Pine floorboards bring warmth and add a rustic charm to any home. However, over time, several factors can cause gaps to form between the boards. Gaps are one of the most common hardwood floor problems that trap dirt, dust, and other debris, affecting the overall appeal of your home. 

Thus, in this blog, we will discuss why these gaps appear in the first place and explain a step-by-step guide on how to fill gaps in pine floorboards, so that you can maintain the natural appeal of your pine wooden floors in the long run for good. 

What Causes The Gaps To Appear On Your Pine Floorboard?

1. Humidity 

Pine wood is hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs and releases moisture from the air. When humidity levels rise, pine floorboards expand as they soak moisture. 

Meanwhile, when humidity levels drop, the floorboards shrink as they lose moisture. This expansion and shrinkage lead to gaps appearing between floorboards.  

2. Improper Installation 

When pine floorboards are not installed the right way, it can lead to gaps appearing between them. Here are some common installation mistakes that can cause this issue. 

  • If the nails or screws used to secure the floorboards are too far apart, the wood can expand and contract freely and thus, lead to gaps. 
  • If the subfloor beneath the floorboards is uneven, it can cause the floorboards to bow or cup, creating gaps. Thus, the subfloor should be level and smooth before installation.
  • If the adhesive used to bind the floorboards to the subfloor is not applied correctly or is of poor quality, it can lead to gaps or unevenness.

3. Age And Wear 

With time, as the wood ages, it becomes more brittle and loses some of its elasticity. This, in turn, makes it more prone to shrinkage or warping and ultimately leads to gaps appearing.

Moreover, foot traffic, heavy furniture, and other factors can also cause the floorboards to wear down over time. As a result of this, it weakens the structural integrity of the wood and makes it more susceptible to creating gaps. 

4. Sun Exposure 

Sunlight is a powerful drying agent. So when pine floorboards are exposed to sunlight, the wood’s moisture content can lower significantly. Then, as the wood dries out, it shrinks and makes gaps appear between the boards. Thus, ensure to use blinds or curtains to minimize the sun’s impact on your home. 

How To Fill Gaps In Your Pine Floorboards? 

1. Prepare The Area

To fill gaps in pine floorboards, first of all, clear the area. If you fill gaps without cleaning the area first, dirt, dust, and other debris can become trapped in the filler and cause unsightly stains. Thus, sweep or vacuum the area (especially around the gaps) to remove any dirt or debris. 

2. Choose Your Filler 

As the area has been cleared, it’s time to apply a filler. You can either opt for wood silvers or resin & sawdust mix. But before going ahead, let’s first understand how they work. 

Wood Silvers

Wood silvers are a traditional method of filling gaps. This method involves placing thin pieces of wood (usually from the same species) into the gaps between the floorboards. 

Although it ensures a seamless finish, it requires precision cutting and fitting and might be time-consuming. 

Resin & Sawdust mix 

Another method is to use resin & sawdust (preferably from the same type of wood). This mixture, when applied to the gaps, creates a strong bond that you can sand and finish to match the overall floorboards. 

However, it is important to note that it is more cost-effective than wood silver and can only be used to fill gaps up to 6mm.

3. Apply The Filler 

If you are choosing wood silvers, gently tap them into the gaps using a mallet or rubber hammer. Ensure they’re inserted firmly and match with the surrounding floorboards.

If there are any remaining gaps around the edges of the wood silvers, fill them with a wood filler using a putty knife and allow them to dry as per the manufacturer’s instructions. 

For resin & sawdust, mix the resin with the sawdust in a disposable container. Start with a small batch to see if the colour matches well with your floor. Then, using a putty knife or filling spatula, apply the resin and sawdust mixture into the gaps. Press firmly to ensure the filler is packed well and fills the entire depth of the gap.

4. Sand The Filled-Gaps 

As you’ve filled the gaps, ensure that you sand the wood. Sanding helps create a smooth, even surface and prevents the filler from being noticeable. So, choose the right sanding equipment and start with coarse-grit sandpaper (e.g., 120 grit) to remove any excess filler or bumps. Then, gradually move to finer grit (e.g., 220-grit) for a smoother finish.

5. Vacuum The Area

Once you’ve sanded the floor enough, make sure to vacuum the area. This is because sanding produces a significant amount of dust particles. If not removed, this dust can settle on other parts of the floor and become embedded in the wood. 

Besides, if you plan to apply a finish such as paint or stain, a clean, dust-free surface is essential for optimal adhesion and a smooth, even finish.

6. Apply A Finish 

The final task is to apply a finish. A finish creates a strong barrier that shields the wood from moisture, dirt, and scratches. It also helps maintain its appearance and longevity.

The best finish for your pine floorboards will depend on your personal preferences, so ensure that you choose a hardwood floor finish that matches your desired appearance and the level of foot traffic the floor will bear. 

Final Thoughts!

Pine floorboards are a popular choice among many homeowners. However, as happens with other hardwood floors, pine floorboards can also develop gaps due to a number of factors. 

But the good news is that the solution to fix them lies within your reach. To fill gaps in pine floorboards, all you have to know is the right technique, tools, and solutions to fix them and help make them look well-maintained. 

You Can Also Read: How To Protect Your Carpet From Stains

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Author Bio- 

Bhavin Kundalia is a Computer Science Engineer; Currently working at a Branding Marketing Agency as a Content Marketing Strategist. A passionate writer, blogger, and content marketer. He primarily focuses on writing blogs on digital marketing and carpet cleaning niches. He enjoys going on long bike rides in his free time.