Frequently Asked Questions: Do I Need To Leave An Expansion Gap When Installing Solid Wood Flooring?

Yes! For the love of hardwood flooring, yes! Expansion gaps are vital to the life of your floor. Without them, the chances of buckling, bending, and warping are very, very high.

Hardwood flooring is a natural material, and as such it tends to shrink and expand when it experiences changes in temperature and humidity. If this expansion isn't accounted for in the installation process, the wood is much more likely to warp or buckle over time.

So how big of a gap should you leave? Well, professional flooring installers suggest a minimum of 3/4" around the perimeter of the room and around all obstructions. The size of the gap depends on a number of factors, including geographical region, temperature, interior moisture, and the time of the year you are doing the installation. The best way to know the necessary expansion gap is to contact the manufacturer and ask.

Without an expansion gap, this Ash hardwood flooring could
possibly buckle from changes in temperature and humidity.

Still have questions about expansion gaps and hardwood flooring installation? Call Fantastic Floor today at 888-448-9663!