What causes hardwood floors to squeak?
Hardwood floors squeak when boards move against fasteners or the subfloor. In historic homes, this movement is often caused by excessive material loss from repeated sanding.
In this case, previous refinishing had removed so much wood that:
-
Nail heads were exposed above the surface
-
Boards were too thin to be sanded again
-
Nails no longer had sufficient wood to securely hold the boards
As a result, the flooring became both unstable and unsafe. The exposed nail heads posed a hazard to bare feet and pets. They can become a trip hazard (especially for seniors). And the lack of secure fastening allowed the boards to shift and squeak with normal foot traffic.
No refinishing process can restore lost board thickness. And moreover it can’t re-anchor nails that no longer have material to grip.
When squeaking becomes a safety issue.
Squeaking alone is not always the problem. The greater concern is why the squeaking is happening.
In floors that have been oversanded:
In another home—approximately 60 years old—appearance and severe squeaking were the homeowner’s chief complaints. Although the original request was for a color and finish update, the inspection showed the floor could not be stabilized. The only responsible solution was a full tear-out. Moreover, the ideal replacement was to use prefinished hardwood. And, the best choice was to go with an alluminum oxide coated floor. (A dog was being welcomed into the home, and this floor coating is the best fit for what a dog might pose to a new floor.)
Honest evaluations matter.
In the historic home, the current owners had just purchased the property. But prior to that the seller requested our input. We shared our findings to the buyers to provide them clarity—not urgency.
The buyers understood that:
-
A tear-out would eventually be necessary
-
The hardwood floors were not an immediate priority
-
Other restoration projects, such as the travertine flooring and vintage windows, came first
This type of transparency helps homeowners plan realistically. And, it avoids investing in refinishing work that cannot deliver long-term results.
The bottom line.
Not all squeaky hardwood floors can—or should—be refinished.
When floors are too thin, refinishing becomes cosmetic at best. And it becomes unsafe at worst. Understanding the difference protects both the home and the people living in it. And it can avoid money wasted on flooring unsuitable to continue to serve.
“What to look for” checklist: Signs your hardwood floors may be too thin to refinish.
-
Nail heads visible or protruding above the surface
-
Persistent or worsening squeaking across multiple areas (throught the room, or room to room)
-
Noticeable movement or flexing underfoot
-
History of multiple previous sandings
-
Boards that appear uneven, brittle, or excessively worn
-
Gaps forming around fasteners
-
Concerns for pet safety, bare feet, or trip hazards
If several of these conditions are present, refinishing may no longer be a viable or safe option.
When squeaking hardwood floors isn’t just a nusiance, and becomes a tell-tale warning sign.
Squeaky hardwood floors are common in older homes. But they are not always harmless. Minor squeaks are often caused by seasonal movement. However other problems may be underlying. Questionable installation errors, normal aging, or persistent or worsening squeaks may indicate a structural issue within the floor itself.
In many historic homes, squeaking is not just a cosmetic nuisance. It can be a warning sign that the hardwood flooring has reached the end of its refinishing life.
A common assumption about old hardwood floors.
Homeowners and buyers often assume that vintage hardwood floors can always be sanded and refinished. In reality, hardwood flooring has a finite lifespan. They can’t be sanded over and over. And a professional evaluation will reveal when the wood floor is too far gone.
In example we recently inspected a floor for a 100+ year-old home. The original hardwood floors in the foyer, living room, and dining room needed some updating TLC. But at first glance that reality dwindled. I get it, a vintage home deserves vintage hardwood floor charm. Unfortunately, there comes a time when underlying issues instead point to replacement.
What causes hardwood floors to squeak?
Hardwood floors squeak when boards move against fasteners or the subfloor. In historic homes, this movement is often caused by excessive material loss from repeated sanding.
In this case, previous refinishing had removed so much wood that:
Nail heads were exposed above the surface
Boards were too thin to be sanded again
Nails no longer had sufficient wood to securely hold the boards
As a result, the flooring became both unstable and unsafe. The exposed nail heads posed a hazard to bare feet and pets. They can become a trip hazard (especially for seniors). And the lack of secure fastening allowed the boards to shift and squeak with normal foot traffic.
No refinishing process can restore lost board thickness. And moreover it can’t re-anchor nails that no longer have material to grip.
When squeaking becomes a safety issue.
Squeaking alone is not always the problem. The greater concern is why the squeaking is happening.
In floors that have been oversanded:
Boards flex excessively
Nails loosen and rise
Surface hazards develop
Structural integrity is compromised
In another home—approximately 60 years old—appearance and severe squeaking were the homeowner’s chief complaints. Although the original request was for a color and finish update, the inspection showed the floor could not be stabilized. The only responsible solution was a full tear-out. Moreover, the ideal replacement was to use prefinished hardwood. And, the best choice was to go with an alluminum oxide coated floor. (A dog was being welcomed into the home, and this floor coating is the best fit for what a dog might pose to a new floor.)
Honest evaluations matter.
In the historic home, the current owners had just purchased the property. But prior to that the seller requested our input. We shared our findings to the buyers to provide them clarity—not urgency.
The buyers understood that:
A tear-out would eventually be necessary
The hardwood floors were not an immediate priority
Other restoration projects, such as the travertine flooring and vintage windows, came first
This type of transparency helps homeowners plan realistically. And, it avoids investing in refinishing work that cannot deliver long-term results.
The bottom line.
Not all squeaky hardwood floors can—or should—be refinished.
When floors are too thin, refinishing becomes cosmetic at best. And it becomes unsafe at worst. Understanding the difference protects both the home and the people living in it. And it can avoid money wasted on flooring unsuitable to continue to serve.
“What to look for” checklist: Signs your hardwood floors may be too thin to refinish.
Nail heads visible or protruding above the surface
Persistent or worsening squeaking across multiple areas (throught the room, or room to room)
Noticeable movement or flexing underfoot
History of multiple previous sandings
Boards that appear uneven, brittle, or excessively worn
Gaps forming around fasteners
Concerns for pet safety, bare feet, or trip hazards
If several of these conditions are present, refinishing may no longer be a viable or safe option.
Living with squeaky hardwood floors? A professional evaluation can save you time, money, and unnecessary refinishing. Free estimates 609.953.0472 send us a message.