Filling the gaps between floorboards

northender

We've taken a very manky carpet up to reveal lovely floorboards laid on an asphalt base. Trouble is we really want to fill the gaps in between otherwise dust, crumbs etc get stuck in between and each gap needs hoovering out regularly. Any ideas on what would work/look best?

ormus

whatever you put in has to be flexible. the wood flooring moves all the time according to temp and moisture.
wood stopper will prob be ok but is fairly expensive for large amounts.
you can buy silicone sealant in various colors now. as you will need a fair bit, try the local pound shop for a cheap product. apply it with a sealant gun.

auntymabel

We used strips of cardboard about quarter to half an inch wide. Our gaps were quite wide so we used corrugated cardboard but plain thick would have done the same job. Cost nothing but took ages!

buglawton

I heard granulated cork was good

ariba10

You could soak newspaper in a wallpaper paste to make paper mache and fill the joints with that.

A time consuming job I know but it is up to you.

Ladygrim

In the good old days they used thin rope

HTH

LG

Careful_with_that_Axe

I am sure I heard somewhere that you can use sawdust mixed with a flexible-type glue.

northender

Thanks so much for all your responses. OH had seen the sawdust idea before and is going to try that for a couple of breaks in the boards. I had to save a tub full of sawdust when I sanded the floor! For the rest I think we'll give clear sealant a go as it's probably the easiest thing to apply. That's me occupied tomorrow night!