Natural Shrinkage and Expansion.

It is most important to understand that Tongue and Groove Timber Floors are not synthetic or man made, but are a completely natural material which is sawn, seasoned and machined to a suitable profile.

Natural Timber is hygroscopic; that is, it continually takes up and gives off moisture to keep in balance with its surroundings. This results in a process of natural shrinkage and expansion.

Because of this, a ‘perfect’ (continuous mirror finish) is not practically achievable and gaps between boards are inevitable as they accommodate the seasonal change.

Depending on the timber species chosen, visible shrinkage and / or expansion may take a day, a week or even months, resulting in the gaps between floor boards opening and closing depending upon the weather, the season and local influences.

To reduce the degree of shrinkage and expansion, today’s Timber Flooring should be seasoned for stabilization and kiln dried to average moisture content between 9% and 14%.

This is considered to be a good starting point for the majority of installations, but as you will read later, many other factors influence the atmospheric content around and in your home and therefore affect your floor.