rooster99, you don't need 3 threads devoted to the same problem. Following up in the original thread would have been fine. You seem to have unrealistic expectations about what owning an old wood floor in an old home is all about. It's not about having a plstic perfectly smooth no blemishes skating rink floor. Older homes had imperfect climate control systems and zero humidity control systems. THe wood expanded and contracted with the seasons. In the summer, the gaps between the floor boards would be non existant, and there was probably enough humidity to have edge crushing as another poster told you. In winter, when things dried out, the wood shrinks, and the boards gap. That's what wood does. It's what it's doing now in your home. ANd, it's what you should have expected as perfectly normal. Adding in humidity as another poster suggested will help with the gaps between the boards, but there is nothing you can do to eliminate them, until summer is back and the additional humidity swells the wood enough that they come together. First of all, this is information that you should have researched and been aware of when undertaking an older home renovation. It's not an uncommon issue, and there is plenty of information available about it. Second, your contractors, if they are knowledgable and honest, should have informed you of this and set right your expectations before they began the job. THe fact that they are now suggesting fills and pouring on epoxy tells me that they are NOT knowledgable and were just as ignorant as you were. Not a good thing, and it begs the question about what else don't they know how to do properly. Or else they feel pressured by you to "fix" something that doesn't need fixing and by doing so will only create worse problems for you down the road. THe only different practice that would have been ideal in your renovations would be to install a humdity control system with your HVAC system. Stabilizing the humidity is the only way you can get wood to stop the expansion/contraction cycle. Ideally, finishing the floors would have waited until after the damp summer season, and before the dry winter season, when humidity levels were right around optimum, and then the climate control and humdity control would be enacted to keep them at that optimum level. But, even if you had waited until fall to finish them, unless you installed a humdity control system, you'd still have gapping as the winter air continued to dry out and the wood continued to shrink. If you want to minimize the gaps in the flooring, get that humdity control system installed pronto. Otherwise, the half assed fixes suggested by your "contractor" will only create more edge crush or flake out of the gaps when summer comes and the wood again swells. And, I doubt seriously if your gapping issue is causing any "trip hazards" or other nonsense. A good vacuum will get the dust out of the gaps far better than a broom and a dustpan did for your forefathers who dealt with the same issues.

Thanks for responding Patser. I guess the floors must about 50 years old but I'm really not sure. I think they've been covered with carpet for most of this time. I plan on using water-based due to health issues but if this wasn't a concern I'd probably go with oil-based. The entire area is about 337 sq ft. with about 14 sq ft. that needs to be replaced/installed. The area in question is not just spots or small areas but an entire section that is much darker than the rest of the floor so it will not blend in if it remains darker. The one contractor yesterday told me that after sanding, it will all look uniform but after the process the water damaged area might once again appear much darker. The 1-800 contractor did not even mention that this might be a problem. lol I have another appointment with someone highly recommended in my area tomorrow. From what I've heard his prices are very competitive and now I just hope he gives me good news about the water stained areas. He quoted me $950 on refinishing and staining the floors although he has not actually seen or measured it yet and this does not include the small area that needs to be installed. Even as I was writing my original post and wanting very much to take the easy way out and go with the 1-800-woodfloor contractor, I knew on some level that this was not wise. lol Does anyone have any thoughts on floating, engineered flooring in case I cannot have the floor refinished? What would this cost to buy and have installed? My ex tells me this would be a good way to go but I'm not sure I should believe him. lol Thanks and please wish me luck!

I would let it be.

Looks Beautiful ! What paint color did you choose. I need to choose a color for family room and kitchen ASAP. I hope the Mega finish holds up well compared to Traffic… wonder if I should have upgraded.