Spaces between floorboards

[Xiomara]

I recently moved into a house where, upon lifting the carpet, the floorboards are in excellent condition. I plan to sand them back, however, the gaps between each board is wider than I'd like them to be. They're not huge gaps, but certainly large enough for me to want to fill them before I stain and varnish the floor.

Can anyone suggest something I can fill the gaps with that will not make the wood stain a different colour, please?

[Ethel]

There are plenty of methods - this is a modern way:

http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/fillingga psinfloorboards.htm

This is a traditional way:

http://www.wrp-poole.co.uk/products.php?cat=14 2

I'm not convinced that either will be a permanent solution, due to the heavy wear and tear floors are subjected to, and the natural flexing of the boards, which eventually breaks up the sealant.

Silicone sealant is flexible but not suitable on its own for big gaps.

[Xiomara]

Thanks Ethel (Estie??)

The gaps are not big, maybe 2 millimeters? I don't fancy using the silicone seal as I think the stain would end up a different colour than it would on the wood.

:0)

[Ethel]

The first solution may be the best for you, then. :)

[teash]

If the gaps only a few milli then personally I wouldn`t bother, plus when you sand them you`ve half a chance the the sanding dust might just fill the gaps in for you

[RATTER15]

Why not do the job properly, just lift all the floorboards and re-lay them tighter together. Ive done a whole room (large) in a couple of hours, but it was a part of my job and well used to doing it. but if you allow a day with all the moving of furniture, you should get through it easily. Buy a few kilos of floorboard nails as they often bend or break off.