Are Gaps In Hardwood Floors Normal

Slight gaps are normal but if the gap is wide enough to fit the end of a nickel into repairs are necessary.

Are gaps in hardwood floors normal.

But to answer a common question. Failing to install the first board perfectly straight in a hardwood flooring installation. For larger gaps that don t close up call in a professional contractor who can repair floors properly. The shrinkage causes gaps in the flooring especially in older homes.

Again if the floor expands so that gaps disappear during the humid non heating season they should be considered normal. Whether your floors are newly installed or you ve had hardwood floors for years you can use humidifiers to reduce the likelihood of gaps. Over time wood flooring has a tendency to shrink. Not only are they an eyesore they can also collect dirt and dust.

Hardwood gaps are generally caused by one of a few installation errors. It may take years for gaps to show up in your hardwood floors. It will get pushed out as the wood expands with moisture. Gaps in hardwood floors can be a huge visual annoyance.

Here s our guide on how to fix gaps in hardwood flooring. The best times to repair hardwood floors are april and october. Yes it can still have gaps. Gapping in engineered hardwood can be due to many factors including but not limited to the material s manufacturing changes in humidity and the type and quality of the installation.

Hardwood takes on and loses moisture as the temperatures and the humidity rises and falls. Expansion and contractions causes hardwood floor gaps. Engineered hardwood flooring is designed to minimize gaps due to expansion and contraction of the wood. Failing to keep boards straight when working.

Abnormal gaps large gaps in wood floors that do not close up in more humid months can be caused by job site conditions handling and storage or manufacturing variables. Improperly acclimating the hardwoods prior to installation.