How are Expansion Gaps Applied in a Steller Floor?

Updated on Jun 13, 2025

All solid hardwood floors require an expansion gap around the outside of the room that accommodates any expansion or contraction due to seasonal changes in humidity.

Because a Steller Floor is floating, we send a foamed nitrile gasket with every Steller Floor order. This foam is intended to be inserted between your Steller Planks and the wall or cabinet base, under the trim or kickplate.

While our gasket is provided in a roll, it can be torn or cut into smaller pieces - about 1-2" for every 2-3'. The material itself expands when the floor contracts, and is compressed when the floor expands. Most importantly, it is a gentle reminder to leave a 1/2" expansion/contraction gap on either side of rooms up to 20' wide within the 35-50% RH human comfort zone.

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You can also include a quarter round

Expansion Gap

And along certain pre-fabricated edges, you can use an L-strip

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If your room is larger than 20' wide or if you expect changes in RH greater than 10%, please reach out to our team to talk about the expansion gap sizes you might need.