Engineered Timber Creaking: Is It Normal Over Particleboard?
- Imperial Flooring Australia
- 13 hours ago
- 2 min read
Hearing a creak in your engineered timber flooring can be concerning — especially after investing in a premium floor.
If your flooring is installed direct stick over particleboard, here’s what you need to know.
The Quick Answer
✔ Light, occasional creaks = Normal seasonal behaviour
❌ Constant cracking, loud popping or structural movement = Needs inspection
In most NSW and VIC homes, minor seasonal noise is completely expected.
Why is my Engineered Timber Creaking?
1. Seasonal Expansion & Contraction
Engineered timber is more stable than solid timber — but it still reacts to environmental changes.
Across Australia, particularly NSW and Victoria, humidity can shift dramatically between summer and winter.
Summer → Boards expand
Winter → Boards contract
This natural movement can cause:
Light creaks
Minor clicking
Tension sounds
This is not a defect — it’s material behaviour.
2. Particleboard Subfloor Movement
When flooring is installed direct stick over particleboard, the subfloor itself also moves slightly with seasonal moisture changes.
Particleboard can:
Absorb humidity
Slightly swell
Tighten against fixings
Create friction between joists
Often, the noise people hear is actually the subfloor adjusting — not the engineered boards themselves.
Why Kitchens Are Often Noisier
Kitchens commonly generate more movement-related noise because they:
Have heavy cabinetry fixed in place
Experience steam and cooking heat
Carry high daily foot traffic
These factors create tension points in the flooring system.
Once the environment stabilises, the pressure typically reduces — and so does the noise.
When Is It Acceptable?
Seasonal creaking is generally acceptable if:
The floor feels solid underfoot
There is no lifting
Gapping is within normal tolerance
The noise is not progressively worsening
Most seasonal creaks settle naturally — especially during seasonal transitions.
When Should It Be Inspected?
Arrange a professional inspection if you notice:
Bouncy areas
Hollow sounds across large sections
Expanding gaps
Glue bond failure
Movement that worsens over time
These signs may indicate installation or subfloor issues.
Why New Builds Experience This More
New homes are well known for seasonal noise in flooring.
Why? Because:
The building is still drying out
Internal humidity levels fluctuate
HVAC systems are newly commissioned
The structure is still stabilising
Most homes fully acclimatise within the first 6–12 months.
The Key Takeaway
Engineered timber flooring direct stick over particleboard is a proven and reliable installation method.
Minor seasonal creaking:
Is common in Australian climates
Does not indicate structural failure
Often settles on its own
Is part of timber’s natural behaviour
If the floor remains solid and visually stable, patience is usually the solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for engineered timber floors to creak in winter?
Yes. Winter air is drier, which causes slight contraction and minor tension sounds.
Does particleboard make floors noisier?
Particleboard can respond to humidity changes, which may create minor friction noise during seasonal shifts.
How long does seasonal movement last?
Most homes stabilise within 6–12 months, particularly in new builds.
Should I be worried about light clicking sounds?
Not if the floor feels solid and there are no visible installation issues.
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