There is a very simple explanation for the creaking of old floorboards: movement! Boards rub against nails, joists, or each other as you walk across the room. Timber dries out, shrinks a little, and fixings loosen – thus the smallest of gaps becomes an anguished squeak.
Here are some tried and true fixes, beginning with the one requiring least effort:
Find the exact squeak – Slowly walk across the area and mark it with a masking tape.
Tighten loose boards (from above)
Add screws to the joist if possible
Screws are much better than old nails as they bite and stop the movement in its tracks.
Place talc or graphite between tread boards.
Apply talc (or graphite) to the seam and brush it into gaps if squeak is board-on-board friction. It takes a few minutes and is a surprisingly efficient DIY repair job. If you need Timber Frame Companies Near Me, contact //merlintimberframe.co.uk/timber-frame-companies-near-me/
Add thin packers/shims – A narrow shim of wood between the board and joist can completely close an open joint, if a board is bouncing. You want snug, not lifted – so don’t force it.
Closed from below (better if you have access)
You can screw up into the boards or put in a small timber batten from either a cellar or underfloor void to give support for a weak edge.
Replace damaged nails
Old cut nails can squeak while moving them. Eventually, screwing in replacements solves the problem permanently.
Address the origin, and not only the symptom
However, continuous squeaks can signal warped boards and cracked joists or moisture problems. If you see stains, softness, or a mildewy odour, then get it checked.
Older homes are susceptible to little squeaks, but with just the right fix, you can make all of those boards feel solid again.
