Small Home Gazette, Summer 2023

Your Squeaky Floor Is an Asset

Are your bungalow’s vintage wood floors full of squeaks? Do you find the sounds irritating? Perhaps you should think of them as an advantage.    

In Japan, during the Edo period (1603 to 1867), rulers actually designed their floors so that they would squeak. Called uguisu-bari, royal families installed metal clamps under the floorboards in certain areas of the house. When the boards were stepped on, the clamps rubbed against spikes, creating a shrill noise.

The reason for the squeaks? Security. An assassin trying to sneak into the house at night would sound an alarm with every step.    

You can still experience uguisu-bari by visiting certain historic buildings in Japan. Or you can visit this website for a full explanation, including photos and video.

Tonight, maybe you will rest a little easier knowing that your floors will warn you if an assassin sneaks into your bungalow.