Gaps in pine flooring - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

georgia dawg · 01-24-2007, 05:40 PM

We installed and finished (sanding +3 coats poly) some t&g pine flooring about 6 months ago, and we now have a few gaps (about a quarters width or so). Go ahead and spank me for not checking moisture content beforehand, but any suggestions, even cosmetic ones, for eliminating or hiding the gaps short of ripping out the flooring?

dougchips · 01-24-2007, 05:47 PM

The heat and dry air is causing them to shrink a little. Hardwoods like oak or maple will move less but they cost more.

georgia dawg · 01-24-2007, 05:57 PM

You're exactly right. We installed it in new construction before we had any conditioned space (long story w/ the utility Co.). Anyways, any suggestions for improving it now?

dougchips · 01-24-2007, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by georgia dawg

You're exactly right. We installed it in new construction before we had any conditioned space (long story w/ the utility Co.). Anyways, any suggestions for improving it now?

I am not in favor of adding moist air into a dry environment, so that is out.

In my living room (addition) we use a space heater (long story). I have maple tg floors. In front of the heater there are gaps between the planks. The wood is just dry, if I move the heater the same thing will happen within a few days and the other area will expand back. Take a piece of pine and leave it in a moist area for a few days and measure it. Now take the same piece of pine and leave it in front of a heat source for a few days and measure it again.

Solutions- Vinyl flooring or pergo.

Big Dave · 01-24-2007, 08:26 PM

The only thing that I know to do is to take some hemp rope and a putty knife and press it into the gap. This is the way old floors were done. It still allows for movement. You can also stain the rope to better match the flooring color. Honestly though, a pine floor is gonna do that and mine will have a gap that big here and there and nobody has ever complained. It's kinda expected with that product.

J&J Home Imp. · 01-28-2007, 12:08 PM

Its wood and wood moves. Changes in temp. and humidity will have it changing all year long. Its wood thats what it does.

turner flooring · 02-04-2007, 04:56 PM

Home depot sells all kinds of color match filler that dries like wood. They have soft putties that match as well.. wood does move. Usually you can do a moisture test on the floor prior to your next installation if that was the cause of the problem. That way you have the sign off if they still want it installed. this is normally on jobs of a sufficent size. Ones that have a high value cost or high replace value.