How to Make a Laminate Floor Stop Squeaking

Walk over the laminate floor paying special attention to the parts that squeak. Cut a piece of masking tape and stick it on each noisy section, or mark the spots with chalk. Also mark planks that cause the faintest squeaks, as these can get worse over time.

Drill a pilot hole into the flooring at each marked spot. If you made a mark directly on the seams or joints between two boards, don’t drill over the seam, but slightly on each side of it. Continue to drill holes on all the marks on the floor.

Replace the pilot drill bit in your power drill with the screwdriver bit. Drive a 1 3/4-inch galvanized wood screw all the way down in each hole, with the screw head 1/8 inch below the wood surface. Continue to sink one screw in each hole along the floor.

Insert the tip of a plastic putty knife in a container of wax putty that matches the shade of the floor and scoop out a small amount. Spread the putty over each screw hole. Using your fingers, insert the putty into the hole, forming a small mound on top. Slide the flat edge of the putty knife over the mound of putty to flatten it flush with the floor.

Insert putty into all remaining holes. Let the putty set for 24 hours before walking on the laminate floor.