Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - cherry wood flooring
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moandkev
01-01-08, 07:57 AM
I installed the flooring and was wanting to know what i should use to cover some small gaps that i could not get closed up while installing they are vwry small but i want to filol them in . My wife says they will be fine and that i am to pickey. thanks for your help.
I would allso like to know what the best clear finish would be for the floor not going to put any stain on it ?
I would allso like to know what the best clear finish would be for the floor not going to put any stain on it ?
twelvepole
01-12-08, 04:02 PM
Fillers in gaps between flooring boards are not recommended. Wood expands and contracts as temperature and humidity in the home fluctuate. Fillers pop out and look unsightly.
Water-based polyurethane is favored. It's not as smelly as oil-based, does not amber, and is durable. Go to www.nofma.org (http://www.nofma.org) and click Publications and download for free the technical manual on finishing wood floors.
Water-based polyurethane is favored. It's not as smelly as oil-based, does not amber, and is durable. Go to www.nofma.org (http://www.nofma.org) and click Publications and download for free the technical manual on finishing wood floors.
marksr
01-12-08, 04:27 PM
......... but an oil base poly will deepen the colors in the wood - water base will not. Take a piece or two of scrap flooring and coat 1/2 with the oil poly and the rest with waterbase. It should help you to make up your mind ;)
thezster
01-12-08, 05:06 PM
Not to start an argument - but - gaps between end joints are, in my experience, typically filled with putty prior to sanding/staining - Longitudinal gaps - as mentioned above - are not. The Poly finish that you apply will help fill those gaps to a small extent - keeping your floor water resistant.
twelvepole
01-12-08, 05:58 PM
Some recommend gluing end joints with PVA wood glue. Typically, with high quality milling ends are square, and end joint gaps tend not to be a problem. Too, if flooring is nailed 1 1/2" to 3" from end, this helps minimize the rise at end joints.
Expansion and contraction of hardwood flooring tends to be more dramatic across boards rather than along the length, thus accounting for greater stability of fill in minor gaps at end joints. Thus, the importance of maintaining temperature and humidity at a constant level.
Proper acclimation of flooring in rooms where it is to be installed and moisture meter test to assure proper acclimation, tends to minimize gaps if temperature and humidity are maintained year round between 35-55%.
Expansion and contraction of hardwood flooring tends to be more dramatic across boards rather than along the length, thus accounting for greater stability of fill in minor gaps at end joints. Thus, the importance of maintaining temperature and humidity at a constant level.
Proper acclimation of flooring in rooms where it is to be installed and moisture meter test to assure proper acclimation, tends to minimize gaps if temperature and humidity are maintained year round between 35-55%.