Hardwood floors are a dream design element for many people. Perhaps you crave the classic elegance of white oak in a herringbone pattern or the rustic charm of ultra-wide plank hickory. Either way, they’re stylish, require relatively little maintenance, and hold up well over time. Eventually, though, some of those floorboards might start to creak.…
Why Do Floorboards Creak?
Over time, many floorboards develop annoying creaks and squeaks. These are often the result of changes in temperature and humidity, which cause the wood to expand and contract, eventually creating gaps between the planks. Instead of replacing your boards, you can fill in those spaces for just a couple of bucks, using good old-fashioned baby powder.
How To Quiet Creaky Floorboards
To fill your floorboard gaps, grab some baby powder, a clean damp cloth, and something with a smooth edge or surface. You can use a plastic putty knife, or for even better floor protection, opt for a paint pad.
Start by locating your squeaky floorboard. Sprinkle a bit of baby powder over it, focusing on the gaps between planks. Use your flat-edged tool to spread the baby powder around, working it into those spaces. You will see the white powder build up, forming solid lines. Throughout this process, it’s recommended to lightly press on or nudge the boards to ensure the baby powder settles deeply into the gaps.
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Once they’re filled in, sweep or vacuum up any excess baby powder. Then, use your damp cloth to give the area a good wipe, and follow it up with a hardwood floor cleaner if desired.
When To Seek Out a Pro
This trick only works for creaks caused by gaps between floorboards. If your floors are creaking because of loose fasteners, joists, or a subfloor issue, reach out to a professional in your area to determine the right fix.
