Step-by-Step Guide to Fix & Prevent Gaps in Hardwood Floors
Those unsightly gaps between your hardwood floorboards are more than just an eyesore. They collect dirt, create uneven surfaces, and, when they get worse, can even cause splinters.
I know how frustrating it is to look at those dark lines cutting across your beautiful flooring.
I’ve got good news: fixing those gaps doesn’t require calling a professional or spending hundreds on repairs. With just a few simple tools and materials, you can fill those gaps yourself in less than an hour.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through a straightforward process to fill hardwood floor gaps using common materials. You’ll learn how to choose the right filler, apply it properly, and finish it so it blends seamlessly with your existing floor.
Tools and Materials for Fixing Gaps in Hardwood Floors
Material Required
| Material | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Wood filler | It fills the gaps between hardwood floorboards to create a smooth, even surface. |
| Water | Used to dampen the rag for cleaning excess wood filler without damaging the floor. |
Tools Required
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Bucket | Holds water for dampening the rag during cleanup. |
| Rag | Removes excess wood filler while leaving filler in the gaps. |
| Finger | Applies wood filler in circular motions to ensure gaps are filled. |
Step-By-Step Guidance for Fixing Gaps in Hardwood Floors
Step 1: Get the Right Wood Filler
Look for wood filler at any hardware store. First, check your floor color, then find a filler close to that color. If you can’t find an exact match, some fillers can be stained after they dry. The package will tell you if they’re stainable.
Step 2: Apply the Wood Filler
Take a little bit of wood filler on your finger, just a small dab.
Press this filler into the gap with your finger, moving in circles. Push down hard so it gets deep in the crack.
Keep working along the whole gap, from one end to the other. When you run out of filler on your finger, get a little more.
Don’t rush; take your time to fill the entire gap evenly. The circle motion helps push the filler down into the deeper parts of the gap.
Step 3: Let It Dry
Now, for the easiest part, wait. After applying the wood filler, it’s important to let it dry and harden fully.
The drying time can vary depending on the type of filler you use, so check the package instructions for accurate drying time.
Most wood fillers require a few hours to cure fully, but some may need up to 24 hours. Be patient and avoid rushing this step, as it could affect the quality of your work.
Step 4: Clean Up
To clean up, dampen a rag with water, making sure it’s not soaking wet but slightly damp. Gently wipe over the filled areas with firm pressure to remove any excess filler from the wood while leaving it in the gaps.
After a few passes, you should see the filler only in the gaps between the boards, and the wood surface should look clean. Keep wiping until the wood feels smooth and no excess filler remains on the surface.
Once everything is dry and clean, you can walk on your floors as usual. The gaps will now be filled, making your floor look better and easier to maintain.
Check out this YouTube video by Helpful DIY for step-by-step guidance.
Prevent Gaps in Hardwood Floors: Tips for Maintenance
1. Keep Humidity Levels Stable
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Wood floors swell when it’s humid and shrink when it’s dry. Your floor is alive in a way, growing bigger in damp air and smaller in dry air, which can create gaps between boards.
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Use a humidifier in winter to add moisture to the air. Winter heating makes indoor air very dry. A humidifier adds water to the air, preventing your floorboards from shrinking and creating gaps.
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Use a dehumidifier in summer to remove extra moisture. Summer brings higher humidity that makes wood expand.
2. Let New Wood Adjust Before Installation
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New wood needs time to adjust to your home’s conditions. Wood comes from warehouses with different moisture levels than your home. It will either change size after installation.
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Place the wood in the room where it will be installed. Each room in your house may have slightly different humidity and temperature, so put the wood exactly where it will live permanently.
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Let it sit for at least two days before installing. Two days gives the wood enough time to expand or contract, depending on the conditions of your room.
3. Use a Moisture Barrier
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If you are installing wood floors over concrete, lay down a special sheet first. Concrete holds water even when it seems dry, so a moisture barrier sheet creates protection between your wood floor and the damp concrete below.
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This sheet blocks moisture that could come up from the concrete. Think of this barrier as a raincoat for your floor’s underside.
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Moisture can make wood warp or shrink, causing gaps. When moisture hits wood from below, boards might cup, twist, or pull away from each other, creating uneven surfaces and spaces between boards.
4. Keep Room Temperature Steady
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Big changes in temperature make wood expand and shrink. Wood moves when temperatures change. Sudden hot or cold makes boards expand or shrink, creating gaps between them.
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Try to keep your home between 60-80°F. This temperature range is best for wood floors. It prevents too much movement.
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Avoid letting rooms get very cold or very hot. Don’t let any room get too cold in winter or too hot in summer.
5. Use Area Rugs in High-Traffic Zones
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Put rugs where people walk a lot. High-traffic paths like hallways and entryways receive the most foot traffic. Rugs in these spots shield your floor from constant impact and pressure.
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Rugs protect the wood from wear and tear. Rugs act as a buffer between shoes and your wooden floor. They catch dirt, absorb impact, and prevent scratches that can damage wood over time.
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Less wear means fewer gaps over time. When wood gets worn down, boards can become uneven or slightly smaller.
Conclusion
Following proper care techniques and taking preventive steps are essential to maintaining beautiful hardwood floors and preventing gaps.
Key actions to keeping floors looking flawless are regular cleaning, maintaining consistent humidity, and acclimating wood before installation.
Additionally, using area rugs in high-traffic areas and addressing any moisture issues promptly can help reduce the risk of damage. With the right attention, hardwood floors can remain strong, smooth, and gap-free for years.
Implementing these simple yet effective strategies will protect your investment and enhance the aesthetics of your home.
Remember, consistency in maintenance and care is the secret to preserving the beauty and longevity of your hardwood floors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Much of A Gap Should I Leave for Hardwood Floors?
Leave a 1/4 to 1/2 inch gap between hardwood floors and walls. This allows the wood to expand with temperature and humidity changes without buckling or creating pressure points.
2. Are Gaps in Hardwood Floors Normal in Winter?
Yes, gaps in hardwood floors during winter are normal. Heating systems dry the air, causing the wood to shrink and creating temporary spaces between boards. These gaps typically close when the humidity returns in spring.
3. How Long Does It Take Hardwood Floors to Settle?
Hardwood floors typically take 48 hours to settle and acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity before installation. They may pay for a few weeks after installation.
