Fix squeaky floorboards safely

Use this guide when a floorboard creaks or moves underfoot on a timber floor. You need a pipe and cable detector, a torch, a drill, wood screws of a suitable length, a countersink bit and talc or powdered graphite.

Step by step

1. Pinpoint the squeak

   Walk slowly over the area with someone listening and mark the exact board with masking tape. Squeaks usually come from boards rubbing together or moving against a loose nail. Check whether the floor has carpet, laminate or engineered boards on top, as that changes the fix.