Wood flooring naturally expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. This is completely normal, but excessive gaps can be frustrating. Here are some key steps to prevent them and keep your flooring looking seamless:

How Do I Prevent Gaps in My Wood Flooring?

1. Acclimate Your Flooring Before Installation
One of the most common causes of gaps is installing wood flooring before it has adjusted to the room’s environment. Wood is a natural material that absorbs and releases moisture, so it’s important to let it acclimate before fitting.

How to do this: Store your wood flooring planks in the room where they’ll be installed for at least 48-72 hours before installation. If possible, lay the boxes flat and open them slightly to allow airflow.
This helps the wood adjust to the temperature and humidity, reducing movement after installation.

2. Maintain a Stable Room Temperature & Humidity
Wood reacts to changes in moisture, so maintaining a stable environment is key. Sudden drops in humidity can cause the planks to shrink and create gaps.

Aim to keep indoor humidity between 40-65% and the temperature around 18-24°C.
In colder months, central heating can dry out the air, making the wood shrink. Using a humidifier can help maintain the right moisture levels.

3. Choose the Right Wood Flooring Type
Some types of wood flooring are more prone to expansion and contraction than others:

Solid wood flooring is more likely to shrink and expand with seasonal changes.
Engineered wood flooring is more stable due to its layered construction, making it a great option if you’re concerned about gaps.

4. Install Your Flooring Correctly
Proper installation can make a big difference in preventing gaps.

Leave Expansion Gaps: Always leave a 10-15mm expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. This gives the flooring space to expand and contract naturally without causing visible gaps in the main area.
Use the Right Underlay: If you’re installing engineered or laminate flooring, using a high-quality underlay can help absorb slight movement and keep planks in place.

5. Avoid Excessive Moisture & Water Damage
Too much moisture can cause wood flooring to expand, then shrink once it dries out—leading to gaps.

Avoid using excess water when cleaning—a damp mop is best.
Wipe up spills immediately to prevent moisture from seeping between planks.
If your home is particularly humid (e.g., in kitchens or basements), consider using a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels under control.

6. Seasonal Gapping – Is It Normal?
Small gaps that appear in the winter and close up in the summer are perfectly normal, especially with solid wood flooring. As long as they’re minor, there’s no need to worry. However, if you notice large or persistent gaps, it could indicate an issue with humidity levels or installation.

Final Tip: If you’re experiencing ongoing problems with gaps in your wood flooring, our team is here to help! Use our live chat feature on our website for expert advice.