It is essential to leave a space of between 10 and 15 mm between the wall and the wood floor to prevent any problems with hardwood floors when they expand and contract. Wood is a natural product, and its properties change when exposed to heat, cold, and moisture. Expansion issues can arise when the floor becomes clogged, bent, cut, or rises, leading to squeaks. To understand this better, Hardwood Floors magazine and Purdue University conducted two separate tests with samples of 4-inch solid white oak floors with slit-cut and 4-inch slit-cut engineered wood floors with a 4 mm sawn wear layer and an 11-layer platform.
The results of the experiment showed that leaving a gap of 10 to 15 mm between the wall and the wood floor is essential to prevent any issues with hardwood floors due to expansion. This gap allows the wood to expand and contract without any problems. It also helps reduce squeaks caused by the floor rubbing against the wall. When installing a wood floor, it is important to ensure that there is enough space between the wall and the floor.
This will help prevent any issues due to expansion or contraction of the wood. It is also important to use high-quality materials that are designed for hardwood floors. This will ensure that the floor lasts longer and does not suffer from any expansion issues.
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