How To Prevent Gaps In Wood Floors

Winter not only brings colder temperatures, it brings gaps in hardwood flooring too. Since wood floors are effected by changes in humidity levels, homeowners often notice gaps or shifts in their flooring when temperatures drop. Follow the suggestions below to prevent your floors from shrinking this season:


  1. Choose the Right Flooring Option: Engineered wood flooring is supposed to be more stable than solid wood. Keep this in mind as you search for new flooring for your Northeast home. Just be sure to read all manufacturer’s recommendations and the warranty.
  2. Narrow or Wide Planks? Although you may like the look of wide planks over narrow ones, narrow boards tend to shrink less. Think of it this way: a 5-inch-wide plank can shrink twice as much as a 2 1/4 -inch-strip so the gap will be twice as big.
  3. Invest in a Humidifier: if your home tends to dry out during the winter months, you should consider a portable humidifier. This will add moisture to the air so your wood floors won’t shrink as much. Just be sure to monitor humidity levels inside your home because too much moisture in the air is not good for your floors either.

For more information about choosing the right wood floors to prevent shrinking or expanding, contact the pros at Hall Flooring. Whether you're looking for unfinished or pre-finished, standard widths boards, parquet, or specialty items, we've got just what you're looking for. Not sure what's best for you? We're here to help guide you to the proper selection.