Shim it from below
If you see a gap between the joist and the floor above, coat a wood shim with construction adhesive. Tap it in until snug.
You'll know it's right whenThe shim fills the gap. Don't force it, or you can lift the floor.
- 5
Or add a bracket
A squeak-repair bracket screws to the joist and pulls the floor down tight. Follow the kit's directions on screw length.
You'll know it's right whenSomeone steps on the spot. Silence.
- 6
Fix it from above
No access from below? Use a squeak-repair kit. Drive its breakaway screw through the carpet or hardwood into the joist.
You'll know it's right whenThe screw head snaps off below the surface.
- 7
Hide the hole
On carpet, fluff the fibers over it. On hardwood, fill the tiny hole with matching wood putty.
You'll know it's right whenYou can't see where the screw went.
Walk across it. Hear that? Nothing. Midnight snacks are secret again!
Why it happens
Wood shrinks and swells with the seasons. Over time, small gaps open up between the floor and the beams under it. When you step down, boards rub against each other or slide on a nail. That rubbing is the squeak. It happens in nearly every house.
Edie's tipKeep indoor humidity steady. Big swings make wood move more.
What not to do
- Hammering in a regular nail
Nails work loose again and often make the squeak worse.
- Forcing a shim
Driving it too hard can lift the floor and make a hump.
- Screwing without checking below
Pipes, wires, and ducts hide under floors. Look first.
- Using oil on hardwood
Oil can stain and leave the floor slippery. Dry powder is safer.
When to call a pro
Call a pro if the floor feels bouncy or soft, or a section has dropped. Call too if you see water damage or rot below, or the squeaks cover a large area. Those can point to a bigger problem with the floor framing.
Questions
Can I fix a squeak through carpet?
Yes. Squeak-repair kits are made for it. The screw goes through the carpet, and the head snaps off below the surface.
Does baby powder really work?
On hardwood, sometimes. It helps when boards rub against each other. It won't help if the floor is loose from the beam below.
Should a renter do this?
The powder trick is fine. Ask your landlord before putting screws in the floor.
Written by the DIY Project team and checked against manufacturer instructions. How we check
Updated October 2, 2026.
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