How To Silence Squeaky Hardwood Floors
I hear this question often: “How do I keep my hardwood floors quiet?” Usually, it’s from home or building owners who have hardwood floors installed more than 15 or 20 years ago, but not always. Our climate here in the Reno/Tahoe region can fluctuate from “very hot and dry” to “very cold and wet” – sometimes on the same day. That can make for squeaky hardwood floors. Which is just one of the reasons proper, professional installation is so important.
Today I want to discuss a few of the simple solutions you can apply to silence squeaky hardwood floors and reduce the sound levels, and your stress. Your home or office are supposed to be places of peace and calm; squeaks and reverberation can have a direct impact on your attitude, so we’re going to reduce the noise for you.
Silence Hardwood Floor Squeaks
Squeaky hardwood floors generally result from minor swelling having pulled the floor and sub-flooring away from the support joists. Either the slats will rub against one another like a cricket’s wings, or a fastener (like a nail) will be pulling in and out with the exact same effect. Solving those problems is simply a matter of stopping that motion.
Shims can be inserted into the minor space between the sub-flooring and the support joists. Additional fasteners can be used to pull the gap closed. Thicker, sound deadening sub-flooring can be installed. All of those solutions are best seen to by a professional.
Quiet Your Hardwood Floor Reverberation
Even if your hardwood floors have been installed to the highest standards and there isn’t a squeak anywhere to be found, sounds can bounce off of them and carry all through the building. Most people opt for the easiest fix for the sound of shoes tapping across the floor; laying down throw rugs. While that always works, those rugs can hide your beautiful hardwood floors so I’m going to offer some alternatives.
The shinier a surface, the more it will reflect sound. Windows, walls, furniture, wall hangings and other decorations can all contribute to the reverberation and amplification of noises in a room. Or they can act to significantly reduce them, depending on the choices you make. “Softer, thicker and plusher,” is the rule to stick to. Curtains with heavier liners, wall covering tapestries, furniture throws, tablecloths, throw-pillows and all the rest will serve to quiet your hardwood floors reverberations. I also recommend having your family and friends remove their shoes in your home.
Artisan Hardwood Floors Will Give You Quiet Floors
By far, the easiest way to have quiet hardwood floors is to have the best installer put them in new, to begin with. If however you find yourself dealing with a squeaking, noisy hardwood floor, contact my office right away. No matter what problems you’re experiencing, my craftsmen and I are always happy to help a new friend reduce their stress.
There is no time like the present, and the sooner you call, the sooner we can quiet your hardwood floors.
Sorin Giurca
Master Craftsman, Owner
775-831-1379