Floor Filler - That Stuff Used To Take Care Of Cracks

Different Types Of Filler. Prefinished Floors

It is important what type of filler can be used with prefinished hardwood floors. Considering the floor after installation is the final product, some types of filler cannot be Bona Gap Master used, specifically those that are not water based or acrylic. Fast drying alcohol based fillers evaporate quickly. Often what happens is a residue gets left behind that has bonded to your prefinished floor.

Most prefinished flooring manufacturers offer their own proprietary floor fillers that come in smaller tubes. They work well for smaller projects, but we've found the Bona Kemi Gap Master to be ideal for larger problems that may need addressing.

Gap Master is a silicone based filler that will expand and contract along with your hardwood floors, but don't expect it to take care of wider gaps, or gaps that open and close during seasonal changes. This product comes packaged similar to any regular sized caulking tube able to fit in any standard sized caulk gun. A screw on and off spout allows for the amount of filler you want squeezed, by simply cutting the size hole you need on the tip.

We feel the Gap Master also works well with filling gaps that may become noticeable after the installation of matching quarter round, shoe molding, or baseboard. At times the finished floor or under lying subfloor may show minor dips in places where the trim is not flexible enough to cover.

Unfinished Hardwood Floor Filler

Products are numerous, but one that caught our attention would be Timbermate. The product is designed not to crack or shrink, common with cheaper fillers. 21 color selections are available!

From the Timbermate Site

Do you want a wood-filler that easily stains and accepts finishes? Are you looking for a wood-filler that stands up to seasonal climate changes? Does your wood-filler meet your highest professional standards? Then look no further. Timbermate is the wood-filler you’ve been searching for.

Timbermate is more than an interior-grade wood filler. With Timbermate you can also renew damaged wood, cover holes in the walls—even repair cracks in concrete! Plus, because Timbermate is water-based, it does not shrink, sink, crack, or fall out. And if it dries out just add water, so there’s no waste.

Features & Benefits

• Easy Preparation – With Timbermate, just stir, add water if needed, and you’re ready to begin.
• Multiple Uses – Timbermate is versatile and may be used for all interior repairs, including repairing edges, trowel and grain filling, and spot patching.
• Fast Drying – Because Timbermate is water-based it takes no time at all to dry. In fact, you can speed up the drying process using a heat gun or an everyday hair dryer.
• No Waste – There’s no waste when using Timbermate. When you’re done with your repair, just scoop up any leftover dust/filler and put it back in the Timbermate bucket. When the leftover dusk hardens, you can soften it by adding water.
• Doesn’t Harm Wood – Timbermate protects wood; it doesn’t harm it. You can rest assured that Timbermate won’t destroy the grain of your wood.
• Takes Any Known Finish Coat – Timbermate accepts many finishes including waxes, oils, water-based, and moisture-cure.
• Strong, Reliable, and Dependable – Timbermate doesn’t just look like wood—it acts like wood, too. You can drill, nail, and even saw through it.
• Freeze-Thaw stable - If Timbermate freezes, just add hot water or put in a Microwave for 30 seconds at a time until it softens. You can leave Timbermate on your truck.

Information Courtesy: General Finishes

• Hardwood Floor Gaps. Why?
• Acclimating Hardwood Floors