Squeaky, creaking wood floors are an “issue” for many homeowners – even with newer houses! It’s not unheard of for floors to creak, moan, or even give a high-pitched squeal when under pressure. But did you know that noisy floors might be part of the larger design of some older homes?
Some builders have purposefully installed floors that squeaked whenever walked upon. That way, homeowners would be made aware of intruders in the house overnight or while in another room.
At the Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Japan, this tactic was used wholeheartedly. The idea was that the squeaky floors, known as the Nightingale Floor, would ward off intruders on their own accord! The builders hoped that, if an intruder heard his or her own loud footsteps, they would quickly leave. Today, people travel from thousands of miles away to see (and hear) the famous floor, paying a fee to experience what is now seen as a flaw.
In newer homes, it’s unlikely the squeaks were planned. However, rather than cursing your awful luck to have noisy woodwork, maybe you could consider it an early warning system that adds character to your home!
Want to hear the Nightingale Floor for yourself? Check out this traveler’s video.