How Much Space Should Be Left Around Laminate Flooring?

Expansion Gap

• You should typically leave an expansion gap around the perimeter of your laminate flooring measuring 1/4 inch. As different types of real-wood laminate flooring contain different types of wood, you should consult your flooring manufacturer's instructions for advice on the precise size of expansion gap required.

Spacers

• Most hardware stores sell plastic spacers you can use as a guide when installing your laminate flooring. These are placed around the perimeter of the room where you're installing your flooring. You can then push your flooring into place knowing that you're leaving an adequate expansion gap.

Cork Expansion Strips

• Once your floor has been laid, you'll need to remove the plastic spacer guides and replace them with cork expansion strips before replacing or installing a skirting board. These keep your flooring in place while allowing it the freedom to expand and contract. Again, you should be able to source these from hardware stores. Make sure the cork expansion strips you buy are the correct size for your gap.

Non-wood Laminate Flooring

• If you're installing a floor that is not made from real wood, you won't need to leave an expansion gap. While most laminate wood flooring products have a layer of real wood on the surface, some are made entirely from plastic or other synthetic materials that do not expand.