When installing laminate flooring, spacing refers primarily to the expansion gap you must leave around the perimeter of the room. This gap is critical for the longevity and stability of your floor.
According to the provided reference, when laying laminate flooring it is essential that you leave at least a 10-12mm expansion gap around the perimeter of the floor.
Why is Spacing (the Expansion Gap) Essential?
Laminate flooring, like many building materials, will naturally expand and contract due to changes in temperature and humidity. Without an adequate space around the edges, the floorboards would push against the walls when they expand. This pressure can cause the floor to buckle, warp, or lift.
Leaving an expansion gap provides the necessary room for the floor to move without damaging itself or the surrounding structure.
How to Space Laminate Effectively
Achieving the required expansion gap of at least 10-12mm around the entire perimeter is straightforward:
- Use Spacers: The easiest and most common method is to use flooring spacers. These are small, wedge-shaped, or block spacers designed specifically for this purpose.
- Place Spacers: As you lay each board in the first row and subsequent rows along the walls, place spacers between the edge of the laminate board and the wall.
- Maintain Consistency: Ensure the spacers maintain a consistent gap of 10-12mm (or slightly more) around the entire room, including at doorways, around pipes, and near cabinets (unless the cabinets are installed on top of the laminate, in which case no gap is needed there).
- Remove Spacers: Once the entire floor is laid and dry (refer to adhesive instructions if applicable, though most laminate is click-lock), remove all the spacers.
- Cover the Gap: The expansion gap is then concealed by installing baseboards, skirting boards, or quarter-round moulding around the perimeter of the room. These trim pieces are attached to the wall, not the floor, allowing the floor to expand and contract freely underneath.
Key Spacing Requirements
Here’s a summary of the essential spacing information:
| Spacing Type | Location | Required Gap Size | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expansion Gap | Around the Perimeter | At least 10-12mm | Allows for floor expansion/contraction. |
Properly spacing your laminate floor by leaving the recommended expansion gap is a fundamental step in a successful installation, ensuring the long-term stability and appearance of your flooring.
