Can I install laminate over an old hardwood floor that squeaks?

Answer 1

Covering a hardwood floor with a laminate is not going to solve your squeak problem. The old floor will still squeak until you address the squeak and fix it. Wood floors squeak because a nail loosens at one end of a board, the wood swells and rubs due to weather, etc. But the problem can be easily solved. If you have exposed joists underneath, you can have someone walk above you and find the squeak spot, then you can shim that spot, drive an angled screw through to hold the shim. That's one way. What you need to do is visit a good flooring or hardware store and ask for the tools and products to fix your old floor. There are simple products that are inexpensive and easy to use. Save your hard wood floor. There is no value in laminate. Have you ever walked on one? Talk about noise!