Browse Forums Flooring & Floor Covering 1 Jul 21, 2010 7:56 pm I have a 9*9 mtr area which I would like to have laid with solid timber flooring. I have received a number of quotes in which most were not fussed as to where the cork expansion gap was to be positioned and were recommending it be placed in areas which were more aesthetically pleasing and around the 8-8.5 mtre mark as opposed to directly on the 6 mtr line. The problem is the company that is adamant on the 6mtre mark is probably the largest company and perhaps the most reputable. I really do not want the expansion cork line in this area as it is very obvious, even if the timber was laid in the opposite direction. What is the general opinion about placing this expansion gap over the 6mtr mark??? Thanks. Re: timber flooring and expansion gaps over 6mtrs?? 3Jul 22, 2010 11:05 am At the end of the day the cork blends in quite well with the existing flooring once it is finished. I also tend to be more conservative when installing a floor and would probably lean towards a mid point as well Cheers Re: timber flooring and expansion gaps over 6mtrs?? 4Aug 02, 2010 1:33 pm We also laid timber flooring and were unsure what to do about the expansion gaps. Because ours was through most of the house and not just the one room it meant the cork strip needed to run through the entranceway plus several rooms and would therefore not be centred in most of the house. We thought that wouldn't look any good so we decided to skip the cork altogether. Instead a gap of a couple of mm was left between boards every metre, meaning that in the largest room we had 9 gaps. It's a personal thing but we were happier with this look. In the summer they closed completely, now that the weather is colder they are opening up again but not to the same width they were laid at and most are not noticeable at all really. Re: timber flooring and expansion gaps over 6mtrs?? 5Aug 27, 2010 9:48 am I'm in the same boat at the moment, and not sure if I really need one. We only have one length (about 2m wide) that runs through our kitchen and dining room which measures 7m total. Does this area need an expansion gap? I really don't want one if I can get away with it. EDIT: Actually, to add to this, my floors have already been laid. I'm not real happy with the job for different reasons, and have been told by a second opinion that I need an expansion gap in one place. as stated about the area is about 2m wide and expands nearly 7m. Do I need an expansion gap here? The guys who laid it told me that an expansion gap is only needed every 6m once the floor is wider than 10m. What's the real guide? As for other reasons I'm not happy with the job is: 1. Glue was everywhere in the house when done. Soo messy. 2. We put in character boards as we like the knots. They have gone and filled all these black knots with the wood coloured glue. Not even filler, but glue. This all has to be removed before finishing. 3. They chipped 3 of my new 2pac kitchen drawers. At their expense. Engineering timber is certainly a less fuss option, times cheaper to supply and install and better withstands humidity. 1 15884 4 6008 Brass fly wire, you will need to cut it, shape it and jam it into brick slots 1 7450 |