What is the best way to QUIET a squeaky hardwood floor, without ripping it up and such???

Answer 1

There you have it, a consensus. Any and or all of the suggestions will give you some relief. To stop a squeaky floor board on an existing floor, stuff enough of something, soap, chalk, wax, etc.
I might add, after identifying and filling the offending lathe piece toenail,(nail driven at an extreme angle to the surface being fastened) along the edge of that lathe piece to lock it in place. Countersink the nail head using a nail set.
The squeak is being caused by small gaps and separations rubbing when put under load.
I kind of liked the Squeakender link, an entire line of products, and a true cottage industry so to say, to handle poorly installed floors.
Oils, linseed, and the Murphy products work well at preservation for long term.

That said, most floor squeaks on wood floors can be traced to two sources; improper underlayment/installation, and improper maintenance.

When installing a new floor, the underlayment is the critical aspect. Having a smooth, level well anchored surface will prevent 90% of future issues (same goes for tile installation). I prefer a double layer of ¾” Ply as an underlayment with the bias running at a right angle from the layer beneath. First layer running horizontal to the joists, nailed with 8 penny nails or 2”coarse thread screws spaced roughly 6” apart. Second layer will turn to run in line with the joists. This top layer should be screwed down with 1 ½” coarse threaded screws spaced roughly 5” apart. Some craftsman will add a wood glue or construction adhesive between these two sheets.

The flooring is then installed. A good tongue and grooved or a good ship lapped material is a preferred product. Make sure all floor pieces are fitted tightly prior to toenailing in place. Treat the fresh floor with a liberal linseed oil coat after installation and allow to dry prior to finishing and sealing.

Answer 2

The solution always depends on the source. If you have access underneath the floor, you can get some wood screws(make sure they are the right length so they do not come up through the floor). Go underneath the floor with the screws and a bar of soap. Coat the screw with the soap, and srew up from under the floor. This will pull the floor down to the subfloor tight, and the soap prevents that screw from ever squeaking in the future.

Answer 3

A friend once told me to find the squeaky join and rub a softened bar of Ivory soap into it...it worked.

Answer 4

There's a product called Squeak Ender that is made special for this particular problem but you have to be able to get under your home, I believe, to floor joists.
Here is their website:
http://www.squeakender.com/

Answer 5

baby powder. Pour lots of it over the place where the squeak is. Then stopm it between the groove and sweep afterward.

Answer 6

i like the baby powder idea.....u should try that. if there is a big hollow space underneath your wood floor like i did then nothing will fix the problem.

Answer 7

try using a oil for wood! maybe murphy's oil soap amd wipe it in to the cracks and across the surface.also you might check to see if it is loose any where and if it is screw it down or something!

Answer 8

Talcum powder,

Answer 9

use the powder from your chalk line.its cheapest and just as good as commercial squeek stopper.