Carpentry

Fix a squeaky floor

That one spot in the hallway that squeaks every single time. Squeaky floors happen when the subfloor rubs against a nail or a joist. The fix depends on whether you can get underneath, but either way it's usually a short job.

Written and reviewed by Grab the Hammer Team · Updated Sep 2026
Floor cross-section: finish floor on a subfloor over joists, with a gap causing the squeak, a shim and a screw
Why floors squeak: a gap between the subfloor and joist (2). Fix it with a screw from above (1) or a glued shim from below (3), right at the joist (4).

What's actually going on

Under your flooring is a layer of plywood called the subfloor, which rests on wood beams called joists. When the subfloor loosens from the joist, it moves slightly each time you step on it, and wood rubbing on wood or on a nail makes the squeak. Pulling the subfloor tight to the joist stops the movement.

Why it happens

Subfloor loose from the joist

The most common cause.

Nails rubbing

Old nails loosen and squeak as the floor moves.

Dry wood

Squeaks often get worse in dry winter air.

Boards rubbing together

Hardwood strips rub at the seams.

Before you startCheck for pipes, wires and heating ducts under the floor before driving screws, especially near bathrooms and kitchens.

Let's fix it

0 of 5 done
  1. Find the exact spotHave someone walk slowly while you listen, from below if there's a basement. Mark the spot with tape.
    Tape marking the exact spot on the floor where it squeaks as someone steps on it
  2. Find the nearest joistJoists usually run every 16 inches. Use a stud finder on the floor, or knock and listen for a solid sound.
    Stud finder on the floor locating the joist below, typically every 16 inches
  3. From below: shim the gapIf you can see a gap between the joist and subfloor, tap a glued wood shim into it. Don't force it, or you'll create a bump.
    Glued wood shim tapped gently into the gap between the joist and subfloor from the basement
  4. From above: screw it downUse a squeak repair kit that drives a scored screw through the carpet or finish floor into the joist, then snaps off below the surface.
    Squeak repair screw driven through carpet or hardwood into the joist, then snapped off below the surface
  5. Test and fillWalk over it. On hardwood, fill the tiny hole with matching wood filler.
    Walking over the repaired spot with no squeak, and filling the tiny hole in hardwood

Still not fixed?

If a squeak moves around, there may be a gap along a longer stretch of the joist. Glue and screw a short 2x4 block along the joist, snug against the subfloor.

Seasonal squeaks sometimes fade when humidity returns. A humidifier in winter can help hardwood floors.

Tip from experienceA little talcum powder or powdered graphite brushed into the seams between hardwood boards can quiet surface squeaks without any tools.
Time to call a pro if you seeFloors that feel soft or bouncy, sagging areas, or squeaks along with cracks in walls. Those can point to joist or structural problems.

What a pro charges: A handyman or flooring pro typically charges $150–$400 to fix squeaks, depending on access.

Common questions

Why does my floor squeak in winter?

Wood dries and shrinks in dry winter air, which opens small gaps that rub. Squeaks often ease when humidity returns.

Can I fix a squeaky floor under carpet?

Yes. Squeak repair kits drive a special screw through the carpet into the joist and snap off below the surface.

About the authors

Grab the Hammer Team

We're a small team of home repair writers and editors who test our advice against manufacturer instructions and common code requirements. Our goal is simple: help you fix what you safely can, and know when to call in a pro.

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