Why Do My Floorboards Creak? Here’s What Your House Is Trying to Tell You
It always happens at the worst time. You’re walking quietly through your home, and suddenly, creeeak…your floorboards betray you with an unmistakable groan.
Annoying? Absolutely. But also very common.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why do my floorboards creak?”, you’re not alone — especially if you live in an older Melbourne terrace or a multi-storey Sydney townhouse.
At Squeaky Floors, we’ve made it our mission to silence noisy floors across thousands of Australian homes. The truth is that creaking floors aren’t always a big problem… but they’re never random. Every creak has a cause—and usually, a solution!
Let’s break down what’s really happening beneath your feet and what you can do about it.
Why Do My Floorboards Creak in the First Place?
Creaking is the sound of movement under pressure. It usually originates from friction between floorboards, nails, subfloor panels, or joists, especially when these materials aren’t tightly, flat, or fully secure.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common culprits behind creaking floorboards:
1. Loose Nails or Fixings
Over time, the nails or screws holding your timber floors in place can loosen. When you step on a board, it moves slightly, rubbing against the fastener and creating that classic creaking sound.
2. Friction Between Boards
Timber is a natural product. It expands and contracts in response to changes in temperature and humidity. When two floorboards rub together due to movement or shrinking, they squeak like old hinges.
3. Subfloor Movement
In many homes, the issue lies not in the floorboards themselves, but the subfloor or joists beneath. If these move, warp, or flex under pressure, they can shift against the boards and produce sound.
4. Moisture and Humidity
Melbourne’s dry winters or Sydney’s humid summers can wreak havoc on timber. Moisture changes cause boards to swell or shrink, creating gaps or pressure points that lead to noise.
5. Age and Wear
Like anything else in your home, floorboards wear over time. As timber degrades, it becomes more flexible. Fasteners loosen, adhesive bonds weaken, and the structure becomes noisier with every step.
Is Creaking Just an Annoyance or a Sign of a Bigger Issue?
When homeowners ask, “Why do my floorboards creak?”, what they’re really asking is, ‘Should I be worried?’
The answer depends on what’s happening beneath the surface.
Creaking can be harmless… or it can hint at structural deterioration. In either case, it’s a sign of movement. And in homes, movement always means something.
Signs It’s a Cosmetic Issue:
- The creak is in a single area
- You have an older timber floor with no other problems
- There’s no sagging, bowing, or visual damage
- The sound stays consistent over time
Signs It Could Be Structural:
- The creaks are spreading or getting worse
- You feel movement or bounce underfoot
- There’s visible sagging or uneven flooring
- Cracks are forming in walls or ceilings
- You’ve noticed signs of rot or termites
Still unsure? Get a professional inspection, especially if you live in a heritage zone or high-humidity area like Sydney’s Inner West or Melbourne’s bayside suburbs.
Why Do My Floorboards Creak More in Certain Weather?
Great question, and one we hear a lot.
The short answer: because wood is sensitive to moisture and temperature. When the air gets dry or humid, it changes the shape and behaviour of your timber.
- In winter, dry air causes floorboards to shrink, leaving tiny gaps that allow them to move or rub together.
- In summer, humidity can make timber swell, forcing boards against one another or up against walls, creating pressure and noise.
If your floors are squeakier during seasonal changes, that’s a good indication that climate is playing a role, especially if the problem comes and goes with the weather.
Why Do My Floorboards Creak Upstairs but Not Downstairs?
Another common question, especially for owners of two-storey homes or apartments in Melbourne and Sydney.
The difference usually comes down to:
- Floor construction: Upper floors are often lighter, with less subfloor support, making them more flexible and prone to creaking.
- Access limitations: Repairs or reinforcement work are harder to do on upper levels, meaning issues may go unnoticed longer.
- Joist spacing: Builders may use wider joist spacing upstairs, which increases the likelihood of movement.
In some modern builds, we’ve also found that builders prioritise ground-floor stability and cut corners upstairs.
That’s where we come in.
What Types of Floors Are Most Likely to Creak?
Not all floors are built equal. Some materials are more prone to creaking than others, and knowing what type of floor you have is the first step toward solving the problem.
Solid Timber Floors
These are beautiful and often the most creaky. As they age, solid wood boards move more noticeably, especially if not properly nailed or glued during installation.
Floating Floors
These sit above the subfloor without being nailed down. While easy to install, they’re notorious for developing squeaks, especially if the underlay was poorly laid or has compressed over time.
Engineered Timber
More stable than solid timber, but still prone to noise if there’s friction between the tongue-and-groove joints or movement between layers.
Carpeted Floors
Yes, even carpeted floors can creak! The noise usually comes from the timber or subfloor underneath, remaining masked until footsteps bring it to life.
At Squeaky Floors, we repair all floor types, whether visible hardwood or creaky subfloor under carpet.
How We Fix Creaky Floorboards Without Damaging Your Floors
Now that you know what causes the creaking, let’s talk solutions.
At Squeaky Floors, we’ve spent years perfecting non-invasive techniques that silence noisy floorboards in Melbourne and Sydney homes — without tearing the place apart.
Here’s how we approach it:
1. Precise Diagnosis
First, we inspect the problem area to identify the exact cause. Are there loose nails? Subfloor friction? Board shrinkage? We don’t guess; we find out.
2. Targeted Repair
Based on our findings, we choose the best repair method for your specific floor type and structure. This could include:
- Securing loose boards with specialised flooring fixings
- Injecting bonding agents to reduce friction
- Reinforcing joists or bearers beneath the subfloor
- Creating expansion space to allow for seasonal movement
3. No Mess, No Damage
We don’t remove your floor or rip up carpet. Our work is done cleanly, quickly, and professionally, with respect for your home and your time.
We’ve fixed creaking floors in heritage homes in Melbourne, modern townhouses in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, and everything in between. Every home is different, so every fix is, too.
Why Trust a Specialist Instead of Trying DIY?
Let’s be real — you’ve probably Googled DIY squeaky floor fixes. Maybe you’ve even tried them. A screw here, a nail there. Temporary silence… followed by the inevitable creak.
That’s because squeaky floors aren’t just a surface problem. They often involve what’s happening underneath; things you can’t reach, see, or guess at without the right tools and experience.
Here’s why it pays to call in the pros:
- Specialised knowledge of timber floor dynamics
- Access to professional-grade fixings and tools
- Experience diagnosing deeper structural causes
- Custom repairs with minimal disruption
- Lasting results — not quick fixes
DIY might mute the squeak, but we silence it for good.
Why Do My Floorboards Creak So Much in Melbourne or Sydney?
This is a great question, and it’s all about location:
- Older homes: Many houses have original hardwood floors that date back decades, with wear and tear already baked in.
- Dry winters: Heating systems dry out the air, shrinking timber and causing friction between boards.
- Shifting subfloors: Period homes often sit on piers or stumps that shift over time, creating movement.
- Humidity and heat: In suburbs like Bondi or the Inner West, timber swells during humid summers, putting pressure on boards.
- Apartment builds: Squeaks are common in multi-storey developments, especially where budget flooring or wider joist spacing was used.
- Poor ventilation: Moisture trapped beneath the floor can lead to swelling, movement, or even rot.
Wherever you live, local climate and building style play a role. That’s why our solutions are location-aware, tailored for your suburb’s unique quirks.
Let’s Get Your Floors Quiet Again – Partner with Squeaky Floors Today
Whether it’s a soft creak in your hallway or a symphony of squeaks throughout the house, we’re here to make your floors silent, stable, and stress-free.
Here’s what you can expect with Squeaky Floors:
- Precise diagnosis (no guesswork)
- Long-lasting repairs (not just surface fixes)
- No mess, no damage
- Servicing homes across Melbourne and Sydney
- Honest advice and transparent quotes
Speak to the Floorboard Repair Specialists Today
Get in touch with us today for a free quote by calling 0422 289 124, emailing scott-stephens2011@hotmail.com, or completing our online enquiry form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my floorboards creak only at night?
Temperature changes at night can cause timber to contract, especially in heated homes. As the boards move slightly, they creak more than during the day.
Can I fix creaky floorboards myself?
You can try — but DIY fixes often don’t reach the root cause, especially if the issue is below the surface. Most squeaks need a specialist touch for lasting results.
Is it expensive to fix creaky floors?
Not at all. Most repairs are affordable, especially compared to replacing your entire floor. We provide transparent quotes, so you know what to expect.
Do you service all areas of Melbourne and Sydney?
Yes — we cover all suburbs across both cities. Whether you’re in St Kilda, Coburg, Manly, or Surry Hills, we’ll come to you.