Gap Filling
Resin or timber-sliver gap filling for warmer, cleaner floorboards.
Most period floors develop gaps between the boards over time. They let in cold air from under the floor, collect dust and can spoil the look of a freshly sanded floor. Gap filling is a simple way to make a room more comfortable.
We usually fill gaps as part of a floorboards restoration, between sanding passes. That way the filled gaps are sanded flush with the boards before the finish goes on.
Two methods
Resin and sanding dust
Small gaps are filled with a resin mixed with your floor’s own sanding dust for a close colour match. It is quick and neat, and suits floors that do not move much.
Reclaimed pine 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. Gap filling is therefore excluded from our service guarantee. The rest of your restoration — sanding and finishing — is still covered for 3 months.
Reduces draughts and heat loss
Fewer dirt traps between boards
A neater, more even finish
Our advice
Not every floor needs it. Some customers like the traditional look of open joints, while others want a warmer, more uniform floor. If gaps are very wide or boards are rocking, it is usually better to lift and re-lay the boards tightly together. We will talk you through the choices during the free survey. If draughts are your main worry, we can also discuss other ways to reduce them.
When we fill the gaps
We fill gaps part-way through sanding, after the old finish is removed. Once set, everything is sanded level with the boards before finishing. It usually adds half a day to a typical room.
Read more about the options in our guide to resin or slivers. Badly damaged boards are best replaced via our floorboard repairs. Prices are listed on our prices page.
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
What does floor sanding cost per square metre?
Prices depend on the floor area, condition, repairs needed and the finish you choose. Our price list shows typical starting prices, and the free survey gives you a fixed written quote.
What is the best way to fill floorboard gaps?
Smaller gaps are filled with resin mixed with fine sanding dust, so the colour matches. Larger gaps are best filled with tapered pine slivers, glued and planed flush. Our gap filling guide compares the two.
Is gap filling covered by your guarantee?
Our 3-month guarantee does not cover gap filling. 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 restore boards that have been painted?
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.
Will filling gaps stop draughts?
Yes, noticeably. Gaps between floorboards let draughts rise from under the floor. Filling them makes rooms cosier and stops dirt collecting between boards.
Do you need electricity and water?
We need access to a standard power socket and, ideally, parking near the property. Our machines run on domestic power, and we bring all tools, materials and dust sheets.
What our customers say
Stairs and hall look fantastic
“We had the hallway floor and stairs done at the same time so everything matches. A really tidy team and the price was fair.”
Coopersale
Engineered floor sanded beautifully
“Another company told us our engineered floor could not be sanded. These guys checked the wear layer and found plenty to work with. It looks like it was laid yesterday.”
Ongar
Decking looks much better
“The deck looks warm and rich again. We had to rebook once because of rain, which is understandable, and they rearranged quickly. Happy with the result.”
Epping