Laminate Floor Edge Spacing

Expert installers say that the larger the space the larger the expansion gap should be as the floor needs more space to expand and contract with temperature.

Laminate floor edge spacing.

When installing laminate flooring it s important to leave a gap between the panel edges and all walls. The base of the t shape can range from 1 2 inch to 3 4 inches wide. Leave a 1 inch space on the floor to accommodate the base of the t molding strip. An expansion gap is essential when it comes to laminate flooring installation.

These most often take the form of small heavy rectangular blocks. Installing a floating floor to a flush transition molding can potentially lead to buckling end joint peaking and squeaks later on. 99 get it tuesday sep 29. The recommended expansion gap is a minimum of inch.

For step installations where the floating floor is glued down to the existing treads flush stair nosing if available can be used. Do not fasten t molding through the laminate floor or with fasteners against the edge of the laminate floor as this will lock the floor in. Door jambs need to be undercut to allow for expansion space. Ideal situation is when you can check your sub floor quality before laminate flooring purchase and then make adequate decision.

When you install the floor you ll need to leave a quarter inch space between the flooring edges and walls or any other permanent floor spaces such as the base of cabinets. If you place laminate flooring on a weak or uneven sub floor the new floor will be compromised and eventually buckle damage the laminate locking system creak or create micro gaps in the new floor. The standard width of a t molding strip is 2 inches and the standard height is 5 8 inch. Under cutting door jambs.

This space will allow room for the flooring to expand and contract with changes in humidity. Your laminate floor will flex up and down adjusting to your uneven sub floor and the end effect will be damaged locking system micro gaps between boards and poor floor performance. Purchase a floor gap fixer tool. T molding is most often used when you need a transition piece between a tiled floor and a laminate wood floor.

Why is a gap at the walls important. The backing material of laminate flooring panels is high density fibreboard hdf to which décor papier is attached. Most laminate flooring manufacturers provide quarter inch plastic spacers as. The gap will be hidden by the skirting boards.

These days many companies sell special devices designed to make it easier to close small gaps in hardwood and laminate flooring.