It’s frustrating to hear your brand-new floor creak or squeak just days after installation. You expected a quiet, sturdy surface — not noises every time you walk across the room. Don’t worry — in most cases, flooring creaks after installation can be fixed easily. Let’s explore why this happens and what you can do about it.
We provide quality Engineered Timber Floors Melbourne for homes and businesses.
Is Creaking Normal in Newly Installed Flooring?
A small amount of noise can be completely normal right after installation, especially during the first few weeks. Your floorboards and subfloor need time to settle into their environment.
In Melbourne, where temperature and humidity levels often fluctuate, timber and laminate floors naturally expand and contract. This movement can cause temporary creaking sounds as the boards adjust. However, if the noise continues beyond a few weeks or gets worse, it may indicate a more serious issue such as:
-
Loose floorboards or gaps between planks
-
Uneven subfloor or poor underlayment installation
-
Incorrect nailing or gluing technique
-
Moisture imbalance underneath the flooring
Take a look at the main categories available: +
- European Oak Engineered Hardwood
- Australian Hardwood Flooring Service
- Timber Parquetry Flooring
- Hybrid Flooring Supply And Install
- Laminate Flooring Installation
Quick Fixes for Flooring Creaks After Installation
If the creaks are minor, you can try a few quick fixes before calling a professional:
-
Check for Loose Boards
Walk slowly across the noisy area and mark the exact spot. Apply slight downward pressure or add felt pads under furniture to reduce stress on that section. -
Add Powdered Graphite or Talcum Powder
For floating floors, sprinkle a small amount of graphite powder between the planks. It acts as a dry lubricant, reducing friction and squeaks. -
Regulate Humidity Levels
Use a dehumidifier in humid months or a humidifier during dry winter. Stable indoor humidity (around 40–60%) helps prevent the boards from expanding or contracting too much. -
Tighten Loose Nails or Screws (for timber floors)
If you can access the subfloor from below (e.g., through a crawl space), tighten or add screws near the noisy area to hold the flooring firmly in place.
When to Call Your Flooring Installer for Repairs
If the creaking doesn’t go away or spreads to other areas, it’s time to contact your flooring installer. A reputable Melbourne flooring professional can inspect the subfloor, underlayment, and installation method to pinpoint the cause.
You should call your installer if:
-
The noise continues for more than two to three weeks after installation
-
The floor feels soft, bouncy, or uneven
-
Gaps appear between planks or boards lift slightly
-
The sound worsens when humidity changes
In many cases, installers offer a workmanship warranty that covers post-installation issues like uneven subfloors or loose fasteners. Don’t try to fix it yourself if the flooring is still under warranty — doing so could void your coverage.
Handpicked floor designs to match all styles and interiors: +
- Tassie Oak Flooring Melbourne
- Engineered Blackbutt Flooring Melbourne
- Jarrah Hardwood Melbourne
- Spotted Gum Flooring Melbourne
- Herringbone Timber Flooring Melbourne
- Chevron Timber Floors Melbourne
Final Thoughts | Don’t Ignore Creaky Floors After Installation
Creaky floors might seem like a small annoyance, but they can signal deeper structural or installation issues. Taking early action can save you from expensive repairs later. Start with small DIY fixes, monitor humidity, and if the problem persists, call your installer for a professional inspection.
Remember, your floor should not only look beautiful — it should feel solid and quiet under your feet.
FAQ
1. Why is my new flooring creaking right after installation?
Most new floors creak because the boards are settling, or the subfloor isn’t perfectly level. It can also happen from changes in humidity or temperature.
2. How long does it take for new flooring to stop creaking?
Usually, the creaking should reduce within two to three weeks as the floor settles. Persistent creaks after that may require a professional inspection.
3. Is it normal for floating floors to creak at first?
Yes, floating floors like laminate or hybrid flooring often make small noises at first. It’s normal as they adjust to the subfloor and environment.
4. Can humidity make my new floors squeak?
Absolutely. In humid climates like Melbourne, moisture causes boards to expand or contract, which often leads to temporary creaking sounds.
5. Can I fix creaky flooring without removing the planks?
Sometimes, yes. You can use dry lubricants like talcum or graphite powder, or tighten screws from underneath if accessible.
6. Should I call my installer or fix the creaks myself?
If your floor is still under warranty, call your installer first. DIY fixes could void your warranty or worsen the issue.
7. What are the most common installation mistakes that cause creaking?
Uneven subfloor, poor underlay installation, loose nails or adhesive gaps are the main culprits behind post-installation creaks.
8. How can I prevent creaking in future flooring installations?
Make sure the subfloor is clean, level, and dry before installation. Always use high-quality materials and professional installers.
9. Does creaking mean the floor is damaged or unsafe?
Not necessarily. Minor noises are usually harmless. But continuous or loud creaking might indicate loose boards or structural movement that needs attention.
10. What’s the best long-term solution for new floor creaking?
A professional flooring service can identify and repair the root cause — often by securing the subfloor, re-gluing planks, or adjusting underlayment.
