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It's frustrating when gaps appear between laminate floorboards. Whether it's from seasonal humidity changes or floor movement, these gaps ruin the look of your beautiful new flooring. Luckily, there are several effective ways to fix these gaps. With a little effort, you can restore your laminate floor to look as good as new.

Assess the Gaps

First, inspect all areas of your floor and identify each gap wider than 1/16”. Determine if the gaps run lengthwise or widthwise between the boards. Look for patterns, as gaps may be concentrated in one area. Understanding the nature and location of the gaps will help determine the best repair method.

Also, figure out what caused the gaps in the first place. Laminate floors expand and contract throughout the year as relative humidity levels change. During winter when the air is dry, the floors contract. While summers can create expansion from humidity. Drastic temperature swings in your home or moisture issues can also impact your floors. Knowing the root cause will prevent gaps from reappearing later.

Use Floor Filler

For small gaps 1/16” or narrower, all you need is laminate floor filler. This is a wax filler stick that blend with the color and shade of your floors. Lightly dampen the gap with water first. Then, use the edge of a filler stick and push the compound deeply into gaps. Smooth off any excess with a damp cloth. The filler helps stabilize movement to prevent future separation, while hiding any visible gaps.

Employ Gap Spanners

Plastic gap spanners provide a quick solution for hiding long straight gaps between laminate planks. These flexible “splines” insert into gaps to make separations less visible. Measure the gap width and buy gap spanners to match. Cut pieces slightly longer than each gap. Then lift both floor edges using a pull bar and tap gap spanners all the way in until flush.

For wider gaps, combine gap spanners with filler for the best results. Also, gaps must be pushed tightly closed for gap spanners to work properly. If floors are still moving or edges won’t meet flush, find additional solutions.

Use Caulking

For gaps up to 1/4” in stable floors, caulking may work well. Clear caulk is low profile, while colored varieties like brown and oak blend better cosmetically once dry. First, remove any dust or debris from gaps with a vacuum hose. Then apply painter's tape along both gap edges. Smooth a thin bead of caulk over gaps with a flexible applicator. Lastly, let the caulk cure fully. Remove the tape and any overflow dried caulk using a plastic scraper.

When seasonal movement occurs, caulk may crack or pop out. So, it’s not always a permanent fix for moving floors. For best results, only apply caulk to stable gaps in temperature-controlled rooms. Reapply as needed during floor movement cycles.

Replace Damaged Planks

 If gaps appear next to badly damaged boards, replacement may be required. Always use a circular saw with laminate blade to prevent tearing or cracking planks. Carefully cut out the center of damaged boards. Leave intact tongues/grooves on both cut board edges. Use a chisel to remove debris from the gap so new boards can be installed flatly. Apply wood glue to plank edges before tapping into place with a pull bar. Allow the wood glue to dry fully before walking over the repaired section.

Prevent Future Gaps

Once you fix current laminate gaps, take steps to prevent them from recurring:

With dedication and the right repair products, you can permanently eliminate unsightly laminate flooring gaps. Give your restored floors a fresh finish and enjoy their sleek, flawless look for years to come.