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How to seal between decking boards?

I have floorboards with big gaps between that link outside with inside. What's the best way to fill the gaps and then use boards as floor base and keep out unwanted wildlife? I plan to use the boards as my floor? Is it best just to cover it with a big piece of vinyl or will this just go mouldy and rot the whole floor in time?

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EricL

Hello @ruby947

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your floorboards.

In order to give our members a better idea of what your flooring looks like, would it be possible for you to post a few photos of the flooring you're planning to cover? Once we see what it looks like, we'll be able to offer recommendations on how to cover it. There are a number of factors that need to be taken into account especially if it is outside your home. The materials to be used must be designed for outside use. What kind of exposure are we looking at? Is it full on or is the area partially covered.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

ruby947

Hi there

Photos attached of floorboard gaps as previous post. What's best to fill with or just cover?

MitchellMc

Hi @ruby947,

Thank you for sharing your photos. It looks like the boards are standard decking boards, which are typically used in outdoor settings. To give you the best advice, could you clarify whether this area is part of an enclosed balcony or if you intend to use the decking boards as part of your home's interior flooring?

While decking boards aren’t typically used as interior timber flooring, it’s possible to adapt them for such a purpose. If you’re keeping them, ideally, they should be laid without gaps, as the gaps are usually for drainage when used outdoors. However, since you already have gaps, understanding your overall plan for the space would help refine the recommendations.

If you’re enclosing the area or converting it into a fully indoor space, you might consider adding sarking beneath the boards to block insects and drafts. Another option is to install tile underlay sheeting to create a smooth, gap-free surface. You can then lay vinyl flooring over the top for a cleaner and more polished look.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

ruby947

Thanks Mitchell for the detailed reply. It was a poorly done job that I am now trying to rectify. It was always meant to be used for an indoor area so I think the tile underlay and vinyl floor might be the best option

Getting underneath to do sarking is going to be difficult but has certainly crossed my mind, mainly to prevent insects and damage to the underlay from damp/humidity.

Many thanks again

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