Loose or creaking boards are a common problem, particularly in older buildings, but they are straightforward to fix. Take care to avoid damaging cables and pipes below floor level Tools and materials Drill, nails, hammer, nail punch

On one side of the loose floorboard, drill a pilot hole down through the board and into the joist below. If the floor is exposed, hammer a nail into the hole. If appearance is not important, use a screw, which will provide a more secure fixing. Use a nail punch and knock nail heads (if using nails) just below the surface. If required, repeat on the other edge of the board.

Extracted from DIY- Know How With Show How published by Dorling Kindersley, price £25.00. Copyright © 2006 Dorling Kindersley Ltd, Text copyright © 2006 Julian Cassell and Peter Parham