Flooring & Tiling · Floors
Re-Secure a Loose Timber Floorboard
Repair summary
Locate the joist with a stud finder, then drive a countersunk screw through the loose board into the joist. Fill the head with matching coloured filler and wipe the excess before it skins over.
Likely issue
Nail has worked loose from the joist
DIY difficulty
2/5
Estimated DIY cost
$25
Estimated tradie cost
$180–$320
Tools required
- Drill
- Countersink bit
- Stud finder
Materials required
Step-by-step instructions
- Find and mark every joist along the loose section.
- Locate the joist with a stud finder, then drive a countersunk screw through the loose board into the joist. Fill the head with matching coloured filler and wipe the excess before it skins over.
Safety warnings
If you have services running below the floor (cables, pipes), keep screws short (40mm into the joist max) and never drive blind near switchboards or plumbing chases.
When to call a tradie
Call a licensed tradie if the work is outside the scope of this guide, involves regulated trades (electrical, gas, structural, waterproofing), or if you discover hidden damage. A professional will typically charge $180–$320.
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