creaky woodchip floorboards

[suzan]

CREAKY FLOOR BOARDS DRIVING US CRAZY ANY NEW IDEAS

[Moderator 11]

Please note rule 7 (Please do not type in capitals as it is considered to be SHOUTING!) - See here for the forum rules.

 

[regsmyth]

If they're floorboards it's unlikely they're chipboard - more likely to be solid timber eg pine.
Not that it's relevant.
Most likely you need to fix them down better whether its chipboard or floorboards.
Unfortunately, this normally involves lifting them to check for pipes/wiring before you do.
When you've done that, get some bigger screws/nails and fix them down better.
Unfortunately, things aren't often that simple, your joists could be rotten. Or the boards so badly split/warped that you can't get them secure.
But, first things first, expose them, lift them, and check underneath.
Just dont whack in fixings without checking unless you're really keen to learn more diy skills like plumbing and electrics.
All the best.

[suzan]

regsmyth wrote:

If they're floorboards it's unlikely they're chipboard - more likely to be solid timber eg pine. Not that it's relevant. Most likely you need to fix them down better whether its chipboard or floorboards. Unfortunately, this normally involves lifting them to check for pipes/wiring before you do. When you've done that, get some bigger screws/nails and fix them down better. Unfortunately, things aren't often that simple, your joists could be rotten. Or the boards so badly split/warped that you can't get them secure. But, first things first, expose them, lift them, and check underneath. Just dont whack in fixings without checking unless you're really keen to learn more diy skills like plumbing and electrics. All the best.

Quote:

[JohnD]

Chipboard flooring is rubbish.

Rip it all up and replace it with 18mm WBP ply, fixing it down with countersunk screws.

Support all short joints by putting them over a joist, or at least a noggin, even if you glue the T&Gs.

I found it an advantage to leave the new floor exposed for a few weeks, walking about on it and rolling appliances and furniture onto it, before re-tightening the screws. This is very difficult once you have fitted carpet, vinyl or laminate over the top,

It is a good idea to mark on the flooring where any cables or pipes run underneath it, to give the best chance of not nailing into them later.

[suzan]

thanks for prompt reply any idea of costs for 4 bed house and should we get prof to do the work

[JohnD]

the ply might cost you £25 or thereabouts per 1220x2440mm board

bit more expensive if you buy 2440x610mm boards which are easier to carry

it is a wearisome DIY job but not complicated.

If you get a pro joiner or carpenter in, he will need all the carpets and furniture out of the way before he starts.

if you do it yourself you can take the time to remove underfloor rubble, clear airbricks, do any wiring or plumbing work, repair any damage, treat for woodworm etc which a pro will not want to spend time on.

why not try with a small room yourself and see how you get on?

you will need only simple tools. Claw hammer, bolster, jemmy or spade, saw, face mask, big vacuum cleaner to get the old one up.

drill, saw (pref circular), pencil, measure, straight-edge to fit the new.

here's one I did earlier.