Marion's Blog > What Happens If Laminate Flooring Is Installed Without Proper Expansion Gaps

What Happens If Laminate Flooring Is Installed Without Proper Expansion Gaps

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Laminate flooring is one of the most popular flooring choices among homeowners because of its durability, affordability, and resemblance to real hardwood. But beneath that sleek finish lies a critical installation detail that can make or break the floor’s performance—expansion gaps. These small spaces around the perimeter may seem insignificant, yet they’re essential for the longevity and beauty of laminate floors. Without them, homeowners could face a range of problems that go beyond simple cosmetic issues.

Why expansion gaps matter more than most think

Every type of flooring material, especially laminate, expands and contracts due to changes in temperature and humidity. Laminate planks are typically made from high-density fiberboard (HDF), which naturally reacts to moisture in the air. During humid months, the boards expand slightly; during dry conditions, they contract.

The expansion gap—usually about ¼ inch to ½ inch wide—is what allows this natural movement to occur without damaging the floor. Think of it as breathing room for your flooring. Without it, laminate floors are forced to push against walls, baseboards, or door frames, causing tension that leads to visible and often irreversible damage.

The immediate effects of skipping expansion gaps

When installers neglect to leave these essential gaps, the problems don’t always appear overnight—but when they do, they’re hard to ignore. Some of the first warning signs include:

• Buckling: The planks lift or “tent” upward as they have no room to expand.
• Peaking at joints: Adjacent boards push against each other, creating raised seams.
• Creaking noises: Trapped tension between planks and walls leads to annoying squeaks with every step.
• Warping and separation: In severe cases, the boards may twist, detach from the locking system, or pull apart entirely.
  

Not only do these issues ruin the aesthetic of the floor, but they can also void manufacturer warranties and require costly repairs or even full replacement.

How improper installation leads to long-term damage

Laminate flooring is designed to “float” over the subfloor rather than being nailed or glued down. This floating installation method works perfectly only when the proper expansion gaps are maintained.

Without them, the entire floor system becomes trapped. Seasonal shifts cause pressure to build, and this stress has to go somewhere. Often, it transfers to the locking mechanisms, causing planks to separate or break along the edges. Over time, even the subfloor or moldings may be affected, leading to structural issues and uneven flooring.

Moreover, moisture exposure—such as from spills or cleaning—can exacerbate the problem. When moisture seeps into the swollen boards that have nowhere to expand, the result is permanent warping or delamination.

Common installation mistakes to watch for

Even experienced DIYers can make small but costly mistakes that eliminate the benefits of an expansion gap. Some of the most common errors include:

• Forgetting to remove wall spacers: Spacers are used during installation to maintain consistent gaps but must be removed before finishing.
• Covering gaps with tight molding: Baseboards or transition strips that press tightly against the planks defeat the purpose of expansion space.
• Not accounting for room size: Larger rooms require slightly wider expansion gaps to allow for greater movement.
• Neglecting doorways and fixed objects: Gaps aren’t just needed along walls; any fixed point like pipes, cabinets, or door frames also requires clearance.
  

Being mindful of these small details ensures the floor can adjust naturally to changing environmental conditions without damage.

The right way to install laminate with proper expansion gaps

Professional installers know that success lies in preparation. Here’s what a correct installation approach includes:

• Measuring and marking consistent gaps around all walls and fixed structures.
• Using spacers during the process to maintain uniformity.
• Allowing the laminate to acclimate in the room for 48–72 hours before installation to reduce post-installation movement.
• Choosing appropriate trim and transition pieces that don’t restrict expansion.
  

When done right, these steps ensure that the floor remains level, quiet, and beautiful for many years to come.

When flooring problems appear—can it be fixed?

If the damage from missing expansion gaps is minimal, minor repairs might help. Carefully removing the baseboards and trimming the edges of the flooring to reintroduce space can relieve pressure. However, in severe cases where planks have warped, separated, or locked up, full reinstallation may be necessary.

A professional flooring specialist can assess the issue and determine whether repairs or replacement are more cost-effective. Attempting to fix it without experience may worsen the problem, so expert help is strongly recommended.

Book a free flooring consultation and avoid costly laminate installation mistakes

At Marion’s Carpet & Flooring Warehouses, every laminate flooring project starts with expert guidance and ends with lasting beauty. Our specialists help Portland and Wilsonville homeowners choose high-performance laminate floors that look stunning and perform beautifully for years. Visit our showrooms or schedule your free flooring estimate today to see why Marion’s remains Oregon’s most trusted name in flooring since 1965.