What is the maximum floor length I can install without expansion joint?
The maximum length you can install laminate flooring without needing an extra expansion joint depends on two main things:
- The shape and size of the room
- The temperature and humidity in that space
If your room is more or less square and doesn’t experience big changes in temperature or humidity, you can install your floor up to 13 meters in length without needing a break or expansion joint in the middle.
When are expansion gaps essential?
Changes in room humidity throughout the year are normal and cause your floor to expand and contract. To avoid problems like buckling or gaps opening up, always leave an expansion gap of 8 to 10 mm around:
- The edges of the floor (walls, doors)
- Pipes and thresholds
- Heavy objects, like kitchen islands
- When installing in areas larger than 13x13 meters
- In between rooms
- For floors with complex layouts—such as T-, L-, or U-shaped rooms—additional profiles may be needed to divide the floor surface properly.
These gaps can be neatly covered with skirting or profiles attached to the wall or subfloor.
For complete details, please refer to the installation instructions or contact the Quick-Step technical department if you have any questions.
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