Tongue-and-groove wood flooring can, if not fitted correctly, come apart – leaving unsightly gaps.
This is a problem often found with wood flooring that hasn't been attached to the sub floor layer.
There are quick fixes that can be taken to solve this problem however:
Patching – Patching is simply the process of filling in the gaps that have formed between the floorboards with wood filler. You should be firm, really forcing the wood filler into the gap with a putty knife. Once the filler had dried, you can then sand it back – so it bears more of resemblance to your flooring. It is very important to remember though that this is only a “quick” fix; neighboring floorboards will move over time and cause the filler to crack.
Wood Strips – This solution can really only be carried out if you have any spare, leftover floorboards remaining from the initial installation process. If you do, you can cut strips using a table saw to fill in any gaps. Once cut to the appropriate size, apply a line of glue to each side and gently slot into position with a hammer. Areas where the newly applied strips aren't level with the floor can be sanded or planed back for a more consistent finish.
The latest flooring news, courtesy of Floors Online.
Date : 26/08/2011
Category: Flooring Industry News