We have a beautiful pine, large plank, wooden floor. Our problem is that the wood filler in between the planks has come loose and we have gaps in the floor. Any ideas as to what to use to fill these cracks in permanently?
By Linda from north central, PA
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My dad has worked with wood a lot over the years, and he mixes fine dusty saw dust with wood glue, and fills the gaps with this. hes never had the problem of it drying out of getting lose, hope this helps.
Glad to read Ruth's comment as that is exactly what my dad would have done. He's no longer around for a clarification so I can't pick his brain for specifics, but you could try this in a very discrete place, wait a few days, and see how it looks and works. Filling in the gaps also helps eliminate squeaky spots if correctly applied.
Just make sure to wipe away (with a damp cloth) any excessively applied wet mixture on either side of the gap before letting the solution dry. Good luck!
Sawdust and glue combo is fine for minor cracks but by itself won't hold up under traffic in that situation. Take a hint from builders of ocean-going wooden ships. They would use oakum or some other fiber-based material to provide a 'base' for the finished seam between the planks. It's flexible and will absorb traffic vibrations. Some types of rope can be substituted also, I think.
I'd fill the rest of the gap with a water-based filler. During a fifty-year carpenter career I always used Durham water putty, a powder you mix with water. Left to cure by itself it will present a somewhat blond appearance. And I don't have any idea how it will accept a stain to your liking. But it's very durable and will last forever if, in your case, it's installed over a flexible base.
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