How to Fix Squeaky Floors With Subfloor Framing Screws

5 Tips for Fixing Squeaky Floors in the Home

Direct Flooring Fasteners at Opposite Angles

The first step to fixing any squeaky floor is locating where the noise is coming from. Once you’ve found the source, use two fasteners and drive them both into the floor at a 45-degree angle.

Using this technique with SPAX will help strengthen the subfloor joint and reduce creaking noise.

Direct Fasteners From Above

When deciding whether to direct fasteners from above or below the squeak, consider if you have access to reach underneath the floorboards. If you are fixing floorboards on a ground-level floor, you would most likely need to direct fasteners from above. Fixing squeaky floors from above calls for countersinking screws. With SPAX Engineered Fasteners, the 4CUT™ Point prevents splitting and requires no pre-drilling in wood for an effective countersink.

SPAX T-STAR plus Flat Head fasteners with HCR-X coating, such as SPAX T-STAR plus Flat Head HCR-X, Partial Thread - Exterior Screws are designed for use in multiple material connections often found outside residential domains. These “workhorse” construction fasteners are designed to countersink in lumber, plywood or OSB for a clean-flush finish and provide a quick and easy installation. In addition, they provide long-lasting, “contractor-proven” secure connections to ensure the squeaks do not return.

Direct Fasteners From Below

If you’re able to access squeaky floors from underneath, you can drive fasteners from beneath the floorboards to create a squeak-free solution.

SPAX T-STAR plus Flat Head HCR-X, Partial Thread screws are ideal for overhead work. This fastener is the best screw for squeaky floors because it includes a unique 4CUT Point that requires no pre-drilling in wood. Skipping pre-drilling can save you hours of time on a job and help you work smarter, not harder.

Solidify the Subfloor

Cleating floorboards is another simple solution for fixing squeaks. A cleat refers to a section of wood that is used to secure moving boards that could potentially be causing squeaks. This solid piece of wood will tightly fasten your floorboards down to the joist, add more support underneath the flooring and remove any unwanted noise.

You should first fit your wood to align comfortably on the joist to make sure it is the exact size, and then secure the cleat with indoor zinc-coated wood fasteners through the joist and into the flooring. Be sure your fasteners are long enough to go up through the cleat and the joist, but not all the way through your flooring.

Block the Joists

Blocking floorboards is another simple solution for fixing squeaks. Sometimes as joists age they may begin to rotate slightly, causing squeaks as they rub against the subfloor. Blocking helps to stiffen the joist and reduce this rotation.

A block refers to a section of wood that is placed between secure moving joists that could potentially be causing squeaks. This solid piece of wood will be nailed or screwed in place between the two joists to eliminate movement and remove any unwanted noise. Apply them from wall to wall to maintain an even load path across the joists.