Home DIY

I'd definitely opt for those long slivers/wedges over some kind of filler. Bona do acrylic fillers that come in a range of colours to match different woods. They remain flexible so while that's good for allowing movement, in any large cracks they'll be liable to damage. And any filler that sets hard will crack and fall out in big gaps. I used the Bona stuff on the very minor gaps I had ( < 1mm) and although I didn't get the colour spot on, I was happy with the results.

Does anyone recommend filling, or using something else to fill the gaps between floorboards? I wasn't thinking filler but more something of those 'V' shaped strips that fill the gap.

There no great way to fill floors without actually using wood strips before sanding and finishing. I've been down this road before. Definitely don't use filler.

I have come across a rope trick before that seemed reasonable depending on application, especially if planning to resurface the floor. I've never tried this and have no idea what to expect:

"As to filling the gaps, don’t use some sort of wood filler. Not only will it be expensive, but you will find it will crack out in just about a year, due to the seasonal movements of the old floor boards. Instead use sections of rope. A smooth cotton rope stuffed into the gap, loaded with carpenters glue will stick very well. You can get various sizes of rope to fill the various widths of gaps. Oh, but be sure to clean out the gaps really well with a screwdriver (or awl) and a powerful vacuum cleaner. The surface of the rope will take the paint quite well, as long as it is made from cotton or manila. Synthetic rope won’t work."

Just to follow up on this, have you had any success with the 'v' shaped filler strips?

WfH means I am noticing draughts from gaps in floor boards even more than previously.