What would happen if we didn’t fill the gaps and just put on the finish?

Q: We have an old farm house and it has some good size cracks. What would happen if we didn’t fill the gaps and just put on the finish?

A: Nothing in particular will happen except some finish will likely seep down between the planks. You have to make sure if it drips through to the floor below it doesn’t end up on something you don’t want damaged.