How Much Expansion Space Should You Leave Between the Edge of the Flooring and the Surrounding Wall?

When it comes to installing hardwood flooring, one of the most important steps is to leave the right amount of expansion space. This space allows for natural movements as the wood expands and contracts with changes in the surrounding atmosphere. The general rule is to leave a quarter of an inch against all walls, but this can vary depending on the type of flooring. Solid wood floors, artificial wood, and parquet blocks all require an expansion space around the perimeter of the room.

It is recommended to leave a gap of at least 12 mm between the floor and the walls on all sides. This includes all doors, chimneys, and any plumbing. When you reach the furthest wall, cut the last board to size so that there is a ¼ inch gap between it and the wall. You can use spacers to maintain these gaps as you assemble the floor. The same applies to other solid objects such as door frames, heating pipes, stoves, and radiators that are flush with the floor and furniture.

This free centimeter will not be visible later on because it will be covered by baseboards or transition profiles. When laying laminate floors, it is essential to leave at least 10-12 mm of expansion space around the perimeter of the floor. In larger areas, a larger laminate floor expansion space should be used. Engineered wood floors are extremely popular because they are the most stable and versatile type of real wood flooring. I live in a temperate climate and from what I've read elsewhere, leaving an expansive space between the wall and the floor could cause laminate flooring to detach from itself over time.

Always be sure to consult the instructions that come with your flooring to follow the advice on the recommended expansion space for that particular floor.