How to fill gaps between wooden floorboards?

[ELI5]

Hi,

I would like to fill the gaps between the wooden floorboards in the picture to avoid food items from getting in between them.

Thanks

[JacobZ]

Hi @ELI5,

You can use a wood filler such as the ones produced by Timbermate.

They come in a variety of colours, such as the ones you can see below.

Your flooring looks like either Walnut or Brush Box would be good options.

You'll want to remove the existing filler before adding new stuff. This can be done with a utility knife and a vacuum cleaner. Please ensure you wear gloves and long protective clothing when using the knife as there is always the risk of laceration when working with knives.

Once the existing filler has been removed, use a Plastic Scraper to push the new filler into the gaps.

Clean up with a slightly damp cloth.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[tom138]

Hey @JacobZ, I thought I’d ask here instead of starting a new thread. I’m wanting to restore, sand and coat my cypress pine flooring that was previously covered by carpet. I think I have enough info how to deal with gaps between boards but what I’m unsure about is what to do with:

1/ large butt join gaps (2-3mm)

2/ cracks in boards (most commonly found at end of boards where they nailed and the timber split

I originally intended to replace these cracked boards (or parts) but found out that I’d have to replace like half of them.

Any advise is much appreciated!

Tom

[tom138]

Also, what are the best fasteners to use to fix boards where they missed joists? (surprisingly often). The joists are hardwood.

I was thinking 50x2mm bullet head to minimize holes to fill. Any concerns with bullet head nails not holding boards down? Or should I go screws? Like the Buildex 8gx50mm trim head timber screws?

I noticed that some of the longer boards are not nailed at ends at all, which leads to movement. I intend to fix that but wondering if the person laying the floor might have had any reason for that… other than laziness?

Thanks, Tom

[tom138]

One of the original nails. Looks like  50x2.8mm might be closer 

[EricL]

Hello @tom138 

I believe you can still use wood filler to fil in gaps as large as 3mm. However, if the gap becomes larger than 4mm, I propose cutting up some timber wedges to fill in the gaps in combination with timber adhesive. The timber plugs can then be trimmed down with a utility knife and sanded smooth. In regards to the nails, I propose looking at the Buildex® 8 - 10 x 50mm Zinc Alloy 3 Trim Head Timber Screw - 100 Pack as a possible alternative. My best advice is to drill pilot holes and countersink the heads so that they sit flush with the floor and will not get in the way when you sand it smooth.

It is difficult to tell what was through the mind of the former installer. But I advise fixing the floor panels properly so that they will not lift or curl as time passes. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric