Will my Bamboo floor need an expansion gap?

Will my Bamboo floor need an expansion gap?

This entry was posted on February 18, 2019 by chris elliott

Yes, your bamboo floor will need an expansion gap.  This allows for the planks of bamboo to naturally expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity.  If you do not have an expansion gap, your bamboo floor could start to crack and lift up.  Finally, once the floor has been fitted, you will cover gaps with bamboo flooring accessories.

 

What is an expansion gap?

An expansion gap is a small gap that is left around the perimeter of the room when installing your bamboo floor. The size of the gap should be at least 10mm. You must leave this gap around the whole perimeter of the room.  Basically, anywhere that the floor will come into contact with fixed objects like, walls, door frames, fire places and pipework.  To make it easier, you can use flooring spacers.  These will help to ensure the correct size gap is left.  They are then removed after installation. Furthermore, you will also need to leave a gap in all doorways to allow the floor in each room to move independently. 

 

Why do I need an expansion gap?

It is vital that you leave an expansion gap to allow your bamboo floor to naturally move.  Bamboo is a natural product and will slightly expand and shrink with changes in temperature and humidity.  These changes are all very natural and normal.  By leaving an expansion gap you will allow the planks of flooring space to move. In conclusion, if the bamboo does not have sufficient space to expand, it may start to lift up, crack or distort.  

 

How can I cover up the expansion gap?

Once your bamboo floor has been installed, you will want to cover up the expansion gaps.  We stock a range of matching bamboo flooring accessories to add the finishing touches to your room. 

Around the perimeter of the room you would use a bamboo skirting or beading.

In doorways we have various bamboo accessories, depending upon your requirements (T-Moulding, Threshold, Flush Reducer and R-Profiles). 

Furthermore, if you are installing bamboo on your staircase, we also have matching stair-nosing. 

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