You can use putty, wood filler, caulk, or even long pieces of string or rope stained to match. These methods not only fix the gaps but can also prevent drafts from coming up through the floor. If done correctly, these fillers – made of putty or paste – can fill in gaps to give your floors their original smooth finish.
Should you fill gaps in wood floors?
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.
What is the best wood filler for hardwood floors?
- Best Overall: DAP Plastic Wood All Purpose Wood Filler. ...
- Best Multi-Use: Minwax Color-Matched Wood Filler. ...
- Best Exterior: 3M Bondo Wood Filler. ...
- Best Interior: Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Filler Interior. ...
- Best for Flooring: Coconix Professional Floor and Furniture Repair Kit.
What to use to fill large gaps in wood?
Two-part epoxy is one of the top choices for patching large holes. Moldings, sills, doorjambs, baseboard or wood trim with damage or large holes can be repaired with epoxy. The two parts are mixed like dough and can be shaped before or after it dries.
What is the difference between wood putty and wood filler?
So what is the difference between wood putty and wood filler? ... Wood filler is applied to repair the wood from the inside . Because it hardens, it helps the wood maintain its integrity. While wood putty is usually applied only after the finishings are done since it contains chemicals that may damage the wood.
What are acceptable gaps in hardwood floors?
Generally speaking, gaps in a wood floor are normal for boards up to 21⁄4 inches wide if the gaps close during more humid times of the year. Normal gaps can vary in width, ranging from hairline gaps to the thickness of a quarter.
Does wood filler work on hardwood floors?
How to Fix Cracks in Hardwood Flooring: Once the damaged area is clean, apply wood filler by pressing firmly with a putty knife . When the area is dry, sand the filler until it’s smooth and flush with the surface. A sanding block will help you achieve a good result with a flat surface.
Can you fill large holes with wood filler?
Epoxy wood filler for large holes is easy to use because it is pliant and easy to handle. This is typically made from polyester and wood pulp mixture. You mix it like a dough and mold it like clay even after it dries. When it hardens, you can carve it just like any wood.
How thick can wood filler be applied?
You can safely go up to 3/8th of an inch with wood filler. More than that is a hassle and may require more intense repairs if you want things to look good and last as long as they should. But 3/8 of an inch is a good cutoff.
What is the best wood filler?
- Bondo Wood Filler. First on our list is the Bondo 200082 Home Solutions Wood Filler. ...
- Minwax Wood Filler. ...
- Elmer’s Wood Filler. ...
- Aqua Coat Wood Grain Filler. ...
- Timbermate Wood Filler. ...
- Famowood Wood Filler. ...
- GoodfIlla Wood & Grain Filler.
Can you use wood filler instead of putty?
Wood putty and wood filler are often used interchangeably by woodworkers to mean the same thing. While they serve an almost similar purpose they are still different products and suitable for different wood filling projects.
What can I use instead of wood filler?
To make a versatile wood filler for free, just grab a paper plate and combine Elmer’s or any other wood glue with sawdust.
How do I keep my hardwood floors from separating?
To prevent large gaps in your wood floors, stabilize your home’s relative humidity by using a humidifier in the winter months. Use exhaust fans and dehumidifiers to prevent too much moisture in the summer months. Small gaps less than 3⁄32 inch in width can be filled with wood filler.
