Kevin Why does my hardwood floor have gaps?

Some floors have gaps in them when first installed due to minor milling imperfections. Although these boards are normally thrown out during the installation process on occasion small gaps are unnoticed and have to be filled with wood filler after install. Most gaps happen due to Seasonal Change and that is the issue I would like to address today.

Solid hardwood flooring is a natural product, that naturally moves just as a sponge will get larger when soaked in water wood swells under moist conditions. If you have an air conditioner or a dehumidifier in your home, you can monitor the levels of moisture in your air. If the humidifier dehumidifier is hooked up to your heat and air unit you may still notice small gaps running above the air trunks. If this is the case, contact your heating and air contractor and ask what added insulation they recommend. What is occurring is the blowing air under the floor is drying out the floor causing gaps. To eliminate gaps try and keep your home at a constant temperature and humidity level, most manufacturers recommend somewhere between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and 40-55% relative humidity and have the wood depending on specie and construction acclimated for 48-72 hours inside the home.

Some of the hardwood floors we sell at Country Flooring Direct react better to moist climates such as the IPE and Cumaru (Brazilian Walnut and Brazilian Teak) however tend to gap more in dry climates. Another hardwood we offer is Rift and Quartered hardwood that is cut from the tree in a way that almost eliminates gaping.

Information gathered for this blog post comes from experience and NOFMA's website. Please note that there are other factors to consider when addressing the movement of hardwood floor other than seasonal change such as proper installation methods, so consulting with a professional contractor before starting your project is always recommended.

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http://www.nofma.org/Portals/0/PDF/NOFMA_care_special.pdf