4 Best Screws For Squeaky Floors

Do you ever feel like your floors are talking back to you? Squeaking with every step and creaking with every turn?

It’s a common problem that many homeowners face, and it can be incredibly frustrating. But fear not, my fellow homeowner! The solution to this problem is simple: finding the best screws for squeaky floors.

Before we dive into the solution, let’s take a moment to understand the problem. A squeaky floor is caused by the movement of two or more pieces of flooring rubbing against each other. This can happen for several reasons, including the age of the house, the type of flooring, and even the weather. Whatever the cause may be, the solution is the same: screws.

This article will present the four best screws for squeaky floors. These screws have been tried and tested by homeowners and professionals alike, and they have proven to be the most effective at eliminating squeaks and creaks. So, if you’re tired of hearing your floors talk back to you, keep reading to find the solution you’ve been looking for!

Comparison Factors Between 4 Best Screws For Squeaky Floors

Screws are the most effective way to fix a squeaky floor because they can be driven through the subfloor and into the joist below. This creates a tight connection between the subfloor and the joist, eliminating any movement and stopping the squeak.

Comparison Factors	TwisterScrews E-Coat Decking Screws	SEQUAL® Hyper Drive Wood Screws	Optimaxx C288-525 Premium Woodscrews	Ulti-Mate FB42050 Stick-Fit Floorboard Screws
Size	5x100mm	6x200mm	3.5-6mm	4.2x50mm
Color	Green, Tan	Yellow Passivated	Gold	Zinc, Yellow
Material	Steel	Steel	Zinc	Alloy Steel
Head Style	Flat	Flat	Truss	Flat
Finish	Zinc	Zinc	Steel	Zinc Plating with Wax Lubricant Coating

Comparison Factor 1: Size

TwisterScrews E-Coat Decking Screws are available in the size of 5x100mm, which is relatively smaller compared to the 6x200mm size of the same screw type.

SEQUAL® Hyper Drive Wood Screws have a range of sizes between 3.5mm to 6mm, while Optimaxx C288-525 Premium Woodscrews are available in the size of 4.2x50mm.

Ulti-Mate FB42050 Stick-Fit Floorboard Screws come in a single size of 4.2x50mm.

Comparison Factor 2: Color

TwisterScrews E-Coat Decking Screws are available in green and tan colors, while SEQUAL® Hyper Drive Wood Screws are yellow-passivated.

Optimaxx C288-525 Premium Woodscrews come in gold color, and Ulti-Mate FB42050 Stick-Fit Floorboard Screws are available in zinc and yellow color.

Comparison Factor 3: Material

TwisterScrews E-Coat Decking Screws and SEQUAL® Hyper Drive Wood Screws are made of steel, while Optimaxx C288-525 Premium Woodscrews are made of zinc.

Ulti-Mate FB42050 Stick-Fit Floorboard Screws are made of alloy steel.

Comparison Factor 4: Head Style

All four screws have a flat head style, except for SEQUAL® Hyper Drive Wood Screws, which have a truss head style.

Comparison Factor 5: Finish

TwisterScrews E-Coat Decking Screws and SEQUAL® Hyper Drive Wood Screws have a zinc finish, while Optimaxx C288-525 Premium Woodscrews have a steel finish.

Ulti-Mate FB42050 Stick-Fit Floorboard Screws have a zinc plating with wax lubricant coating.

Product Review: Best Screws For Squeaky Floors

TwisterScrews E-Coat Decking Screws

Feature

Electropolyseal coating is superior and available in Green or Tan colors.

Tested for 1000 hours in salt spray testing.

Features a unique patented Magic Spiral countersinking head with every pack and a Pozi 2-bit.

Unique Patented Twisted thread, known as U thread, to pull wood members tight over a length of 50mm.

Ultra Sharp Grab point enables quick grab and deep recessed Pozi 2 Head.

PROS	CONS
Superior Electropolyseal coating protects screws against corrosion and rust, ensuring long-lasting durability. Unique Patented Magic Spiral countersinking head ensures flush fitting of screws, creating a neat and professional finish. Twisted thread design provides superior grip and pulling power, allowing for secure fixing of floorboards.	Some users have reported difficulty with the screws breaking or bending during installation. The screws are more expensive compared to standard floorboard screws. Some users have reported that the Pozi 2-bit provided with the screws may not be durable enough for repeated use.

SEQUAL® Hyper Drive Wood Screws

Feature

Hyper Drive wood screws are designed for building and DIY trade.

The knurled thread on the exterior of the screws increases driving ease, holding power, and speed by up to 20% with maximum pull-out resistance.

The chipboard screws have a ribbed self-countersinking head for flush installation and a smooth finish.

The assorted screws set includes countersunk wood screws with a type 17 sharp tip for drilling into soft materials like wood or plastic without a pilot hole. Harder materials require a pre-drilled hole.

The wood screws packs are zinc and yellow passivated, providing strength for secure fixing and preventing torque shearing. This finish also protects against corrosion and rust, ensuring durability.

These set screws are versatile and can be used to secure sheet metal, PVC panels, plastic, wood, MDF, and chipboard materials, making them ideal for the advancing building and DIY trade.

PROS	CONS
Versatile and multi-purpose, suitable for use in a wide range of applications. Made from high-quality materials for durability and strength. Features a unique cutting point for easy installation and reduced splitting.	The screws may be prone to stripping or slipping when used with harder materials. More expensive than some other types of screws on the market.

Optimaxx C288-525 Premium Woodscrews

Feature

Optimaxx hardened steel wood screws with extreme performance.

No splitting, snapping, pilot hole, or pre-drilling is needed.

Double reinforced collar strengthens the underside of the head, prevents snapping, and allows deeper Pozi recess.

Self-countersinking head with 24 grooves cuts into all materials without the need for counterbore or surface damage.

Razor sharp saw-tooth formation and point reduces torque and resistance for fast penetration without a pilot hole and provides precise start even on hard and smooth surfaces.

Sharp and deep thread formation coated with unique lubricant for fast continuous insertion and protection against corrosion, improving durability.

PROS	CONS
No splitting, snapping, pilot hole, or pre-drilling is needed due to the unique features of the screws. Double reinforced collar significantly strengthens the underside of the head, preventing snapping and allowing a deeper Pozi recess. Self-countersinking head allows the screws to self-countersink into all materials without surface damage.	Some customers reported difficulty using the screws on hardwoods. The price may be higher than some other woodscrew options on the market. Some customers reported that the Pozi bit included with the screws was not durable.

Ulti-Mate FB42050 Stick-Fit Floorboard Screws

Feature

Uses Stick-Fit technology for smooth and stable driving, with one-handed installation for added convenience.

A high-quality Stick-Fit Driver Bit is included in every box for immediate use.

Ideal for use on chipboard, plywood, wooden floorboards, sub-flooring, and loft boards.

Features a top thread design that firmly secures the board to the frame, providing excellent stability and durability.

Boasts a countersunk head with ribs that give a neat, flush finish, providing a professional and clean look.

Equipped with a sharp point and prominent thread that ensures a rapid bite and secure fixing, which saves time and effort during installation.

PROS	CONS
Sharp point for easy and precise insertion. Coarse thread design for better grip and hold. The yellow passivated finish protects against corrosion.	Some users reported that the screws might break or snap when used with hardwood or thick materials. The packaging may not be durable enough, and some screws may arrive damaged.

Screws Or Nails: Which One To Choose?

When Should You Use Screws?

Screws are ideal for attaching flooring to joists, especially when the flooring is thick or made of a dense material like hardwood. They provide a secure hold and are less likely to work their way out over time.

If you need to remove and replace a section of flooring, screws are a better option than nails because they can be unscrewed and removed without damaging the surrounding boards.

Screws are also a good choice when you need to attach two pieces of wood together, such as when building a subfloor. They provide a strong hold and prevent the boards from shifting or warping over time.

When Should You Use Nails?

Nails are typically used for attaching thinner flooring materials like plywood or OSB. They are also a good choice when the flooring is being installed over a concrete subfloor.

If you’re installing flooring in an area with high moisture levels, such as a bathroom or basement, nails are a better option than screws because they are less likely to corrode or rust over time.

Nails can also be a good choice when you need to attach trim or molding to a wall or floor. They are less visible than screws and can be easily covered with wood filler or paint.

How To Fix A Squeaky Floor By Yourself?

The movement of subflooring or plywood on the joists below often causes squeaky floors.

To fix squeaky floors, locate the squeaky spot by walking around the area and listening for the squeak.

Once you have located the squeaky spot, remove the carpet or flooring to expose the subfloor.

Determine the direction of the floor joists, which will help you identify where to screw the subfloor framing screws.

Using a drill, drive the subfloor framing screws through the subfloor and into the joist below to tighten and secure the subfloor.

Be sure to countersink the screws and cover the holes with wood filler before replacing the flooring or carpet.

Consider using construction adhesive to glue the subfloor to the joist for squeaks that persist.

It’s important to fix squeaky floors as soon as possible, as the problem can worsen and lead to more serious damage if left unaddressed.

Final Verdict

Fixing squeaky floors can be a challenging task for any homeowner. However, finding the right screws can make all the difference.

Each screw has its own advantages and disadvantages, and ultimately, the decision of which screw to choose depends on personal preference and budget.

TwisterScrews E-Coat Decking Screws is a high-quality option with an electropolyseal coating that protects the screws against corrosion and rust, making them durable and long-lasting.

On the other hand, SEQUAL Hyper Drive Wood Screws are designed for building and DIY trade, and their knurled thread exterior increases driving ease, holding power, and speed by up to 20% with maximum pull-out resistance.

Ultimately, choosing the right screw can help to eliminate the frustration of squeaky floors and ensure a peaceful and comfortable home environment.

FAQ

What size screws stop squeaky floors?

The size of screws that are typically used to stop squeaky floors is around 2 ½ inches (6.35 cm) long and have a diameter of approximately 8 or 10 gauge.

However, the exact size of the screws needed may vary depending on the thickness of the subfloor and the joists.

It is best to consult with a professional or follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific screws you are using to ensure they are the correct size for your particular situation.

Are screws better than nails for squeaky floors?

Yes, screws are generally better than nails for fixing squeaky floors. Screws have better-holding power than nails and can more securely anchor the subfloor to the floor joists, reducing the movement that causes squeaking.

In addition, screws are less likely to work themselves loose over time, which can also contribute to squeaking.

Are 8 or 10 screws thicker?

Generally, the number of screws (e.g., 8 or 10) refers to its gauge or thickness. The higher the number, the thicker the screw. So a #10 screw is thicker than a #8 screw.

TwisterScrews E-Coat Decking Screws	Price
	Check Price on Amazon

Optimaxx C288-525 Premium Woodscrews	Price
	Check Price on Amazon