Wood is a timeless material and gives interiors unique charm and character. Unfortunately, unsightly cracks can appear on wooden surfaces due to the action of moisture. How can you get rid of them? You do not need to immediately seek professional help. Read about effective ways to remove gaps and cracks in parquet and wood.

Why do cracks form in a wooden floor?

Wooden floors are very popular because they are elegant and durable. However, it should be remembered that wood, like other natural building materials, it is not immutable – it constantly works under the influence of environmental conditions. Depending on the level of humidity, it expands or contracts, mainly transversely, along the fibers. The process of shrinkage, the so-called splitting of wood, can be observed especially in winter, when we struggle with dry air due to intensive heating. Then unsightly cracks appear on wooden surfaces. This is usually a common phenomenon when working with wood. However, if you want your floors to look flawless, you need to take proper care of them. Otherwise, the unprotected material will lose all its charm, because the gaps will remain permanently. Other causes of gaps in the wooden floor include insufficient parquet maintenance, wrong type of glue used during laying or too much of it and washing the surface with too much water.

How to remove gaps in wood?

There are a number of products available to remove or fill unsightly gaps in wood flooring. For this purpose, we can use sealants, adhesives or special sealing compounds intended for this material. They fulfill a similar role, but differ in their properties (hardness, durability, flexibility) and method of application. Sealants are more flexible than sealants and are therefore more suitable for use in rooms where the wood is particularly exposed to moisture. On the other hand, sealants are more suitable for dealing with large cavities.

Both materials are available in paste form in various colors that imitate popular wood species. Most of them come with an applicator. With its help, the fabric is applied in a narrow strip to the gaps between the parquets. The “joints” usually dry within a few hours, and after 24 hours they are ready for further work – sanding or painting.

Wood flour sealants are a product intended primarily for professional parquet installers.

Wondering how to fill gaps between rainwater tiles? Here are the step-by-step instructions:

  • We start by preparing the base, ie we clean it, degrease it and dry it thoroughly. Protect neighboring tiles from possible contamination.
  • Apply the filling material to the gap with a smooth movement and then use a spatula to smooth the layer of filling down to the level of the substrate.
  • If necessary, dirt can be washed off with mineral spirits or sanded with sandpaper.
  • After drying, the repaired surface can be painted or varnished.

To prevent damage to wooden surfaces, care must be taken to maintain adequate humidity (approximately 50-60%). In addition, a relatively constant temperature should be maintained in the house. Don’t forget to also protect the wood from excessive environmental influences, ie use impregnations or oiling. When cleaning the floor, do not forget to wring out the rag or mop thoroughly, and it is best to dry the parquet as soon as possible after cleaning.

Wood is a survival. And what about the floor instead of laminate? Here are other options. Durable and quick to clean