What is Liquid Nail vs. Shims for Squeaky Floors? (5 Key Differences)

Squeaky floors. If you’ve ever walked across a room and heard that annoying creak beneath your feet, you know exactly how distracting it can be. I’ve dealt with this issue countless times, both in my own home and on various projects. The question that often comes up is: Should I use Liquid Nails or shims to fix those squeaks? Both methods are popular, but they work quite differently. Let me walk you through what I’ve learned by working hands-on and digging into some solid data.

What is Liquid Nails? What Are Shims?

Liquid Nails is a heavy-duty construction adhesive that bonds materials together. You might have used it before for sticking wood, drywall, or even tile backings. When it comes to squeaky floors, it’s often used to glue loose subflooring or floorboards back in place to stop the movement that causes the noise.

Shims, on the other hand, are thin wedges—usually made of wood, plastic, or composite materials—that you insert between flooring layers or joists to fill gaps or stabilize loose boards. They physically push the boards tight against joists, eliminating movement.

In my experience, both these solutions get the job done but in very different ways. Let me break down five key differences I’ve noticed over years of fixing squeaky floors.

1. How They Work: Adhesion vs Physical Support

Liquid Nails stops squeaks by bonding loose boards back to the subfloor or joists. The adhesive fills small gaps and hardens to create a solid connection. The floorboards can’t move anymore because they’re glued down firmly.

Shims work by filling spaces where boards have loosened or warped. By pushing these boards tight against the joists, shims prevent the rocking or flexing motion that causes squeaks. They don’t bond surfaces but provide mechanical stability.

I remember a project where a client had decades-old hardwood with multiple squeaks. Liquid Nails helped seal some loose planks, but the real fix came when I installed shims between joists and subfloor for better support. Adhesive alone didn’t stop all the noise because some gaps were too large.

How Loose Floors Cause Squeaks

To understand why these fixes work, it helps to know what causes floor squeaks in the first place. Floors squeak when two surfaces rub against each other due to movement—usually wood against wood or wood against nails/screws. This happens if:

• The subfloor has lifted away from the joists
• Floorboards have shrunk or warped leaving gaps
• Nails have loosened over time
• Joists have settled unevenly

The friction from this movement creates those nails-on-a-chalkboard sounds beneath your feet.

Liquid Nails helps by bonding surfaces together so they don’t shift. Shims solve the root cause by filling gaps and stopping movement altogether.

2. Installation Process and Time

Using Liquid Nails is pretty straightforward—you apply it under the loose board and press it down until it dries. Usually, it takes around 24 hours for full curing, but you’ll see immediate improvements once it’s set.

Shimming requires more effort. You have to lift or slightly separate the floorboards to slip in the shims where needed. Sometimes this means removing baseboards or cutting small access holes. It can take longer but offers a more permanent fix.

Once, during a kitchen remodel, I had to shim an entire section of uneven subflooring. It took a full day compared to just a few hours with adhesive in other areas, but the results lasted much longer without any return of squeaks.

Step-by-Step: Applying Liquid Nails for Squeaky Floors

Here’s how I usually approach Liquid Nails installation:

1. Locate the squeaky spots by walking over the floor.
2. Lift up the loose board slightly using a pry bar or hammer.
3. Apply a generous bead of Liquid Nails adhesive underneath.
4. Press the board firmly back down onto the subfloor.
5. Use nails or screws to secure while adhesive dries.
6. Allow 24 hours for full cure before heavy use.

This method is quick and less invasive but works best when gaps are small.

Step-by-Step: Installing Shims

Installing shims is more involved:

1. Identify joists and loose areas by tapping and listening.
2. Remove baseboards or molding if necessary for access.
3. Lift floorboards gently using a pry bar.
4. Insert shims between joists and subfloor where gaps exist.
5. Tap shims gently until tight but don’t force too much to avoid damage.
6. Trim excess shim material flush with joist or floorboard.
7. Secure floorboards back in place with nails/screws.
8. Replace baseboards if removed.

This process can take hours or even days depending on floor size but offers a solid permanent fix.

3. Durability and Longevity

Liquid Nails is strong but can degrade over time—especially in areas with moisture or temperature changes. The bond might weaken after several years, which can bring back those annoying creaks.

Shims are more durable because they physically support the structure. Once properly installed, they don’t lose effectiveness unless something shifts in the foundation or joists move.

In one case study I followed from a flooring contractor group, homes that relied solely on adhesive fixes reported squeak returns after about 3-5 years. Meanwhile, those that combined shimming with adhesive enjoyed quieter floors for over a decade.

Why Durability Matters

When you’re dealing with flooring, durability isn’t just about avoiding noise—it affects safety and home value too. A floor that creaks constantly can feel unstable, especially in older homes where wood movement is common.

Having done repairs in homes built in the early 1900s, I saw firsthand how failing adhesives caused floors to loosen again after just a few winters with fluctuating humidity levels.

Shims provided a mechanical fix that lasted through seasonal changes without losing grip.

Environmental Factors

Humidity and temperature swings impact adhesives like Liquid Nails more than solid wooden shims do.

• Adhesives can become brittle or lose bonding power if exposed to moisture.
• Wood expands and contracts naturally—shims accommodate this better by filling spaces physically.
• In basements or crawlspaces prone to dampness, shims treated with preservatives resist rot better than adhesives holding wet wood together.

4. Cost Considerations

Liquid Nails is generally cheaper upfront. A tube costs around $5-$10 and covers many squeaky spots depending on size. Less labor means lower installation costs if you’re hiring help.

Shims cost more because you need materials plus extra labor time to install them carefully. Depending on the wood type and quantity, shims can run anywhere from $20 to $50 for a small project area. Labor charges also add up since installation is more involved.

When budgeting for floor repairs, I always remind homeowners that paying a bit more for shims can save money long-term by avoiding repeat fixes.

Breaking Down Costs: DIY vs Hiring Pros

I’ve worked with clients who tried DIY fixes with Liquid Nails only to call me months later when squeaks returned. Some saved money at first but ended up paying more for rework.

Hiring professionals for shimming can seem costly upfront, but here’s why it’s often worth it:

• Proper installation prevents damage.
• Shimming addresses root causes instead of symptoms.
• Professionals spot underlying structural issues.
• Long-term savings on repairs and complaints.

Material Price Comparison

If your floor has widespread issues, combining both methods might be best but budget accordingly.

5. Suitability for Different Floor Types

Liquid Nails works well on hardwoods and plywood subfloors where you can easily apply adhesive under loose boards.

Shims are better suited for floors with wide gaps or uneven joists—like older homes with settling foundations or warped subflooring.

For example, I once fixed a vintage cottage where certain joists had dropped over time. No adhesive alone could stop the squeak because the floorboards were suspended loosely above gaps. Installing shims restored stability almost immediately.

Hardwood vs Laminate vs Engineered Floors

• Hardwood floors: Both Liquid Nails and shims work well depending on problem severity.
• Laminate floors: Usually not glued down; shimming underneath often necessary.
• Engineered wood: Often glued; minor squeaks fixed with adhesive; severe gaps benefit from shimming subfloor/joists.

Flooring Age Matters

Older homes (50+ years) often need shimming due to natural settling and wood shrinkage over time.

Newer homes might respond well to simpler adhesive fixes because materials are tighter and less worn out.

More Insights From My Work: Personal Stories & Lessons Learned

Story 1: The Old Victorian House

I was called to a Victorian house built in 1890 with floors that sounded like a haunted mansion every time you stepped near windows or doorways.

I first tried Liquid Nails on some loose planks but nearly gave up when they still creaked after winter months when humidity dropped dramatically.

After consulting a structural engineer, we agreed that joists had shifted slightly causing uneven subflooring gaps. Installing shims between joists eliminated all movement permanently.

The homeowner was thrilled—no more creepy creaks during family gatherings!

Story 2: Quick Fix Gone Wrong

A client once asked me if he could just use Liquid Nails himself rather than paying for professional repairs.

He bought several tubes and glued boards back down but didn’t secure them with nails or screws afterward.

Within six months, many spots started squeaking again because adhesive alone wasn’t enough without mechanical fastening.

I had to redo most of the work with shimming included this time around.

Lesson learned: Adhesive works best combined with proper fasteners and/or shims for longer-lasting results.

How To Choose Between Liquid Nails and Shims For Your Squeaky Floors?

Ask yourself:

• How large are the gaps causing the squeak?
• What type of flooring do I have?
• How old is my home’s structure?
• Am I looking for a quick fix or long-term solution?
• What is my budget?

If gaps are minor and few, try Liquid Nails first—it’s easy and affordable.

If gaps are large or multiple joists feel uneven beneath your floor, plan on shimming for stability you won’t regret later.

Additional Considerations Before You Start

Safety First

Always wear gloves and eye protection when working with adhesives or lifting floorboards.

Check for electrical wires or plumbing when removing boards—avoid damaging infrastructure beneath your floors!

Moisture Check

Use a moisture meter before applying adhesives since wet wood won’t bond well. If moisture is high due to leaks or poor ventilation, fix that first.

Tools You’ll Need

• Pry bar
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Wood shims (pre-cut or cut yourself)
• Construction adhesive (Liquid Nails brand recommended)
• Safety gear (gloves/goggles)
• Screws/nails
• Drill/screwdriver
• Moisture meter (optional but useful)

Case Study: Long-Term Flooring Fixes Using Both Methods

I recently worked on a suburban home built in 1975 with persistent squeaks throughout two rooms of hardwood flooring. The homeowners wanted something lasting but affordable.

After inspection:

1. Used Liquid Nails on minor loose boards as an immediate fix.
2. Installed shims strategically between joists under areas with larger gaps.
3. Reinforced all boards with screws for added security.
4. Monitored moisture levels in basement crawlspace to prevent future warping.

Follow-up visits after one year showed zero return of squeaks despite seasonal humidity swings—a success story proving combining methods works best under many conditions.

Why Not Just Replace The Floor?

Sometimes I get asked why not tear out old floors and start fresh? Fair question!

Here’s what I tell people:

• Full replacement costs thousands of dollars versus few hundred fixing squeaks.
• Historic floors add character and value—repairs preserve that charm.
• Replacement takes weeks; repairs can be done in days.
• If structure is sound, fixing squeaks extends floor life significantly.

Replacement makes sense if flooring is severely damaged beyond repair or rotten—but often you don’t need that drastic step just for noise issues.

FAQs About Fixing Squeaky Floors With Liquid Nails vs Shims

Q: Can I use both methods together?

A: Absolutely! Applying adhesive then inserting shims provides adhesion plus mechanical support—the best combo for stubborn squeaks.

Q: Will Liquid Nails work on concrete subfloors?

A: No, adhesives like Liquid Nails bond wood-to-wood best; concrete requires different solutions such as screw-down methods or underlayment mats.

Q: Are certain types of shims better?

A: Wood shims are traditional but plastic/composite ones resist moisture better in damp areas like basements.

Q: How long before Liquid Nails cures fully?

A: Usually 24 hours for full strength but initial tackiness sets within minutes allowing light foot traffic sooner.

Q: Is there any risk of damaging hardwood with shims?

A: If done carefully and not forced too hard, no damage occurs—always trim excess shim material flush after installation.

Final Thoughts After Years of Fixing Floors

Fixing squeaky floors is part science, part art—but most importantly it’s about understanding your home’s unique needs.

I’ve learned that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer between Liquid Nails and shims—they’re tools in your toolbox rather than competitors.

If you want quick results on minor issues without breaking the bank? Go liquid adhesive route first.

If you want peace of mind knowing your floors won’t start creaking again next winter? Don’t hesitate to invest time and effort into properly installed shims—it pays off big time down the road.

Have questions about your own squeaky floors? Need help deciding which fix fits your situation best? Just ask—I’m here to help!

Thanks for reading through this detailed guide! If you found this helpful, share it with friends battling annoying floor creaks—you’ll be their hero.

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