Real wood floors are a timeless classic which make an elegant addition to any property. However, over time, it’s not unusual for gaps to become visible between the planks of timber. Indeed, this is a result of natural contraction and expansion of the material.
But you can fill in these gaps so the floors look smooth again, and so that they don’t squeak or cause draughts.
Mind the gap: understand why these things happen
Humidity fluctuations, incorrect fitting or just the wood getting older and drying out over time are all factors which can cause gaps. And while minor ones are not generally an issue, bigger ones can be. For example, the boards may even become a trip hazard, dust can collect in the cavities and so on.
But the good news is that filling them in can breathe fresh life into your wooden flooring.
And, to prevent them occurring in the first place, keep the climate indoors consistent, with humidity levels of between 40% and 60% and a temperature of between 60° and 80°. Use a dehumidifier or humidifier if necessary.
Proper fitting is also vital. You need to lay planks very tightly together, and allow them to acclimatise to the conditions in the room beforehand.
The best filling method
Much will depend on how big the gaps are, the wood type involved and the finish of the floor. But you can try:
- Wood putty or filler: These ready-made solutions suit gaps which are small or medium in size. Available in multiple colours for different timber types, they’re very user friendly.
- Wood strips: Where gaps are bigger, especially on older plank-style floors, these slivers or strips of wood can be highly effective.
- Wood resin and dust: You can also create a filer by blending wood dust from your floor and resin, creating a perfect match.
How to fill in the gaps
Whichever method you choose, there are some steps you’ll always need to follow.
- Preparation: Clean the floor thoroughly to start off with, sweeping and vacuuming up any loose dust and dirt. Then clean out the gaps you want to fill with a chisel.
- Select your filler: With wood filler or putty, go for something that’s a close colour match for your floor. Using wood strips? Cut them to suit the length of the gap. Finally, with wood dust and resin, combine the two elements to make a paste which is the same colour as your floor.
- Applying the filler: Use a putty knife to apply wood filler or putty, and make sure you fill it completely. With the strips, put wood glue in the gap, insert the strip and then tap gently into place with a hammer. With wood dust and resin, again use a putty knife to apply the paste to the gaps until every gap is filled.
- Allow to dry then finish: Let the filler dry out in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. This may take between a few hours and a whole day. You’ll then need to sand the area thoroughly, kicking off with coarse paper and then graduating to finer grades to achieve a smooth finish. You should wear a dust mask to do this. Finally, you’ll need to clean the floor thoroughly and apply your finishing product of choice, whether that’s a stain, oil or lacquer, for added protection and for sealing. Have a finish which goes with the rest of your floor, for consistency.
Is this something I can do myself?
Filling in gaps in wood floors can be perfectly achievable as a DIY project. But, equally, sometimes you’re simply better off getting in a professional to do the job. And that’s especially the case if your floor has bad damage, is antique or has complex restoration needs. In such cases, a pro can save you time, hassle and potential problems by doing the task correctly, and to a higher standard than you would have been able to accomplish yourself.
Contact Royal Stone Care
Royal Stone Care isn’t just for natural stone, although we offer many excellent services looking after marble, quartz, limestone, granite and the like. We also carry out wood restoration, wood repair and wood sanding to an impeccably high standard. Take a closer look and get in touch for a quote and with any questions.
