How do I fill spaces between the wood in my hardwood floors?

Deb
by Deb

I have what used to be beautiful hardwood floors in my Living Room and Dining Room. Over the years they have suffered. I have never used anything not specifically made for hardwood floors, but they are looking old and worn. There are spaces between the boards, which my 2 yr old puppy has found that he can scratch and pull out his own little "toothpicks". I do not want to cover it up with carpet, and don't think replacing the hardwood is in my budget right now. I haven't gotten any suggestions from anyone that seem to be logical, or anything that sounds like it would not look like a floor with spaces filled in with something. Attaching a few pictures to get a clear idea of what I have to work with. I appreciate any suggestions out there.

Thank You, Debra

hopefully these pictures give a clear enough idea of what I would like to repair rather than replace.

  5 answers
  • Mad29883817 Mad29883817 on Mar 07, 2019

    Dont know if will work but there is wood filler u can buy comes in different colors

    • Deb Deb on Mar 07, 2019

      Thanks, I did purchase wood filler in 2 different shades. My father seems to think this will make it look worse. Guess I need to test it somewhere no one will see.

      Thank you!

  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Mar 07, 2019

    Hi there, if replacing isn't an option than something to fill in those gaps is the only thing I can think of. You could consider wood putty in a color just like your floors. You could also consider a clear silicone caulk, then you wouldn't see it but it should stop any further problems. After that though, once your gaps are filled I would really suggest you cover your floors with several coats of a clear coat to protect your work.

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    • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Mar 08, 2019

      Hi Deb, though its true that those little pieces of wood in there would probably look better than just wood putty I think it will be just fine as long as you cover it well with a sealant so it cant break out of the cracks.

      I used a polycrylic on my 100 year old hardwoods. Its a water based clear coat but not everyone will agree with me on that choice. Water based sealants are not considered as durable as oil based sealants like polyurethanes but they're not near as toxic and their dry time is A LOT less. Being shut up here in the house during this long cold winter if I had used polyurethane I would have had to have LEFT for a couple of days while it dried or the fumes would have given me major headaches etc.

  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Mar 07, 2019

    When you have it refinished by a pro, have them spread wood fillers to correct the problem. All wood floors will have some movement and cracks.

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    • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Mar 07, 2019

      Refinishing is cheaper than carpet. In our area runs around 2.50 sq. Ft. Get estimates, you may be surprized.

  • William William on Mar 07, 2019

    Wood putty is the best solution to fill the gaps. Minwax makes wood putty in all shades of wood tones. Try cleaning the floors with Bona for hardwood floors. It may just all it needs. Puppy will chew through the duct tape. Use cable ties. NO NOT REALLY!

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    • Michelle Boydston Michelle Boydston on Mar 08, 2019

      I’ve got the same problem and I’ve heard excellent things about Bona products and plan to use both their microfiber mop and the wood floors cleaning products when I can afford them. Good luck to you and definitely find that email 🙋🏼‍♀️


      Michelle

  • William William on Mar 07, 2019

    You need to fill with wood putty but Bona for hardwood floors will clean them up and give them a nice shine. I got free samples of Bona sometime ago and was sold on them. Only thing i use to clean and shine my hardwood floors.