Fix a squeaky floorboard

Screw a loose floorboard back onto its joist, or dust talc between rubbing boards, to silence the squeak.

FL-01Find the exact spot that squeaksWalk slowly across the floor, ideally in socks, and press down with your foot until you hear the squeak. Mark the exact spot with a pencil or a bit of masking tape. Remember roughly where the joists run underneath — you'll need that in a minute.

1 each · Pencil or masking tape

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FL-02Gather your toolsYou'll need a cordless drill/driver, a fine pilot drill bit, countersunk wood screws, a cable and pipe detector, some French chalk or talcum powder, wood filler and fine sandpaper. Lay everything out near the squeaky spot so you're not hunting for things halfway through.

1 each · Cordless drill/driver

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1 each · Pilot drill bit (2mm)

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1 box · Countersunk wood screws 50mm x 4mm (box)

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FL-03Check for cables and pipes before you drill or screwCables and pipes can run under floorboards almost anywhere, not just in obvious lines, so sweep the area with a cable and pipe detector before you touch a drill or screw. Even so, treat the detector as a guide, not a guarantee — it can miss deep cables, pipes in the floor void, or anything hidden near metal pipework. Before you start, find your stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink) and check it turns freely, so you can shut the water off fast if you hit a pipe. If you have any doubt at all about what's under that board, isolate the relevant circuit at the consumer unit first.

1 each · Cable and pipe detector

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FL-04Work out what's causing the squeakKneel down and push firmly on the board near your mark. If you feel it flex or lift slightly, it's come away from the joist underneath and needs screwing back down. If it feels solid but you hear a dry rubbing sound, it's two boards moving against each other and needs lubricating, not screwing.

FL-05Screw a loose board back to the joistDrill a 2mm pilot hole down through the board into the centre of the joist, angling slightly if there's an existing nail in the way. Drive a 50mm countersunk wood screw into the pilot hole until the head sits just below the surface. Add a second screw a little further along the same joist if the board still moves.

2 each · Countersunk wood screws 50mm x 4mm

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FL-06For rubbing boards, use talc instead of a screwIf the noise is boards rubbing rather than a loose board, sprinkle French chalk or talcum powder into the gap between them. Work it in with an old putty knife or a piece of card, then flex the board with your foot to help it settle between the fibres. Wipe away any excess powder from the surface.

1 tub · French chalk or talcum powder

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FL-07Fill and finish the screw holesCheck the screw heads sit slightly below the surface of the board, not sticking up. Fill each hole with a small amount of wood filler and let it dry fully. Sand it flush once dry so it doesn't catch on socks or furniture.

1 tube · Wood filler

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1 sheet · Fine sandpaper

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FL-08Tidy up and testVacuum up any dust, filings and stray screws from the floor. Walk over the repaired board a few times to make sure the squeak has gone. Put any rugs or furniture back once you're happy.

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