Gap in Hardwood Floor

Looking for some advice. Please keep in mind my technical knowledge and experience is minimal at best. But I'm trying to learn!

I took out a small wall to expand a closet, not really having a plan or anything but knowing it had to be done. I've never done anything remotely like this - trim, drywall, anything - but I've managed to self-teach through books, stuff on the internet, and talking to friends everything involved in getting this done. For the most part I've gotten things done, sometimes not well but it's a learning process. But I'm having one major issue I can't find a relatively easy solution for. My hardwood was installed after this wall was put up, so I have a gap of about 5" - 5.5" that's about 3' long on the floor where the wall used to be. The sides are uneven as each piece of hardwood (3" wide) is a little different than the next. Looking for a relatively simple solution that doesn't involve me trimming down the existing floor boards (I don't have the necessary hardware).

I had considered getting some more hardwood and filling the gap, but it would only need a few square feet and everything out there would be $30+ to fix and I'm looking for the under 10$ solution because logically I know it's gotta be there. Picture attached. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Welcome to the forums!

If you can find a house under construction with hardwood being installed - they'd likely give you enough to do the job.

Just filling in the gap with new hardwood will always look bad. It is better to 'lace' in new wood so it doesn't look like a patch job. BUT I'm not sure the flooring pieces line up. Another issue you have is 2 different colors of flooring. Hard to tell from the pic but the wood on the right looks like it might be pine. How far does the flooring on the right extend? another pic or two might help us better figure out your best plan of attack.


edit; it might be best just to add one piece of hardwood across the void [like a threshold or transition piece]

 

I would make the strip as uniform in size as possible all the way across. Then, as Marksr said, check out construction sites for "gifts" of flooring. Instead of laying them in the same direction and needing to weave them in, install them as a flat threshold across the opening. You may have to rip one piece to fit in the slot. Not the ideal solution, but it will be far less intensive work than weaving, and the opening is so small, once it is finished, it won't be that obtrusive.

 

So you're suggesting I install some hardwood perpendicular to the existing? Basically one or two long strips to fill the void? I was thinking that would make more sense. What about the uneven width though? Do I need to cut the existing hardwood down? I have no idea how best to do that. Thank you both for the quick replies!

 

For the uneven width, you could take two pieces and rip the edge off each (one tongue and one groove) to the width you need, leaving the coupling t&g intact. You could install it with PL 8X or use 2" 18 gauge finish nails and nail gun, or both.

I think since it is a doorway, and you aren't trying to make it look like it isn't, turning the pieces perpendicular to the runs won't look all that bad. It will still be an opening.

 

Assuming the flooring is 3/4" thick you could also rip down an oak 1x6 to fit. The wood on the right looks a little uneven, if it is, that would need to be cut straight before installing the filler piece.

 

Again, thank you for the advice. This is a stupid question but I'm not real clear. To cut the existing floor boards to an even size, what should I use? Jig saw? Thanks again!

 

The most likely candidate would be a multi tool with several blades, since you will be cutting a really hard flooring.
Fein Tools - Oscillating Multimaster Cutting, Sawing, Scraping Tool is an example, but there are cheaper models at places like Harbor Freight.

 

Great advice. Thanks. Got a Harbor Freight near my house. Looks like something I'll need around the house anyway, so the cost isn't as painful.

 

I have the HF multi tool and couldn't be happier with it considering the price I paid. It's not a tool I use a lot but the times I've used it - I don't think there is another type tool that would have worked better. I'm sure the more expensive ones are better but the HF model works good for me.
HF often puts them on sale and you can usually find a 20% off coupon.