Gap Filling Options & Techniques for Wooden Floors

Gap filling is an essential process in wooden floor restoration that enhances the appearance, improves insulation, and extends the life of the floor finish. This article explores various gap filling options and techniques for different types of wooden floors, including parquet flooring, hardwood flooring, and original floorboards.

Here are the most common filling options for wooden floors:

Resin & Sawdust Filling

This method is widely used for gaps up to 5-6 mm wide. It involves mixing clear solvent-based resin with sawdust collected during the floor sanding process. The resulting putty-like mixture is applied using a wide spatula or trowel.

Advantages:

• Provides a smooth and color-matched finish

• Cost-effective and uses readily available materials

• Dries quickly

Disadvantages:

• May fall through in wider gaps

• Can become fragile with significant floor movement

• May crack over time in high-traffic areas

Wood Strip (Sliver) Filling

This technique is preferred for gaps wider than 6 mm, especially in original floorboards. It involves inserting thin strips of wood (slivers) into the gaps and gluing them in place.

Advantages:

• Suitable for larger gaps

• Creates a stable and visually cohesive result

• No risk of falling through gaps

Disadvantages:

• More time-consuming to apply

• May alter the look of original floorboards if overused

Comparison of Filling Methods for Different Floor Types

Parquet Flooring

Gap filling is highly recommended for parquet flooring blocks. The resin and sawdust method is particularly effective for this type of flooring. It improves appearance, increases bonding and solidness, and helps extend the life of the floor finish.

Hardwood Flooring

Both resin and sawdust filling and wood strip filling can be used for hardwood floors, depending on the gap size. For gaps under 5 mm, the resin and sawdust method is preferred. For larger gaps, wood strips may be more suitable.

Original Floorboards

Original floorboards often develop larger gaps over time. While the resin and sawdust method can be used for smaller gaps, wood strip filling is often more appropriate for gaps exceeding 6 mm. This method provides better stability and can improve the overall appearance of older floors.

The Application Process

1. Clean the floor thoroughly and remove debris from gaps.

2. For resin and sawdust filling:

   • Mix sawdust with clear resin filler to a thick putty consistency.

   • Apply the mixture using a spatula or trowel.

   • Allow to dry for about 45 minutes.

3. For wood strip filling:

   • Cut wood strips to fit the gaps.

   • Apply glue and insert the strips into the gaps.

4. Sand the filled areas to create a smooth surface.

5. Apply appropriate floor finish after gap filling is complete.

In conclusion, the choice between resin and sawdust filling and wood strip filling depends on the gap size, floor type, and desired outcome. While resin and sawdust filling is versatile and suitable for most smaller gaps, wood strip filling provides a more stable solution for larger gaps, particularly in original floorboards. Proper application of these techniques can significantly improve the appearance and functionality of wooden floors.