How do you prevent gaps forming in a solid wood floor?

The advantages of the FEEL WOOD solid wood flooring system: no gaps, but more character!

We supply you with high quality planks. They have a residual moisture content of 9% (+/-2%). With constant temperature and humidity levels, you can be sure that gaps are avoided and everything fits together perfectly.

Overview of swelling and shrinkage characteristics

Gaps in wooden floors are a major concern for many buyers. In this article we will look specifically at the aspect of gap formation.

In general it can be said that the swelling and shrinking behaviour of wood is negligible in relation to length. This is not the case for the width, which can vary depending on the type of wood and how it is cut.

The moisture content of the wood is a key factor in the formation of floor gaps. As this decreases, the material shrinks and unwanted gaps can form. To illustrate: a 3% reduction in residual moisture results in a change of approximately 0.78% with an average swell and shrink of 0.26. For example, with a plank width of 137 mm, this means a gap width of approximately 1 mm.

It should be noted that these figures are averages and may vary slightly depending on the type of wood used and the growth area or annual rings within individual boards (edge area versus core). Nevertheless, they provide a good guide for builders or renovators when considering the issue of voids.

All in all, it can be said that the FEEL WOOD system is an elegant solution for ensuring gap-free installation. Gap formation can be permanently prevented by regularly checking the room climate and avoiding relative humidity below 50 %. In combination with suitable cleaning and care, nothing can stand in the way of a beautiful and long-lasting floor.

Together we make the difference: FEEL WOOD offers you the best quality and durability with our solid wood floorboards. Find out more about the different product categories and their advantages!

After all, only satisfied customers make us happy – which is why FEEL WOOD is committed to transparency when it comes to wood quality.

Read more articles in our “FEEL the WOOD” blog and be inspired.