The Benefits of Timber Slivers
Timber slivers provide a solid, natural way to close established gaps between period floorboards. Rather than covering the gap with filler, a tapered piece of timber physically fills the space and can be trimmed, sanded, and finished with the surrounding floor.
1. A More Substantial Repair for Larger Gaps
Timber slivers are particularly useful where gaps are too wide or irregular for conventional wood filler. Once secured between the boards, the sliver becomes part of the repaired timber surface instead of relying on a line of PVA and sawdust to bridge the gap. One Made of Wood customer restoring a period property called timber slivers “a must for a period property” and specifically contrasted them with PVA and sawdust after previous sawdust filler had broken up.
2. Preserve the Character of Period Floorboards
Timber slivers help you retain the property’s original floorboards rather than replacing otherwise sound timber. Matching pine, oak, or another compatible wood helps preserve the grain, patina, and natural variation that give Victorian, Georgian, and other period floors their character. Once trimmed and sanded flush, real timber also creates a more natural-looking repair than a visible line of dried filler.
3. Simple to Fit and Finish
Timber slivers can be fitted into suitable gaps with adhesive before the excess timber is removed and the floor is sanded flush. A Made of Wood customer described the process as easy, reporting that they fitted the slivers into the gaps and removed the excess with a multitool.
Why Timber Slivers Are a Better Alternative to Traditional Gap-Filling Methods
Timber slivers are a better choice for substantial floorboard gaps because they create a solid timber repair rather than trying to bridge the gap with a paste. Traditional mixtures such as PVA and sawdust can be useful for small cracks, nail holes, and minor imperfections. Problems arise when the same approach is used for wider joints between period floorboards.
Filler sits within the gap as a separate material. As the surrounding floorboards expand and contract with seasonal changes, larger areas of filler can crack, loosen or become more noticeable.
One Made of Wood customer experienced exactly this in their period property. After finding that the sawdust filler previously used between their floorboards had broken up, they chose to use timber slivers for the floor restoration. Their experience highlights the practical difference between filling a substantial gap with paste and physically repairing it with timber.
Timber slivers take the latter approach. A tapered strip of compatible wood is fitted into the gap, trimmed level, and sanded with the surrounding floor. This creates a substantial repair while retaining the appearance and character of the existing boards. Timber slivers are commonly used by flooring specialists for wider gaps in period floors.
There is also a visual benefit. PVA-and-sawdust mixtures may not accept oils, stains or other finishes in exactly the same way as the surrounding boards. A matching timber sliver provides real wood grain and texture within the repaired area, helping it blend naturally with the original floor.
This does not mean sawdust filler is unsuitable for every job. Small imperfections need small repairs; substantial floorboard gaps need a more substantial solution. For wide or irregular gaps in otherwise sound period floorboards, repairing timber with timber is often the more appropriate approach.
Shop Timber Slivers from Made of Wood
Restore gaps in period floorboards with real timber rather than simply covering them with filler. Made of Wood timber slivers provide a simple way to repair suitable gaps while preserving the natural appearance and character of your wooden floor.
Whether you are restoring original Victorian floorboards, renovating a Georgian property, or bringing an older timber floor back to life, timber slivers help you retain more of the existing floor and achieve a natural-looking finish.
Repair timber with timber and give your period floor the restoration it deserves. Shop our range of timber sliver.
