Laminate Expansion Gap & Room Size

BataviaJim · 03-25-2009, 06:07 PM

I'm installing laminate flooring in an upstairs bathroom. The tub is contoured and there are a couple projections in the wall, so the first row of planks has several curves and cutouts. I used cardboard templates to make the cuts. They came out okay (I'm cutting freehand) but not perfect, especially the curved ones. As a result, the expansion gap varies -- it's mostly the recommended 1/4", some is a bit more, but a couple stretches are 3/16" and one bit is 1/8". If I try to make the tight spots bigger I risk making the rest of it too big. (I'm going to use a flexible vinyl molding, and the best I've found locally is 7/16" so there isn't a lot of overlap past the gap.)

The room is small, 4.5' x 9', that's 6 planks wide and less than 3 planks long.

Can I get by with a few spots having a smallish expansion gap, since with so few planks the cumulative expansion will be limited?

Thanks.

Floorwizard · 03-25-2009, 06:15 PM

You should be fine....you will know when the humidy gets higher....

BataviaJim · 03-25-2009, 06:30 PM

I should have added that I live in the Northeast, so the temperature in that room is 62 degrees right now. In the summer it will be in the 70's and more humid (though we don't get the really hot humid weather for very long). Will this undermine my theory of needing a lesser gap?

Thanks again.

Floorwizard · 03-25-2009, 06:43 PM

low humid now + high humid later = problems if gap is not acceptable.........possibly.....
You can always take a risk and dremel a bigger gap later if needed.

BataviaJim · 03-25-2009, 06:48 PM

How about if I put a slightly larger gap on the opposite side of the room, say 5/16 or even 3/8? That side is straight and less noticeable so I have more leeway. Would that compensate for not having quite enough on the first side?

Thurman · 03-25-2009, 06:50 PM

"Floorwizard"- -what do you mean "motorcycle season is over? My daughter lives in Fairbanks and I have visited during different seasons. I love bikes myself but those nuts riding in winter, -30º, and with all that snow? When does motorcycle season end up there? My hats off to them though. David

DangerMouse · 03-25-2009, 07:46 PM

thurman, he clearly states moRtorcycle season is over, so..... the question is... when IS mortorcycle season?
and WHAT is a mortorcycle? -=chuckle=- i'll stop being such a mortorforker now.....

DM

Floorwizard · 03-25-2009, 07:50 PM

Cycle season varies from May to early Sept....
I only ride 50 degrees and up so my tires stick to the road better.
It's crazy to ride in the winter on the 3 wheelers. You can bundle up....but I am worried about others on the road...
forget that!

Quote:

How about if I put a slightly larger gap on the opposite side of the room, say 5/16 or even 3/8?

May work...why not?