How to Fill Cracks That Are Open to the Outside in a Plywood Floor

Strong and long lasting, plywood flooring and sub-flooring provide a smooth surface for tile, vinyl covering and other types of flooring materials. But over time, cracks can form where two or more pieces of plywood are joined together. Cracks opening to the outside of your home, business or other structure provide an entryway for insects, dirt, moisture, snow and other weather elements. Moisture entering through the cracks can also cause the plywood to warp over time.

Broom
Dust pan
Trash bag or can
Latex gloves
Plastic spatula
Patching compound
Burlap or similar cloth
200-grit or higher sandpaper
2 or 3 tack cloths

Instructions

- 1
  Move any furnishings from the area of plywood flooring containing cracks. Sweep any debris in the area onto a dust pan, and empty the dust pan in a trash bag or can. Wear latex gloves to keep your hands clean.
- 2
  Dip a plastic spatula into a container of patching compound, and dip out 2 to 3 tablespoons of the compound. Evenly spread the compound over the crack(s) diagonally across the plywood’s grain.
- 3
  Move the spatula back and forth over the crack(s) going with the grain until the spatula is free of patching compound. Let the compound dry for 15 minutes, and then wipe off any excess compound with a burlap or similar cloth, going against the plywood‘s grain.
- 4
  Let the patching compound dry overnight. Sand the compound with a piece of 200-grit sandpaper going with the plywood’s grain until the compound and flooring is smooth. Wipe the plywood flooring with a tack cloth to remove any sand dust and debris from the flooring.

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