Q: One visitor asked, "Wanting to get even, no gaps, finished and hi shine look to hardwood that has buckled due to settling of 100 year old home. No boards have broken; only some have gouges or splitting. For the most part the distressed look of it all through this living room and kitchen doesn't bother me....but it looks worn and dirty all the time even when keeping it dust free and washed.
I would ideally like to fill any gaps between the boards just to have a smooth floor underfoot and get the best look and easy clean quality out of it. Would sanding and refinishing do this for me? Do people do this to floor that has buckled from a structural problem long ago....or is this totally ridiculous?"

A: It sounds like the finish has worn and the exposed wood has become discoloured. Provided there is enough surface to sand, the floors can be refinished, and during this process, a latex wood filler can be used to fill gaps. Any damaged boards could also be replaced at this time. In the finishing department, my approach is to use polyurethane coats without a lacquer sealer used as a base. By using polyurethane only, buffed between coats to ensure adhesion, the final finish is much more durable. I am not sure what you mean by buckling of your floor. Do you mean there is a hump in the floor? This should not cause a problem, though special care may have to be taken during sanding, not to over sand the high spots.