If a floorboard element with side locking, regardless of what we are looking at (laminate, multi-layer parquet, or otherwise), permanently creaks under pressure stress, this is due to possible (rotational) movements in the locking, formerly it was tongue and groove. The question now: is this allowed or not? The answer: depending on durability and/or noise development, it is NOT allowed, since these systems typically do not tend to creak when properly installed. Another example: everyone listens attentively when a person walks on the floor, and there: a slight creak is audible. Well, in such a case (listed here purely hypothetically), it certainly is not a matter to be classified as a "defect." However, if it creaked with every step, so that even the cat would attentively listen each time, then that would not be acceptable. We, here in the forum, of course, do not know what situation prevails with you. These notes, however, may serve as a point of reference for you, the questioner, to assess the noise development objectively and unemotionally. Regards: KlaRa