Why are my floorboards creaking?
Creaking floorboards are almost always boards rubbing against a loose nail or against each other as they flex underfoot — usually from boards that have dried out and shrunk slightly, or fixings that have worked loose over time. It's rarely a structural problem, and usually a straightforward fix from underneath or by re-fixing the board.
Timber naturally shrinks a little as it dries out over the years, which opens tiny gaps that let boards move and rub — this is normal ageing, not damage.
If you have access underneath (a basement or crawl space), re-fixing the board from below is often quicker and avoids disturbing the visible floor finish.
A floor that also feels springy, uneven, or noticeably dips underfoot — not just noisy — is a different and more serious issue worth a closer look rather than a simple creak fix.
What to check
- Is it one board or widespread across the floor
- Does the floor also feel springy or uneven, not just noisy
- Is there access underneath for an easier re-fix
When to call a pro
If the floor also feels springy or uneven — that's a different, more serious issue.
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