Gap Filling
Gaps between floorboards in Kingston filled with resin or reclaimed pine slivers to cut draughts and dirt traps.
Over the years, floorboards shrink and gaps open up between them. They let in cold air from under the floor, collect dust and can spoil the look of a freshly sanded floor. Filling them makes rooms feel warmer and cleaner.
We usually fill gaps as part of a floorboards restoration, between sanding passes. This lets us sand the filler flush before finishing.
Resin or slivers?
Resin filler
For narrower gaps, we mix a resin with fine dust from your own floor so the colour blends in. It is quick, neat and ideal for stable floors.
Timber slivers
Wider gaps are filled with thin strips of reclaimed pine, glued into one side of the gap and planed flush. Slivers move with the boards and generally last longer than filler in wide gaps.
Why gap filling is not guaranteed
Timber floors move — they swell in damp months, shrink when the heating is on, and flex with the structure of the house. Because of this, filler can crack or work loose and slivers can open slightly over time. For that reason, gap filling is excluded from our service guarantee. The rest of your restoration — sanding and finishing — is still covered for 3 months.
Warmer rooms with fewer draughts
Fewer dirt traps between boards
A neater, more even finish
When to fill gaps
Gap filling is optional. Some people prefer the authentic look of open gaps, others want a sealed, even surface. If gaps are very wide or boards are rocking, it is usually better to lift and re-lay the boards tightly together. We will explain the options at the free survey and include them clearly in your quote. Underfloor insulation is another option if draughts are the main concern.
When we fill the gaps
Gaps are filled after the first sanding pass, once the boards are clean and the true width of each gap is visible. The filler or slivers are left to set, then sanded flush during the final passes so the floor is smooth. In most rooms it adds around half a day.
Our article on resin or sliver gap filling explains the pros and cons. Badly damaged boards are best replaced via our floorboard repairs. See our prices for gap filling costs.
Guide prices
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Floor sanding & oiling
Dust-free sanding back to fresh timber, finished with two coats of hardwax oil.
from £22 per m²
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Floor sanding & lacquer
Full sand and three coats of hard-wearing water-based lacquer.
from £24 per m²
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Parquet sanding & finishing
Multi-direction sanding for block and herringbone floors, with your choice of finish.
from £28 per m²
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Gap filling
Resin filler or reclaimed pine slivers between floorboards.
from £6 per m²
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Floor staining
Colour samples on your floor and an even stain before finishing.
from £5 per m²
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Stairs stripping & restoration
Paint and varnish removal, repairs and finishing of treads and risers.
from £45 per step
Guide prices — we confirm a fixed price after a free survey.
Questions about gap filling
Does gap filling make a room warmer?
It usually makes a real difference. Gaps between floorboards let draughts rise from under the floor. Filling them makes rooms cosier and helps keep dust out.
What cleaner should I use on my wooden floor?
Vacuum or sweep regularly and mop with a damp, well-wrung mop and a pH-neutral wood soap. Avoid steam mops and harsh cleaners. Read our care guide for a simple routine.
Can old pine floorboards be restored?
Yes — original boards often hide beautiful timber under old paint and varnish. We punch down nails, replace split boards and sand back to fresh timber. Read our floorboard restoration guide for the full process.
What is the best way to fill floorboard gaps?
We fill narrow gaps with a resin and wood-dust mix that matches the boards. Larger gaps are best filled with tapered pine slivers, glued and planed flush. Our gap filling guide compares the two.
Will filled gaps stay closed?
Gap filling is excluded from our service guarantee. Wooden floors expand and shrink with the seasons and with movement in the building, which can open small cracks in the filler. We use the most suitable method for your floor to keep this to a minimum.
Can you quote from photos?
Often, yes. Photos of the floor plus rough measurements let us give a guide price quickly. We confirm it with a short visit before work starts, so the final quote is fixed.
What our customers say
Very good parquet restoration
“The parquet in our dining room had several loose blocks and lots of bitumen. The result is excellent. The job ran over by a day because of extra repairs, but they talked us through it and kept the price fair.”
Coombe
Decking looks much better
“The deck looks warm and rich again. We had to rebook once because of rain, which is understandable, and they were flexible about the new date. Would use again.”
Surbiton
Great with our dogs around
“With two dogs, we needed a tough finish. They recommended a hard-wearing lacquer and it has held up brilliantly so far.”
Tolworth