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Home Repair Flooring

How do I fill this gap on my floor?

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

I have laminate flooring and I was able to fix some gaps by sliding the planks closer together. However, there is a gap in one part that cannot be fixed by just sliding the panel closer. It looks like it is warped or something else…

What can I use to fill this gap? It is already flush to the edges above and below the gap and the edges--but this middle part is the only place it's happening.

Featured Answer

ci_lantro

2 years ago

No filler will ever stand up to what you want it to do.

Probably there is a problem with the subfloor. Or the plank didn't get the locking hinge fully engaged when it was installed. Or, due to subfloor problem, the lock failed. Lastly, the plank could have be wonky due to loose manufacturing tolerance.

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Comments (9)

klem1
2 years ago
What I see look's like cracks in boards not between them. Likly caused when wood became dryer after installation. Wood filler will fill cracks but require's a bit of skill so as not to damage finish in surounding area.
rttnorton thanked klem1
rttnorton
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you klemi--it's in between the planks so it's a gap in between the planks but... it's only happening in the middle of the plank--not the edges--the edges are touching the neighboring planks just fine which is just weird to me :|

Wood filler would work for this...? It will adhere and survive cleaning?
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klem1
2 years ago
We are not speaking the same language,I digress.
Kate
2 years ago
You could try a matching caulk, the make them to match floors.
millworkman
2 years ago
Filling it with anything will in my opinion make it more of a mess than it is now or will become. Flooring needs to move seasonally.
cat_ky
2 years ago
Do not try to fill with anything. The floor is expanding and contracting like those floors do, and it may even close itself up at some point. However any filler will just crack and make a mess and could cause more problem than you already have. Its not all that noticable. If its in a place where you could put an area rug, just put one down there, if it bothers you.
brand0919
2 years ago
I have laminate floors as well. I had the same issue. I’m sorry to say that the only logical (not necessarily easy) way to fix it is to remove that particular plank and replace it. It’s most likely defective. I concur that putting something in the crack may affect how the boards expand and contract, which could possibly cause damage elsewhere. I was lucky that my same issue was in a location where I could carefully remove the other boards to get to the damaged one and replace it. Once the new board was installed, the gap was gone. Good luck!
SJ McCarthy
2 years ago
Do NOT fix laminate floor edges with filler. These are NOT wood floors. The click system is not engaged properly. Whomsoever installed the floors did not get the edges to click properly.

To *fix the one plank with the gap in the middle of the plank, you MUST fix the planks around it. If you look above the plank at the two planks (short edges meeting) you can see the planks are NOT perfectly aligned. Even that 'snick' of a misalignment and you get the gap on ANOTHER RUN.

In other words, fix the alignment for the planks AROUND the gapping. Or else this is going to get worse.

The floor looks newly installed. How old is it? Who installed it?

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