Timber, laminate, and bamboo floors naturally expand and contract with seasonal changes in humidity. Expansion gaps are essential to allow for this movement and to prevent issues like buckling, peaking, or gapping.

Here are the recommended expansion gaps based on flooring type:

Laminate flooring: 5–8mm

Timber flooring: 8–10mm

Bamboo flooring: 10mm

Solid 19–21mm tongue & groove timber: 12–15mm

Expansion gaps are typically hidden beneath skirting boards or floor trims. However, 10–12mm skirtings may not fully cover the required gap. Wider skirtings or trims may be necessary for a clean finish.

It’s important to remember:

Expansion gaps allow for expansion

They do not manage shrinkage, shrinkage must be addressed by using stable, acclimatized flooring materials.