{"id":1802,"date":"2022-10-15T14:39:23","date_gmt":"2022-10-15T14:39:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/?p=1802"},"modified":"2022-10-21T12:37:23","modified_gmt":"2022-10-21T12:37:23","slug":"does-laminate-floor-expand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/does-laminate-floor-expand\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Laminate Floor Expand? (Detailed Explanation)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Does laminate floor expand? Many homeowners are confused with this query so in this detailed guide we will discuss everything you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Floors made of laminate are &#8220;floating.&#8221; They may extend and contract at will. There is no need for nails, glue, or screws because they are so convenient. They form a group of their own own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That&#8217;s why laminate flooring is so popular in homes and workplaces. Laminate flooring can expand and contract, but you can adjust the planks by following a few simple steps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, in order to follow the approaches, you must be aware of how much laminate flooring expands and contracts. Laminate flooring can expand and contract, and this article will explain the query &#8220;does laminate floor expand&#8221; in detailed manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Page Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/does-laminate-floor-expand\/#About_Expansion_In_Flooring\" title=\"About Expansion In Flooring\">About Expansion In Flooring<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/does-laminate-floor-expand\/#Laminate_Floorings_Structure\" title=\"Laminate Flooring\u2019s Structure\">Laminate Flooring\u2019s Structure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/does-laminate-floor-expand\/#Reasons_For_Laminate_Floor_To_Expand_And_Contract\" title=\"Reasons For Laminate Floor To Expand And Contract\">Reasons For Laminate Floor To Expand And Contract<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/does-laminate-floor-expand\/#Can_Laminate_Flooring_Shrink\" title=\"Can Laminate Flooring Shrink\">Can Laminate Flooring Shrink<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/does-laminate-floor-expand\/#Level_Of_Shrinkage_For_Laminate_Floor\" title=\"Level Of Shrinkage For Laminate Floor\">Level Of Shrinkage For Laminate Floor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/does-laminate-floor-expand\/#Reasons_For_Laminate_Flooring_To_Shrink\" title=\"Reasons For Laminate Flooring To Shrink\">Reasons For Laminate Flooring To Shrink<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/does-laminate-floor-expand\/#Is_Expansion_Gap_Needed_For_Laminate_Floor\" title=\"Is Expansion Gap Needed For Laminate Floor\">Is Expansion Gap Needed For Laminate Floor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/does-laminate-floor-expand\/#Right_Size_For_The_Expansion_Gap\" title=\"Right Size For The Expansion Gap\">Right Size For The Expansion Gap<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/does-laminate-floor-expand\/#Do_You_Need_To_Acclimatize_Laminate_Flooring\" title=\"Do You Need To Acclimatize Laminate Flooring?\">Do You Need To Acclimatize Laminate Flooring?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/does-laminate-floor-expand\/#Results_Of_Not_Acclimatizing_Laminate_flooring\" title=\"Results Of Not Acclimatizing Laminate flooring\">Results Of Not Acclimatizing Laminate flooring<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/does-laminate-floor-expand\/#Final_Verdict\" title=\"Final Verdict\">Final Verdict<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-e55b7bff gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_Expansion_In_Flooring\"><\/span>About Expansion In Flooring<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In flooring, the term &#8220;expansion&#8221; refers to a material&#8217;s ability to expand and contract in response to temperature changes. A change in humidity is frequently responsible for the expansion and contraction of tissues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The remaining space in the flooring that allows natural contraction and expansion is called as &#8220;expansion gap.&#8221; This type of gap is called an expansion joint if it happens in the midst of a large room or even between two rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, your flooring may expand more easily depending on the climate where you reside. The expansion and contraction of a floor can be attributed to variations in relative humidity and moisture content. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you live in a moist or warm environment, this is more likely to happen. As a result, the flooring expands as a result of the presence of moisture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When the weather is cold and dry, the flooring dries out, causing it to shrink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-817075ea gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Laminate_Floorings_Structure\"><\/span>Laminate Flooring\u2019s Structure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Four layers make up laminate flooring. Strength and moisture resistance comes from the laminate floor&#8217;s bottom two layers. Laminate flooring is not suitable for damp locations since it is not resistant to moisture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The board&#8217;s appearance is determined by a third layer, which is the picture or design. It&#8217;s also important to note that a top wear coat protects the laminate&#8217;s surface from harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Keep Reading:<\/span><\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/how-to-fix-laminate-flooring-that-is-separating\/\">Guide To Fix Separating Laminate Flooring<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-dd506c43 gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reasons_For_Laminate_Floor_To_Expand_And_Contract\"><\/span>Reasons For Laminate Floor To Expand And Contract<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Temperature and humidity fluctuate from time to time in any environment. Laminate flooring expands when it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Laminate floor contraction results from temperature drops that result in a small footprint. The laminate floor contracts when the temperature drops, resulting in a smaller footprint. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consequently, it is essential to leave sufficient room for the laminate flooring. This is an excellent option to avoid and <a href=\"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/how-to-fix-buckled-laminate-flooring\/\">prevent buckling<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/how-to-fix-bubbles-on-laminate-floorings\/\">bubbling<\/a> like with any wooden floor like this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may need to conduct a baseline survey to evaluate moisture and humidity levels before installing our flooring. There are a variety of reasons why laminate flooring grows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But there are a few more obvious ones. When and why does laminate flooring expand? Only by understanding this can you take the appropriate measures to account for this phenomenon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Temperature:<\/span><\/strong> Expansion of laminate flooring can be caused by changes in temperature. Several materials will expand when the temperature rises. One of the materials that expands when the temperature rises are laminate flooring.<\/li><li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Humidity:<\/span><\/strong> Laminate floors can also expand if it&#8217;s humid outside. Air humidity is responsible for laminate contraction and expansion.<\/li><li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Foreign Materials:<\/span><\/strong> Moisture and liquid chemicals, for example, can cause the laminate to expand. The expansion could occur due to these materials entering the space between the planks.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-2162b403 gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Laminate_Flooring_Shrink\"><\/span>Can Laminate Flooring Shrink<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Laminate flooring does, in fact, contract. The majority of shrinkage is due to environmental factors. Warm temperature causes laminate floors to contract. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it&#8217;s cold outside, laminate flooring also contracts. Cold weather is a pivotal reason for temperature drop, and as a result, some materials contract. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, in colder climates, laminate flooring will contract in size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Keep Reading:<\/span><\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/how-to-make-laminate-floors-shine\/\">DIY Ways To Make Laminate Floors Shine<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-5d814da2 gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Level_Of_Shrinkage_For_Laminate_Floor\"><\/span>Level Of Shrinkage For Laminate Floor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In cold conditions, laminate flooring shrinks by roughly a quarter of an inch. Laminate flooring, in general, does not shrink or expand when the temperature and humidity are within normal ranges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the laminate floor shrinks over the cold months. The amount of laminate flooring that shrinks is directly proportional to its thickness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the floor is 8&#215;12 meters, it will decrease by 8 to 10 millimeters. However, the floor will decrease even more if it is larger than 8*12 meters. The average shrinking rating of the laminate floor is 1\/16 of an inch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-2810c24a gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reasons_For_Laminate_Flooring_To_Shrink\"><\/span>Reasons For Laminate Flooring To Shrink<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Laminate flooring can shrink or expand for a variety of reasons. Knowing the shrinkage causes will help you keep the laminate floor from shifting. Look at the laminate flooring to understand why it shrinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Temperature:<\/span><\/strong> When it&#8217;s cold outside, laminate flooring shrinks. Winter will cause the laminate floor to shift. Laminate flooring may have shrunk, causing the problem.<\/li><li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Humidity And Moisture:<\/span><\/strong> Laminate flooring shrinks as moisture and humidity levels fluctuate. As a result, shrinking may be caused by high humidity or moisture levels.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Keep Reading:<\/span><\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/how-to-install-laminate-flooring-on-stairs\/\">Complete Process On Installing Laminate On Stairs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-ed46b45f gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Expansion_Gap_Needed_For_Laminate_Floor\"><\/span>Is Expansion Gap Needed For Laminate Floor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The expansion gap is required for laminates. Laminate flooring will benefit from an expansion gap. Floating laminate flooring expands when it gets wet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are various determining factors. Expansion, however, can harm laminate flooring if an expansion gap is not maintained. On the side margins of the flooring, the laminate boards expand as a whole. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping an expansion gap on the walls, entrances, and corners is a necessary precaution because of this. This may occur if you skip leaving an expansion gap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Otherwise, the laminates may crack due to the lack of expansion room. Laminate flooring necessitates the maintenance of an expansion gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-dbbdfe90 gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Right_Size_For_The_Expansion_Gap\"><\/span>Right Size For The Expansion Gap<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Suppose you don\u2019t have a larger room than the majority of typical household rooms or live in a location that experiences year-round excessive heat and cold. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In that case, an expansion gap of 9.5mm to 12mm should be adequate for the majority of homerooms. Make sure your <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Baseboard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">skirting boards<\/a> or beading will cover these gaps even if your laminate may contract in the colder months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is better to leave as large an expansion space as feasible. Even though a lot of do-it-yourselfers claim that smaller expansion gaps work, it is better to stay careful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should put laminate flooring in a room between 60oF and 80oF (16\u00b0C and 26\u00b0C) because this is considered a &#8220;typical&#8221; household temperature that falls somewhere between the hot and cold extremes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Keep Reading:<\/span><\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/best-mops-for-laminate-floors\/\">Top Budget Laminate Mops Reviewed<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-a9d236bb gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_You_Need_To_Acclimatize_Laminate_Flooring\"><\/span>Do You Need To Acclimatize Laminate Flooring?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, it is an important part of laminate flooring installation. Installing the laminate immediately upon their arrival can be a costly oversight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A lack of pre-acclimatization can result in a laminate floor that is incompatible with its surroundings. Post-installation, the factors, including moisture and temperature, seems relevant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Laminated flooring settles when it is acclimatized to its new environment. The laminates need to be stored in that location for a minimum of 48 hours before they may be used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Laminate flooring has the potential to expand or contract at an unanticipated pace if it is not properly acclimated. It&#8217;s too late to fix any issues once you&#8217;ve installed it. Laminate flooring needs to be acclimated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-a277c992 gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Results_Of_Not_Acclimatizing_Laminate_flooring\"><\/span>Results Of Not Acclimatizing Laminate flooring<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To provide a long-lasting surface, laminate flooring must be acclimated. Laminate flooring planks can expand or contract if they are not properly acclimatized. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Temperature and the surrounding environment have an effect on the amount of expansion and contraction. Depending on how quickly the planks contract or expand after being installed, this could cause unexpected results. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because the planks didn&#8217;t have enough time to become used to the new environment and adapt, as a result, there&#8217;s a danger the laminate boards will crack or slide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/how-to-install-laminate-flooring-on-concrete\/\">Installing laminate flooring<\/a> without first performing an acclimation process is a mistake. Expansion and contraction are common in laminate flooring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Several factors contribute to the same, and mostly those are environmental factors. The floor&#8217;s dimensions determine the laminate floor&#8217;s maximum expansion or contraction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Calculate the difference between your expansion and the average expansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Keep Reading:<\/span><\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/how-to-remove-scratch-marks-from-laminate-floorings\/\">Guide To Remove Scratches From Laminate Flooring<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-077eabcb gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Verdict\"><\/span>Final Verdict<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope this guide on the query &#8220;does laminate floor expand&#8221; was helpful and solved your doubt. You may wonder why laminate floor expansion and contraction are so important to understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, if you are going to install the same in your house, there is no harm in keeping yourself equipped with some added information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, while installing the floor by yourself, it is essential to understand the anatomy of the gap so that you don\u2019t make any mistakes and you don\u2019t have to redo the entire thing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Does laminate floor expand? Many homeowners are confused with this query so in this detailed guide we will discuss everything you need to know. Floors made of laminate are &#8220;floating.&#8221; They may extend and contract at will. There is no need for nails, glue, or screws because they are so convenient. They form a group<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3198,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1802","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-flooring","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1802","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1802"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1802\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3198"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1802"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1802"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/housewhirl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1802"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}