Hardwood floors add beauty, warmth, and value to a home. However, if you’ve recently had new hardwood floors installed and they creak, it can be frustrating. You might expect older floors to develop squeaks, but why would brand-new hardwood flooring make noise?
Creaking in newly installed hardwood floors is not uncommon. It often happens due to humidity changes, subfloor movement, improper installation, or natural wood expansion and contraction. The good news is that most creaky floors can be fixed with the right approach.
In this guide, we’ll explore why new hardwood floors creak, what causes the noise, and how to fix it so you can enjoy your flooring without unwanted sounds.
Why Do Newly Installed Hardwood Floors Creak?
If your brand-new hardwood floors are creaking, the issue is likely caused by one of the following factors:
1. Humidity and Temperature Changes
Wood is a natural material that expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. If the room is too dry, the wood can shrink, leading to small gaps that cause noise when stepped on. Conversely, if the room is too humid, the wood expands and may press against itself, creating creaks.
✔ Low humidity can cause wood to shrink and create gaps
✔ High humidity can lead to swelling and friction between planks
✔ Maintaining a consistent indoor climate can help prevent this issue
2. Improper Acclimation Before Installation
Hardwood flooring must be acclimated before installation. This means allowing the wood to sit in the home for a few days so it can adjust to the environment. If the wood is installed before it has properly adjusted, it may shift as it settles, leading to creaks.
✔ Wood should be stored in the home for 3-7 days before installation
✔ Acclimation prevents excessive expansion or contraction after installation
✔ If the wood was not acclimated, creaking may occur as it adjusts
3. Subfloor Issues
The subfloor is the foundation beneath your hardwood flooring. If it is uneven, loose, or poorly secured, your hardwood planks may not have proper support, leading to creaking.
✔ A loose subfloor can move slightly, causing floorboards to shift
✔ Uneven subflooring creates pressure points that lead to noise
✔ Screwing down the subfloor before installation helps prevent movement
4. Incorrect Installation Techniques
If the hardwood flooring was nailed, glued, or floated incorrectly, it may not be properly secured, leading to noise.
✔ Nails or staples too far apart can allow movement between planks
✔ Floating floors need proper expansion gaps to prevent buckling
✔ Glued floors may creak if the adhesive was not applied evenly
5. Poor Underlayment
The underlayment is a layer between the subfloor and hardwood flooring that helps with noise reduction and stability. If the underlayment is too thin or missing, it can cause creaking noises.
✔ Felt or foam underlayments help absorb movement and reduce noise
✔ A rigid underlayment can cause friction, leading to creaks
✔ Floating floors require a smooth and even underlayment to prevent shifting
6. Loose or Shifting Floorboards
If individual planks are not secured properly, they can move when walked on, leading to noise. This is especially common in floating hardwood floors, which rely on a locking mechanism instead of nails or glue.
✔ Floating floorboards may shift if not locked in place properly
✔ Glue-down floors may creak if adhesive coverage is uneven
✔ Nail-down floors may develop movement if nails are too far apart
How to Fix Newly Installed Hardwood Floors That Creak
If your new hardwood floors are creaking, there are several ways to fix the problem. The solution depends on the cause of the noise.
1. Adjust Humidity Levels
Since wood naturally expands and contracts with moisture, controlling humidity is one of the best ways to prevent creaking.
✔ Keep indoor humidity levels between 35% and 55%
✔ Use a humidifier in winter to prevent shrinkage
✔ Use a dehumidifier in summer to reduce swelling
2. Secure the Subfloor
If the subfloor is causing the creaking, reinforcing it can make a big difference.
✔ If possible, access the subfloor from below (in a basement or crawl space)
✔ Screw down loose areas to prevent movement
✔ Use construction adhesive between the subfloor and joists to create a stronger bond
3. Add More Fasteners
If nails or staples are too far apart, adding more can reduce movement and noise.
✔ Use screws instead of nails to secure loose areas
✔ Drill pilot holes before adding screws to prevent cracking
✔ Be careful not to over-tighten, as this can cause splitting
4. Lubricate the Floorboards
If the creaking is caused by boards rubbing together, lubrication can reduce the friction.
✔ Sprinkle powdered graphite or talcum powder into the seams
✔ Use a dry lubricant spray for hardwood floors
✔ Walk over the area to help distribute the lubricant
5. Fix Floating Floors That Shift
Floating floors can sometimes move too much, leading to creaking sounds.
✔ Ensure there are proper expansion gaps around the edges
✔ If the floor shifts excessively, adding weight (such as furniture) may help
✔ Silicone caulk can be applied to small gaps to reduce movement
6. Reinforce Floor Joists
If your home has a basement or crawl space, reinforcing the joists can help eliminate movement.
✔ Add blocking or cross-bracing between joists
✔ Use joist hangers for extra stability
✔ Apply adhesive where the joists meet the subfloor to reduce shifting
7. Install Rugs or Carpets for Temporary Relief
If you need a quick fix, using area rugs can help dampen sound.
✔ Placing rugs over high-traffic areas can reduce creaking
✔ Using a thick underpad beneath the rug can absorb pressure
✔ This won’t fix the issue completely but can minimize noise
Preventing Future Creaking in Hardwood Floors
To prevent future creaking, follow these best practices:
✔ Acclimate hardwood flooring before installation to prevent sudden expansion or contraction
✔ Use high-quality underlayment to absorb movement and noise
✔ Secure the subfloor before installation to ensure a solid foundation
✔ Maintain proper humidity levels to keep wood from shrinking or swelling
✔ Regularly inspect and tighten fasteners to keep the floor secure
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried the above solutions and your new hardwood floors are still creaking, it may be time to consult a professional. A flooring expert can:
✔ Check for installation defects
✔ Reinforce subfloor and joists if necessary
✔ Offer solutions for long-term noise reduction
If the creaking is caused by installation errors, you may also want to contact the flooring company or contractor to discuss warranty options.
Creaking in newly installed hardwood floors can be annoying, but in most cases, it is fixable. The noise is often caused by humidity changes, subfloor movement, poor installation, or natural wood expansion and contraction.
By taking steps to control humidity, secure the subfloor, and add proper fastening, you can enjoy quiet, beautiful hardwood floors for years to come.