Over time, gaps can appear between wooden floorboards due to natural movement, age, temperature changes, or wear. These gaps not only affect the look of your floor but can also lead to drafts, dust build-up, and instability. Our wood floor gap filling service in Barnet restores a smooth, solid, and visually clean surface ready for sanding and finishing.

Wood is a natural material that expands and contracts over time. As a result, small or large gaps may form between the boards, especially in older properties or areas with fluctuating humidity.

Common reasons include:

Seasonal movement and humidity changes
Shrinkage of timber over time
Loose or worn tongue-and-groove joints
Old or damaged floorboards
Subfloor issues causing boards to shift or separate

Gap filling is an effective way to restore both appearance and structural comfort.

Benefits of Professional Gap Filling

Improves stability and reduces movement
Eliminates drafts and cold spots
Enhances appearance for a smooth, uniform look
Reduces dust, dirt, and debris collecting between boards
Creates a better base for sanding and sealing
Increases the lifespan of your wooden floor

Our Gap Filling Methods

We use two main techniques depending on the size of the gaps, the type of floor, and its overall condition.

1. Resin and Dust Mix

This is the most common method for smaller gaps.
We collect fine sanding dust from your floor and mix it with a clear resin to create a natural filler that matches the wood colour.

Ideal for small to medium-sized gaps
Blends well with the timber
Suitable for solid and engineered floors
Applied before the final sanding passes

2. Strip Filling (Wooden Slivers)

For wider gaps that are too large for resin filler, we use thin, tapered wooden strips inserted between the boards.

Provides a stronger and more durable repair
Perfect for older floors, especially pine
Offers long-term stability without cracking
Matches the existing wood once sanded and finished

Both methods deliver a clean, strong, and professional result.

1. Floor Assessment

We begin by examining the entire floor to identify the type, size, and distribution of the gaps. This includes checking for the root cause — whether it’s natural shrinkage, loose boards, subfloor issues, or general wear. We also assess the type of wood, the age of the floor, and any existing repairs. This allows us to determine the most effective gap filling method and ensure long-lasting results.

2. Preparing the Floor

Before gap filling can begin, the floor must be stabilised. We secure any loose floorboards, tighten or replace old nails and screws, and check for movement or squeaks. Any boards that are cracked, lifted, or structurally weak are repaired or replaced. Preparing the floor properly at this stage ensures the filler or wooden slivers will bond securely and stay intact over time.

3. Applying Filler or Wooden Slivers

Once the floor is prepared, we begin filling the gaps based on their size and condition:

For smaller gaps, we use a resin mixed with fine sanding dust from your own floor to create a natural colour match. This filler binds firmly and blends seamlessly with the wood.
For wider gaps, we insert custom-made wooden slivers. These tapered strips are cut to size and fitted tightly between the boards to strengthen the floor and prevent movement. This technique is particularly effective for older pine floors or large seasonal gaps.

4. Smoothing and Finishing

After the filler has fully set or the wooden slivers have been securely installed, we sand the entire floor to level the surface and remove any roughness. This step creates a smooth, consistent finish across all boards. The floor is then prepared for sealing, staining, or refinishing, ensuring a flawless final result.

Why Choose Our Company?

Experienced Wood Floor Specialists - We work with all floor types — pine, oak, old floorboards, engineered wood, and parquet.
Durable and Long-Lasting Repairs - Our techniques prevent fillers from cracking or breaking over time.
Perfect Colour Matching - Using dust from your own floor ensures a natural, seamless blend.
Local Barnet Experts - We understand the types of floors commonly found in Barnet properties and provide solutions tailored to each one.

Areas We Cover in Barnet

We provide gap filling services across High Barnet, East Barnet, Finchley, Mill Hill, Hendon, Totteridge, Whetstone, and neighbouring areas.

Book Your Wood Floor Gap Filling in Barnet

Restore a smooth, secure, and visually flawless wooden floor today. Contact Barnet Floor Sanders for expert gap filling and repairs:

Phone: 020 8830 9782
Email: cs@flooringfirst.co.uk

We can fill your gaps and prepare your floor for perfect sanding and sealing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wood Floor Gap Filling

What’s the best way to fill gaps between floorboards?

The best method depends on the size and depth of the gaps. For small gaps, we use a mix of resin and fine sanding dust for a seamless finish. Larger gaps are best filled with custom-cut wood slivers to ensure strength and long-term stability.

Will wood filler crack and fall out of floor gaps?

Not if applied correctly. We use high-quality flexible fillers that expand and contract with seasonal movement. Cheaper or rigid products are more likely to crack — our method ensures the filler stays in place and lasts for years.

Can I use sawdust and glue to fill floorboard gaps?

This DIY method can work in very narrow gaps but doesn’t hold up well over time. We use professional resin binders designed for floor movement, which blend better and resist cracking or crumbling.

Should I fill gaps before or after sanding?

We always fill gaps after the initial sanding pass. This ensures the surface is clean and the filler bonds properly. Once cured, the floor is sanded again for a perfectly smooth and even finish.

Is it better to use wood slivers or filler for large gaps?

For wider or uneven gaps, wood slivers are the better choice. They offer a more stable and permanent repair, especially in older floors. Fillers are ideal for fine cracks but may shrink or fail in larger voids.

Will gap filler take stain the same as the surrounding wood?

Gap filler may absorb stain slightly differently, especially if it's a resin mix. We take this into account during staining and sealing to minimise any contrast and ensure a consistent appearance.