Expansion gap in solid wood floor

[mollybing]

Hi, this is my first time on the forum and I hope someone can help as I need some advice about the fitting of a solid wood floor. I'm not actually doing it myself as it's a bit beyond my basic DIY skills so the builder doing my kitchen extension is fitting it. However I'm a bit worried as he hasn't left a gap around the edges. I'm no expert but everything I've read or heard about fitting a floor says to leave a 10 - 15mm expansion gap. I confronted the builder with this and he said it wasn't really necessary as no floor would expand by 20mm. I asked him to 'please' cut the plaster back so that there was a sufficient gap. He did about a metre and then obviously got bored so I ended up doing it myself but wonder, am I just being a fussy cow (I'm sure they think I am) or is this an absolute necessity when fitting a T&G solid wood floor. It's secret nailed. Sorry to be so long winded, I'd really appreciate the benefit of your collective experience!

 

[WoodYouLike]

You're absolutely right. A solid Oak floor can expand up to 4mm per meter wide, so the least he should have left was indeed 10 - 15mm gaps all around.

 

[mollybing]

Many thanks for your reply, my gut feeling was that this was correct but I have no practical experience, so thanks for the back up. It's hard to confront a bunch of hairy builders and tell them they're not doing their job right!! Think this is a brilliant web site BTW!

 

[mattysupra]

i might be thinking about changing the builder, expansion is the basics they should know.

 

[WoodYouLike]

i might be thinking about changing the builder, expansion is the basics they should know.

In your (and our) dreams!

 

[mollybing]

Yes, I have thought about changing them a few times but I just want the job finished now. What started as an 8 week job is now in week 14
surely the end must be in sight???