Glossary term
Expansion gap
Definition
A small gap left around the perimeter of a floating floor so it can expand and contract with temperature and humidity without buckling. It's covered by skirting, scotia or beading.
All terms
Related flooring
Related terms
Term
Floating floor
A floor that isn't glued or nailed down but 'floats' over an underlay, with the planks locked to each other. Laminate and click LVT are floating floors, and need expansion gaps around the edges.
Read moreTerm
Scotia / beading
A slim trim fixed at the base of the skirting to cover the expansion gap of a floating floor. It avoids having to remove and refit the existing skirting boards.
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