Laminate wood flooring is pressed composite wood overlaid with an image of various types of wood based to create a unique, yet familiar visual effect. This makes it a very cost-effective alternative to real hardwood. Laminate floor planks and laminate floor tiles give the look of stone or ceramic tiles.

Many homeowners sprinkle baby powder or talcum powder on the floorboards and then sweep it into the gaps. This method is supposed to work because the powder fills in the gaps and creates a smooth surface, which prevents the boards from rubbing against each other and making noise.

Another major contributing factor can be the settling of the foundation, which can occur as the home ages. Depending on the cause, the average cost to fix a squeaky floor is between $200 and $1,000.

Floors and stairs squeak when wooden floorboards or structural elements rub against each other, when the bridging between joists flexes under traffic or when floorboards have not been properly nailed to the subfloor.