Caulk Between Floorboards: Eight Steps To Do It Right

There are many good reasons to caulk between the floor boards of your home. Not only does it prevent pests from entering, but it can also help to keep the heat inside your property, allowing your HVAC systems to work more efficiently. Although it is best to seal the gaps between your floor boards from underneath, the next best thing is to seal them on the surface if that is not possible.

In this article, we share with you some steps to follow to caulk between floorboards.

Prepare the Materials You Need

To caulk between your floorboards, you will need to prepare the following materials:

• Tape
• Disposable gloves
• Caulking gun
• A sealant of your choice — we recommend acrylic latex caulk for this purpose
• Pry bar
• Hammer
• Nails
• Vacuum cleaner

Clean and Prep the Floor

Before you can start the process, make sure that you clean the floor thoroughly, using a vacuum to get dirt and debris out from between the gaps.

Dislodge and Remove Baseboards

It’s now time to dislodge your baseboards. You can do this by inserting a pry bar behind each one and gently removing them from the wall. Be sure not to damage them during this process. Remove any nails that are in the boards and discard them.

Get Your Caulking Gun Ready

Now, you are ready to start caulking. Start preparing your caulking gun by inserting a tube of caulk into it. If necessary, you may wish to cut the applicator tip to ensure that it is at a 45-degree angle. This will allow for smoother application.

Apply Tape

For a cleaner job, you can opt to apply tape to the edges of the boards.

Start Caulking

To start caulking, apply a bead of caulk deep into the joint. While pulling on the trigger, drag the applicator along the length of the joint. Make sure to pay attention to your speed, keeping it consistent so that you will not have an uneven layer of caulk anywhere. You may have to stop halfway to refill your caulking gun, as one tube may not be enough to seal the entire floor in a room.

Perfect the Job

When you are done, wipe away any excess caulk that has formed on the outer surface of the boards. It is important to do this immediately so that the caulk does not have a chance to set, making removal harder. Next, get a damp rag and smooth out the joint to ensure a uniform appearance.

Once you are satisfied with it, you can step aside and allow the caulking to cure and dry. During this time, avoid walking on the affected area, as this can cause dirt and debris to work their way into the caulk.

Reinstall the Baseboards

When the caulk has dried completely, it’s time to reinstall your baseboards by nailing them back into place. Ensure that they are just below the surface of the wood.