Why do hardwood floors get gaps in winter?

Wood is hygroscopic — it expands when it absorbs moisture and contracts when it dries out. During Austin's dry winter months, indoor humidity drops, the wood loses moisture, and the boards shrink slightly, opening gaps between them. This is normal seasonal movement.

Will hardwood floor gaps close on their own?

In most cases, yes. Seasonal gaps that open in winter typically close again in spring and summer as humidity rises and the wood re-expands. If gaps remain open year-round or are wider than a credit card, that's a sign of a more serious moisture or installation problem.

How wide is too wide for hardwood floor gaps?

Gaps narrower than 1/8 inch (roughly the thickness of a credit card) are considered normal seasonal movement. Gaps wider than that, or gaps that don't close in summer, warrant a professional inspection.

What causes permanent hardwood floor gaps in Austin?

Permanent gaps are usually caused by: floors installed without proper acclimation to Austin's climate, subfloor moisture issues, HVAC systems running too dry, or original installation over a concrete slab without a proper moisture barrier.

Austin Winter Hardwood Gap Guide | CC Floors Austin

Seeing gaps between your hardwood boards after a cold, dry Austin winter? Here's what's causing it, when it's normal, and when to call a flooring contractor.

The Short Answer: Probably Normal, But Worth Watching: Every winter, I get calls from Austin homeowners who walk into their living room one morning and notice something they hadn't seen before — thin gaps between their hardwood boards. The first reaction Why Wood Floors Gap in Winter: The Science in Plain English: Wood is hygroscopic, which is a fancy way of saying it absorbs and releases moisture from the air around it. When the air is humid, wood fibers swell. When the air is dry, they shrink. During Austin When Gaps Are Normal vs. When to Worry: Normal seasonal gaps have a few characteristics. They're consistent — you'll see them across the whole floor, not just in one area. They're narrow — typically less than 1/8 inch, roughly the thickness

Contact: (512) 769-2292 | dan@austinflooringco.com

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