Q. How can I avoid floor squeaks with a wood joist system?

A.The best way to avoid floor squeaks is to follow these four steps:

  • Use dry lumber for the joists.
  • Use a tongue-and-groove subfloor.
  • Use a mastic-type construction adhesive, such as PL-200, between the joists and the subfloor, and on the tongued edges of the subfloor.
  • Nail any underlayment tightly with ring-shank nails, but space the underlayment nails so they do not hit the joists.