Squeaky floorboards and worn timber floors often go hand in hand, so it's a fair question to ask — but the short answer is: not automatically. Floor sanding and squeak repairs are technically separate jobs, and most professional floor sanders will treat them differently. The good news is that many tradespeople can address both, provided you discuss it upfront and agree on the scope of work before they start.
What a Floor Sander Is Actually Hired to Do
A professional floor sander's core job is to strip back the surface of your timber floor — removing old coatings, stains, and surface damage — then apply a fresh finish such as polyurethane, oil, or hard wax. The process typically involves:
- Coarse sanding to remove the old finish and level the surface
- Medium and fine sanding passes to smooth the timber
- Edge sanding along skirting boards and corners
- Applying the chosen finish in multiple coats
This process can improve the look and feel of your floor dramatically, but it doesn't address what's happening underneath the boards.
Why Squeaks Are a Separate Issue
Squeaks are almost always caused by movement between timber components — a board rubbing against a neighbouring board, a board flexing over a loose nail, or subfloor framing that has dried out and shrunk over time. Sanding the surface does nothing to fix this movement.
Common causes of squeaky floors in NZ homes include:
- Loose or missing nails — boards that have lifted slightly from the joists
- Dried-out timber — New Zealand's variable humidity causes timber to shrink and expand seasonally
- Subfloor movement — particularly in older villas and bungalows with suspended timber floors
- Board-to-board rubbing — gaps between boards allow movement and friction
Because the fix often involves working from below (through a subfloor crawl space) or driving screws/nails through the face of the board, it's a carpentry or flooring repair task, not strictly a sanding task.
Will My Floor Sander Help With Squeaks?
Many experienced floor sanders are also skilled in general timber floor repairs and will happily tackle squeaks as part of a broader job — but you need to ask and agree on this before work begins. Here's how it typically plays out:
| Situation | What Usually Happens |
|---|---|
| Minor squeaks from a few loose boards | Many sanders will nail or screw and plug as part of prep work |
| Widespread squeaking across the floor | Likely quoted as a separate repair job |
| Squeaks from below (subfloor/joists) | May require a carpenter or access from underneath |
| Squeaks in engineered or floating floors | Usually outside a sander's scope entirely |
What to Ask Before Booking
When getting quotes, be upfront about the squeaks. Ask:
- "Can you assess and fix the squeaks as part of this job?"
- "Will that be included in the quote or charged separately?"
- "If the squeak is coming from the subfloor, can you still help?"
A good tradesperson will inspect the floor first and give you an honest answer. You can find qualified local floor sanders on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Common Squeak Fixes a Floor Sander Might Do
If the squeak is surface-level and accessible, a floor sander may:
- Drive screws through the face of the board into the joist below, then fill the hole with a timber plug or filler before sanding
- Re-nail loose boards using a nail punch to set the nail below the surface
- Apply a lubricant or timber filler between boards to reduce friction (a temporary fix)
- Fill gaps between boards with a flexible filler to reduce movement
For more complex structural issues, BRANZ notes that suspended timber floors in older NZ homes can develop significant movement over time, and this may need a licensed building practitioner or carpenter to properly assess.
What About the NZ Building Code?
Simple squeak repairs — like screwing down a loose board — are generally Schedule 1 exempt work under the Building Act and don't require a building consent. However, if the repair involves structural framing, subfloor work, or anything that affects the building's structure, you should check with your local council. MBIE Building Performance has guidance on what work requires consent.
If you're unsure, a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) can advise on whether your situation needs consent.
When to Call a Professional
You should call a professional if:
- Squeaks are widespread and the floor feels springy or soft underfoot (possible structural issue)
- You can see boards that have lifted, cupped, or separated significantly
- The squeak is coming from below and you have a crawl space that needs inspection
- You're unsure whether the floor is solid timber, engineered timber, or a floating floor — the repair approach differs for each
For finishing products used after repairs, NZ suppliers like Resene and Dulux offer a range of timber floor coatings, and your floor sander will advise on the best system for your floor type and lifestyle.
