With older tongue-and-groove hardwood flooring or even wide-plank floors, gaps inevitably develop between the boards mostly because the wood shrinks over time as it dries out and loses moisture content. The problem is magnified if the boards were not tightly laid in the first place. Another exacerbating condition is water damage. Water-logged wood will first swell then shrink as it dries out. Floors that are subjected to dry heat from below—such as when they are installed above a furnace room—are particularly prone to developing gaps. Show
Although some gapping is inevitable, severe gaps become more than just unsightly. Wide gaps between boards can become dirt magnets, and the floor may even become a tripping hazard if the boards begin to cup or curl, a common occurrence with old wood flooring. Should You Fill Flooring Gaps?It's important to keep in mind that all wood expands and contracts with seasonal humidity changes. If you're bothered by gaps in the dry winter months but don't seem to notice them much during the relatively humid seasons, it's probably best to leave the gaps alone, as filling them when they're at their widest will create problems when the wood expands again and the gaps naturally close up. In extreme cases, floorboards can buckle if you have left no room for them to expand. On the other hand, old flooring can develop gaps that are more or less permanent, although they still may get slightly wider and narrower with humidity changes. Check your hardwood flooring during the humid season, when the wood is most swollen and the boards are at their tightest. If you find that the gaps are large enough so that a nickel standing upright can slide into the gaps, then you have a problem that needs correction. If you're certain the gaps are there year-round, it's probably safe to fill them. It's best to do this during the humid season, when the gaps are most narrow. Of course, this means you might see slight gaps appear when the wood shrinks again next winter, but this is better than a floor that buckles during the next humid season when the boards expand. Before You BeginWe've provided instructions for a few different methods of fixing the gaps in your wood floor. Depending upon the option you choose, you might not need all of the supplies on our lists. Read through the instructions carefully, then gather the supplies and tools appropriate for your chosen method. Need more help? Talk to a flooring expertOur partners can help you compare quotes from top-rated professionals near you Get a Quote The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which The Spruce receives compensation. Materials
How to Fill Floorboard Gaps With Wood StripsThis method involves using a table saw to rip-cut narrow strips from spare floor boards. If you have no leftover flooring boards lying around, then you may be able to buy new or salvaged boards of the same species or simply use pieces of matching hardwood lumber.
How to Fill Floorboard Gaps With RopeFilling large gaps with natural-fiber rope is a traditional method commonly used on wide plank floorboards in very old homes. While the rope doesn't look like wood, you can stain it to blend with the floorboards, and the filled gaps will be much less noticeable than the dark, empty gaps. Be sure to use natural rope, such as jute or cotton, because synthetic rope won't accept a stain.
How to Fill Floorboard Gaps With Wood PuttyFilling gaps with wood putty is a quick and easy method that works on small, relatively stable gaps. However, there's a good chance the gaps will open up again during the dry season, and they may crack inconsistently.
Should you fill gaps in wood floors?For normal gaps, no repairs are needed. Adding filler is not a good idea; it will get pushed out as the wood expands with moisture. For larger gaps that don't close up, call in a professional contractor who can repair floors properly. The best times to repair hardwood floors are April and October.
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