How to Fix a Squeaky Laminate Floor

by Tim Anderson
    Laminate floors, when installed, mirror hardwood finishes.

    Laminate floors, when installed, mirror hardwood finishes.

    One of the most common issues with hardwood and laminate floors over time is squeaking as the various elements adjust to the seasonal movement of expansion and contraction as well as foot traffic. Squeaking is not a sign of floor failure, but rather just a section that needs a little extra attention to help eliminate the noise so that the piece doesn’t continue to squeak in the future.

    Talcum Powder

    The quickest and easiest way to fix a squeaky floor is to put some talcum powder down into the joints surrounding the area that is squeaking. This will buffer the pieces as they flex under foot traffic; rather than rubbing against each other and thus squeaking and creaking, the pieces rub against the powder. This is a temporary fix, but it is the most affordable way to eliminate creaking noises.

    Construction Adhesive

    If you have a neutral-colored floor and a matching construction adhesive, you can use the adhesive to help lock the pieces in place. Find the offending pieces and push construction adhesive into the joints surrounding the piece, either with your fingers or with a putty knife. As the adhesive dries, it will create a buffer layer around the squeaking pieces which should eliminate any noise. Similar to talcum powder, this is a temporary solution.

    Screw Mounting

    Screw the pieces down into the subfloor to help eliminate movement and squeaks. This method does not work for floating laminate installations. Find the offending piece and then drill a pilot hole in the center of the piece. Sink a wood screw through the pilot piece down into the subfloor. Ensure that the screw is sunk at least 1/16 inch deeper than the surface of the laminate. Use a matching wood putty to cover the screw and hide the fix.

    Adjustable Joist Mounts

    If you can access the underside of the floor, you can address the issue from beneath. Install an adjustable joist mount to the bottom side of the subfloor adjacent to a floor joist near the area where the floor is moving and thus squeaking. Attach the bottom half of the joist mount to the section by screwing it into the underside of the subfloor, wrap it over the floor joist and tighten the adjustments until the subfloor is secure and no more squeaks occur.

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