Do I need to fill nail holes on floorboards before sanding and polishing?

squeakysim

I know you need to make sure nail heads do not sit proud of the surface of the floor before sanding. But, I was wondering if they are flush could I leave them so the tops get polished up…? I think I like the rustic look of having nails showing…

That said, if I do go with fill nail holes, how far should they be punched into the floor to enable effective filling? 
Thanks 

EricL

Hello @squeakysim 

If you're after a rustic look, leaving the nail heads exposed can definitely add character, but it's a bit of a balancing act. Even if the heads are flush, sanding can sometimes catch the edges, potentially creating sparks or uneven wear on your sandpaper. It might also lead to the nail heads rusting if moisture seeps into the exposed metal over time, potentially staining the wood around them. If you still want the nails visible, you could consider countersinking them just slightly, then using a small amount of a clear, durable floor finish over the heads to reduce the risk of rust.

If you decide to fill the nail holes instead, the nails should be punched at least 2-3mm below the surface of the timber. This depth allows the filler to properly anchor into the hole and stay secure during sanding and wear over time. For a more seamless look, you might want to use a flexible, water-based timber filler that closely matches the floor's colour or even a tinted filler to blend in with the wood grain.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric