what type of nails to use for the old hardwood floor not making squeaking noise when you walk on it?

Question

The floor is old and has no plywood underneath.

Answer 1

Go here:

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/silencesqueakyfloor

Answer 2

Just so we're clear, it's not the nails that make squeaking noises. It's usually the wood either bending under weight, or the wood rubbing against joists or similar connecting objects (the supporting "floor"), ants or termites having destroyed the wood, etc.

Regardless, the link given by "James M", above, is good, but, be forewarned, that any such undertaking is not a good idea for amateurs (if you asked the question, then you're an amateur!), and certainly not something that should be attempted on your own, if only to have someone nearby in case of an accident, not to mention to guide you as to where to apply your fix (nails, shims, etc).

Good luck!

Answer 3

If you can see the floor boards from the basement or your ceiling is open (and you can see the floor).
Try this, take some 1/2" plywood strips (that will fit between the floor joists). Then using drywall screws, screw the plywood (from the underside of the floor) to the floor. Make sure the screws don't come through the floor your going to be walking on.

Using talc may work too, but be carefull ,, that stuff is Very slippery when you walk on it.

Answer 4

I wouldn't use nails. Wood expands and contracts, and over time, new nails added can split the wood.

Sprinkle baby powder where you hear it squeaking. It will get in there when you walk over the floor, and make a sort of cushion so that the boards will not rub together.

Answer 5

An old home renovator once told me to use talc on hardwood floors to stop the squeaking. I never tried it but he said to let it work itself into the cracks to stop the squeak.