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.
Gap filling is normally done alongside floorboard restoration and our wider floor sanding service. 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, neat and ideal for stable floors.
Reclaimed pine slivers
Wider gaps are filled with thin strips of reclaimed pine, glued into one side of the gap and planed flush. Timber moves with timber, so slivers cope better with wider gaps.
A note on floor movement
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 sanding and finishing on the same floor is still covered by our 3-month guarantee.
Warmer rooms with fewer draughts
Stops dust and crumbs collecting
A neater, more even finish
Is gap filling right for your floor?
Not every floor needs it. Some customers like the traditional look of open joints, while others want a warmer, more uniform floor. Very wide gaps are sometimes better solved by re-laying the boards. We will talk you through the choices during the free survey. 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. 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
Can you restore boards that have been painted?
Yes — original boards often hide beautiful timber under old paint and varnish. We knock down protruding nails, replace split boards and sand back to fresh timber. Read our floorboard restoration guide for the full process.
Are your oils and lacquers pet-friendly?
Yes. We use low-VOC oils and water-based lacquers that are safe for families and pets once cured. We suggest keeping pets out of the room for the first 24 hours, and trim claws to help the finish last.
Can I get a price without a visit?
Often, yes. A few clear photos and the room sizes let us give a guide price within a working day. We confirm it with a short visit before work starts, so the final quote is fixed.
Resin or slivers — which is better for 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.
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 feel warmer and helps keep dust out.
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 choose the method that suits your floor best to keep this to a minimum.
What our customers say
Scratches gone
“Two dogs had left the lounge floor badly scuffed. A light abrade and new coat of lacquer has made it look new again. Useful advice on felt pads and mats as well.”
Bush Hill Park
Herringbone hallway looks stunning
“The original herringbone in our hall had years of grime and old varnish. Three days later it is flat, smooth and glowing. Everyone notices it as soon as they walk in.”
Enfield Town
Old parquet back to life
“We were ready to rip the parquet out. They replaced the damaged blocks, sanded and lacquered it, and you cannot tell where the repairs are.”
Enfield Town