One of the questions we get asked every winter is:
“Why are gaps suddenly appearing in my floorboards?”
The good news is that, in most cases, it is completely normal.
Wood is a natural material and, unlike tiles or concrete, it moves throughout the year as temperatures and humidity levels change.
Sometimes those gaps can look worrying, but more often than not they are simply part of living with a real wood floor.
Wood naturally expands and contracts
This is by far the most common reason we see.
Wood absorbs moisture from the air when humidity is high and releases it again when the air becomes drier.
In simple terms:
- During winter, heating dries the air out and boards shrink slightly.
- During summer, humidity rises and boards expand again.
This seasonal movement happens in virtually every wood floor to some degree.
Why do gaps seem worse in winter?
Most homeowners notice gaps appearing between November and March.
That is because:
- Central heating is running more often.
- Indoor air becomes much drier.
- Timber loses moisture and contracts.
Then spring arrives, humidity increases and the gaps often reduce or close up again.
We see this every year in homes across Taunton and Somerset.
Are gaps in Victorian floorboards normal?
Yes, absolutely.
In fact, they are often part of the charm.
Many Victorian properties in Taunton and across Somerset have original floorboards that are well over 100 years old.
Those boards have spent decades moving with the seasons, so it is perfectly normal to see:
- Small gaps between boards.
- Slight movement underfoot.
- The occasional creak.
It is all part of the character of an older home.
What size gap in wood flooring is considered normal?
As a rough guide:
- Hairline gaps are completely normal.
- Small seasonal gaps are usually nothing to worry about.
- Gaps that appear during winter and close up again in summer are generally expected behaviour.
Wood flooring is not supposed to behave like tiles.
A little movement usually means the floor is doing exactly what natural timber does.
When should I be concerned about the gaps in my wood flooring?
While most gaps are harmless, some situations are worth investigating.
For example:
- Large gaps that continue to increase.
- Boards pulling away significantly.
- Sudden movement where none existed before.
- Signs of damp or water damage.
- Cupping or distortion in the boards.
These can sometimes point towards moisture problems or installation issues.
Can central heating make gaps in floorboards worse?
Definitely.
Underfloor heating and central heating both reduce humidity levels inside the home.
That is not a problem in itself, but very dry conditions can make seasonal movement more noticeable.
Ideally, indoor humidity should remain fairly stable throughout the year.
Are engineered floors affected too?
Yes, although usually to a lesser extent.
Engineered flooring is designed to be more stable than solid timber, which is one of the reasons it’s become so popular in modern homes.
However, it is still made from real wood, so some movement is perfectly normal.
Should gaps in flooring be filled?
This is probably the question we get asked most.
The answer is: it depends.
For older Victorian floorboards
Often, we would recommend leaving them alone.
If you fill gaps that naturally open and close throughout the year, the filler can crack or fail over time.
Sometimes the character of the floor is part of its appeal.
For modern floors
Smaller, stable gaps can sometimes be repaired if needed.
It depends on the cause and whether the movement is still ongoing.
Can anything be done to reduce movement?
You cannot stop timber moving completely, but you can help minimise it by:
- Maintaining stable temperatures.
- Avoiding extreme humidity changes.
- Using a humidifier if the home becomes particularly dry.
- Ensuring underfloor heating is introduced gradually.
The aim is not to stop movement altogether; it is simply to reduce extremes.
The simple answer
If you have noticed small gaps appearing in your floorboards, especially during winter, there is a good chance your floor is behaving exactly as it should.
Wood moves.
That’s one of the reasons we love it.
Want to talk to an expert about the gaps in your wood flooring?
We’re based in Taunton and have been restoring wood floors across Somerset for 15 years.
If you are worried about movement, gaps or changes in your floor, send us a few clear photos, especially close-ups of the gaps and a wider photo of the whole room, and we will happily give you honest advice.
Get in touch to request your free quote or to ask a question.
No pressure, just straightforward advice based on the floors we see every week.