Expansion Gap — Flooring Glossary
Quick answer
Leave 8–10mm at walls and through doorways for laminate and click LVT.
Definition
Mandatory perimeter gap covered by skirting or trim.
Explanation
Floors buckle if gaps are filled solid. Transition strips bridge doorways.
Summary
Hide gaps with skirting or Scotia — never nail through floating boards.
In depth
Expansion Gap in practice
A deeper look at Expansion Gap for UK carpet and hard flooring jobs.
Where you will encounter this
Floors buckle if gaps are filled solid. Transition strips bridge doorways.
On surveys, use the correct term with customers — it builds trust. On quotes, reference prep or materials tied to this term so scope is clear.
Fitter tips
Hide gaps with skirting or Scotia — never nail through floating boards.
If this term appears in a supplier specification or building control note, photograph it and attach to the job record so fitters on site see the same requirement.
- Explain in plain English on customer-facing quotes
- Train apprentices using photos from real jobs
- Link related calculators when ordering materials
Related estimating notes
When "expansion gap" is flagged on a job, check whether your default waste, labour day rate, or prep line items need adjusting — generic room calculators may not include specialist work.
Related resources
Automatic internal links for calculators, guides, glossary, and directory pages.
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