A squeaky floor can turn your brand-new home into a daily annoyance. The good news? Most squeaks can be prevented – if you address them during construction.
Why Floors Squeak
The short answer: movement.
According to Brett Miller, director of certification and education at the National Wood Flooring Association, squeaks happen when parts of the flooring system rub together.
Common causes:
Wood expanding and contracting with seasonal moisture
Gaps between subfloor panels
Nails loosening over time
Improper joist spacing or subfloor installation
Think of wood like a sponge: when moisture levels change, it swells and shrinks. That movement creates friction and noise.
Why New Homes Have the Advantage
Older homes often require expensive repairs to fix squeaks. New homes don’t – if they’re built right.
Squeaks usually start below the finished floor, at the joists and subfloor. Today’s builders can prevent many issues by using more stable framing materials and modern installation techniques.
A Smarter Framing Solution
Engineered wood joists, such as Trus Joist® TJI® joists, are designed for consistency and stability.
Why builders use them:
Straighter and stronger than traditional lumber
Resist warping, twisting, and shrinking
Reduce bouncy floors and nail pops
“Trus Joist TJI joist floors aren’t just built – they’re engineered for strength and consistency,” says Greg Wells, marketing manager for Trus Joist products.
Builder Guidelines That Prevent Squeaks
When planning your new home, ask your builder about these best practices:
Joists sized and spaced to meet or exceed code
Subfloor panels spaced with a ⅛-inch gap
Proper nail size and spacing, fully penetrating joists
Glued-and-nailed subfloor systems using manufacturer-approved adhesives
These small steps make a big difference.
Homeowner Maintenance Still Matters
Even the best-built floors need the right environment.
Protect your floors by:
Using a humidifier in winter
Using a dehumidifier in summer
Keeping indoor humidity between 30%–50%, depending on your region
Stable humidity slows wood movement and helps prevent squeaks over time.
Bottom line: Squeaky floors may add “character” to an older home – but most new homeowners prefer silence. A quiet floor isn’t an upgrade – it’s a result of smart planning.
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Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.