Hardwood Flooring Gaps: Helpful Tips on How to Fix Those Gaps

Wood reacts to variations in humidity by expanding and contracting. Low humidity causes wood to shrink, whereas high humidity causes it to swell. Gaps between hardwood planks may appear as a result of these variations.

2. Improper Installation

Gaps between hardwood boards can be caused by inadequate installation methods or not giving enough room for expansion.

3. Aging

Natural wear and tear, including gaps, occur when hardwood flooring matures. Gaps may develop as a result of the wood drying out and contracting over time.

4. Wood Movement

The expansion and contraction rates of various wood species differ. Due to how different each species responds to environmental changes. Gaps may appear when using numerous species or boards with various moisture content.

Now that you are aware of the causes of the gaps, let’s examine some of the solutions.

1. Wood Fillers For Small To Medium-Sized Gaps

For small gaps in hardwood flooring, wood filler works well. This is how to apply it:

• Clean the opening and get rid of any dirt.
• Pick a wood filler that blends in with the color of your hardwood.
• Fill in the space with the filler, going a little overboard.
• With a putty knife, level the filler after pressing it firmly into the opening.
• After letting it entirely dry, sand it to the same level as the floor surface.
• Finish with a furnish or sealer that matches the flooring around it.

Gaps can occasionally appear because the weather is too dry. Try rehydrating the wood to fill in the gaps if this is the case.

• Don’t soak a clean cloth in water, just dampen it.
• Overnight or for a few hours, place the damp cloth across the opening.
• To see if the gaps have closed check it out. In that case, repeat the procedure.

To patch and seal bigger gaps between floors, use wood shims:

• The gap’s depth should be measured.
• A wood shim should be cut to the proper size.
• The shim has adhered to before being hammered into the openings.
• Trim and sand the extra shim after the adhesive has had time to dry.
• Finish with the floor-coordinating stain or varnish.

It is best to replace individual boards when they are the source of gaps;

• Carefully remove the damaged board along the seams using a circular saw.
• Pry bars can be used to remove any last fragments.
• Use floor adhesive or nails to attach a replacement board.
• After finishing nails are used to secure it, sand it down to match the surrounding floor, and finish it.

Getting professional assistance is appropriate for big gaps, structural problems, or if you’re not sure how to do DIY projects. Large gaps in your hardwood floor may indicate underlying structural problems that call for expert assistance. A flooring specialist may evaluate the problem and make recommendations for the best course of action, which might involve reinstalling or refinishing.

While closing current gaps is critical, avoiding new ones is equally important. Here are some tips to keep your hardwood floor gap-free:

• Maintain Consistent Humidity

Control interior humidity levels by using a humidifier during dry seasons and a dehumidifier during humid ones to maintain them within the range advised for hardwood floors.

• Proper Installation

Make sure your hardwood flooring is laid properly by following the necessary installation procedures and giving enough room for expansion along the edges.

• Regular Maintenance

Regularly clean and sweep your hardwood floor to stop dirt and debris from gathering in cracks and causing more harm.

• Area Rugs And Mats

To lessen wear and tear on the hardwood food, use rugs and mats in heavy traffic areas.

• Protect From Moisture

Use protective mats in areas that are susceptible to moisture, such as kitchens, and quickly clean up spills.