Suitable gap filler for high traffic flooring?

[ewan]

I have a gap between my wooden staircase and the edge of my floating floor. What is a suitable product to fill the gap whilst maintaining a flat surface. I have not used an edge trim as this would create a trip hazard.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @ewan,

Filling the gap between your wooden staircase and floating floor is important for both aesthetics and safety. Ideally, using timber is the best option, as it will provide a durable and natural-looking finish. One method is to cut a piece of floorboard or a timber sliver, such as Tasmanian oak, to fit the gap and glue it in place. This approach ensures a flat, seamless surface that aligns with your existing floor, though it can be a bit tricky and is usually best done by a professional to achieve a perfect finish. It also appears that the sides of the gap are not parallel, and it would be best to address this issue before filling, as leaving it may result in suboptimal outcomes. It could be difficult to adjust the gap, and a professional would likely cut the sides square with a circular saw and a multitool.

Alternatively, a mixture of fine sawdust from the same timber and wood filler/glue can be used. This method is quicker and more cost-effective, but it may not be as durable in high-traffic areas, and the filled gap could be more noticeable. Overall, while fillers are an option, inserting timber slivers provides a more robust and visually cohesive result, making it the preferred solution for a high-traffic area like the edge of a staircase. 

Let me tag @Nailbag and @Dave-1 for their thoughts.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Dave-1]

Good morning @ewan 

If you have any more of the floating floorboards I would redo that last one with an angled cut that matches your top of stairs more closely. 

Second option is the one that @MitchellMc has mentioned., The last one would be glue but I would rather the 1st or second way as I think the finish will be nicer. It may cost a bit more but long term it will be less intrusive.

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @ewan 

My first preference is the same as @Dave-1 in that I would definitely remove that first board and reinsert a new one that matches and closes the gap as closely as possible. Then using a flexible filler that will accept the eventual clear coating over the floorboards will be minimal.

As the filler I would use the approach @MitchellMc mentioned which is to use wood glue (it dries clear) and Tassie Oak saw dust which will be easier to match than the floorboard.

I would also reconsider using a trim. Appreciating your concern about it being a trip hazard, but personally I feel they are no more a trip hazard than the step itself. They are only a few mm thick in a range of colours and profiles and also provide protection to the leading edge of the top riser.

Nailbag