How to fix gaps in door frames and skirting boards?

[DannyN]

Hi everyone,

I have some gaps in my kitchen and bathroom floors that I’d like to fix or at least stop from getting worse, as shown in the pictures. Should I fill them with silicon? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[JacobZ]

Hi @DannyN,

The first thing to do with any of these gaps is give the timber a sand to tidy it up. Use 120 Grit Sandpaper, following the contours of the mouldings.

After sanding, the timber will be far easier for fillers to adhere to.

For the first two images, which are timber to timber gaps, you could use a wood filler like this Timbermate White Wood Filler to fill the gap. You can use a Pro Renovator 50mm Plastic Scraper to apply the filler and do your best to replicate the contours of the skirting boards. A moistened finger can also be handy to help shape the filler. Once dry, the filler should be sanded smooth and painted.

For the third and fourth images, you are looking at a gap between tile and timber, which is better covered by a silicone product such as this White SikaSeal Silicone Sealant. Silicone can't be painted, so if you'd like to touch up the paint, make sure to do this before applying the silicone.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[DannyN]

Thank you so much for your detailed instructions, Jacob. Much appreciated!

[DannyN]

Hi @JacobZ, can I use this Selleys 300g White Wet Area Waterproof Silicone Sealant to fill the gap between the timber and tile, as well as between tiles on the bathroom wall?

[EricL]

Hello @DannyN 

Yes, the Selleys 300g White Wet Area Waterproof Silicone Sealant will work on both timber and tile. My best advice is to make sure that the surface is dry and clean before applying the silicone.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How To Silicone Seal A Bath 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[DannyN]

Thanks so much Eric!