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Reviewed by Tom Reilly — Senior Editorial Reviewer — Roofing, Carpentry & General Contracting

Who to call · Carpenter

Squeaky floors: call a carpenter — or fix it yourself

Squeaky floors are caused by loose subflooring, dried-out joists, or nails rubbing against wood. While not always a structural concern, persistent squeaking can indicate that the subfloor is pulling away from the joists. A carpenter can secure the subfloor and eliminate the noise.

Is this your problem?

Symptoms to look for

  1. 01

    Creaking or squeaking sound when walking in certain areas

  2. 02

    Floor feels slightly bouncy or uneven underfoot

  3. 03

    Noise is worse in specific rooms or hallways

  4. 04

    Squeaking increases in dry or cold weather

Who to call

Carpenter

A handyman or carpenter re-secures the subfloor from above with the finish protected, sisters a weak joist, and replaces water-damaged subfloor around fixtures.

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Fix it yourself

How to fix squeaky floors

Squeaky floors

moderate 1–2 h

Tools: drill/driver, stud finder, hammer, nail set · Materials: trim-head screws or a squeak-repair kit, wood shims and construction adhesive (from below), talcum powder or graphite (hardwood)

Steps

  1. Walk the floor and mark each squeak with tape; have someone step on it while you listen from below if you can access the joists.
  2. From below: where the subfloor lifts off a joist, tap a shim coated in adhesive into the gap — snug, not forced, or you create a hump.
  3. From above on carpet: drive a trim-head screw through the carpet into the joist at the squeak with a squeak-repair kit, then snap the head off below the surface.
  4. From above on hardwood: work talcum powder into the joint between boards and walk on it to lubricate rubbing edges.
  5. If a board flexes, drive a finishing nail at an angle into the joist, set it below the surface, and fill the hole.

Stop and call a pro if

  • the floor sags or bounces as well as squeaks — a joist or subfloor problem
  • the subfloor is damp or shows staining from below
  • the squeak is in a bathroom or kitchen floor that feels soft

What a pro does that you can't

A handyman or carpenter re-secures the subfloor from above with the finish protected, sisters a weak joist, and replaces water-damaged subfloor around fixtures.

DIY cost: $10–35 for a squeak kit or shims

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Who should I call for: Squeaky floors?

Call a licensed carpenter. Carpenters have the specialized training, tools, and insurance to diagnose squeaky floors safely and stand behind the fix. Most offer free quotes and can visit the same day or the next.

Can I fix this myself?

Often, yes: the guide above has 5 steps (moderate, 1–2 h, $10–35 for a squeak kit or shims). Stop and call a carpenter if the floor sags or bounces as well as squeaks — a joist or subfloor problem.

How fast can a pro come out?

Most carpenters offer same-day or next-day visits for non-emergency issues. True emergencies (burst pipes, gas smell, no heat in winter) are typically handled within 1–4 hours.

How much does it cost to fix?

Costs vary by severity and your location. Submit a free quote request to get real pricing from local pros in your area.

What are the signs of: Squeaky floors?

Creaking or squeaking sound when walking in certain areas. Floor feels slightly bouncy or uneven underfoot. Noise is worse in specific rooms or hallways. Squeaking increases in dry or cold weather.

Who to call

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