Q: We have a very large gap on our wood floor, about 3/4″. It’s the last piece on a step inside between 2 rooms, right next to our entryway. We’ve noticed that the gap is getting bigger which could be the result of the winter we’re having. We’re concerned with the board breaking. Would using rope between the boards be the best solution for this?
A: I’ve never seen one board shrink 3/4 of an inch. I don’t think it is even possible. I’d need to see a picture of this. If this is an actual step, as in stairs, is it possible the structure itself has moved?
Follow-up Q: Thanks for the response! It seems like the space changes daily if that makes any sense because it’s doesn’t seem as wide now. Hope the pictures help to explain it better. The previous home-owners did a lot of the work themselves but I don’t think they always knew what they were doing.
A: Wow, wide plank. Is that hickory? I ask, because hickory expands and contracts a lot. Does that nosing move at all when you step on it or even if you try to move it by hand? I would bet it does and it isn’t secured well. I think I would remove it in one piece if possible, but if not replace it. When you secure it use wood glue.
Related Questions
Large bubbleThere is a large bubble in a click-type engineered floor in our basement. It was installed 6 months ago. The dealer says it is due to excess moisture and will charge for a T cap, removal of quarter round and repair to board. Is this reasonable?
Hallway carpet transition to wood stepWhat is the best way to transition from oak top step to carpet? We are replacing the plywood treads with oak treads and repainting the risers. The top of our stairs ends in a hallway covered in carpet.
Minimum gap between boardsOn a new installation of wood flooring what is the minimum gap between boards for raw and pre finished wood?
Leave a gap around the banister?Q: I'm removing the banister in the hall way to install laminate flooring. I understand that we have to leave a gap around the banister. What do we use to cover the gap? Quarter round? A: If your banister / picket assembly also has a shoe plate that the pickets…
"Lap & gap"I was told my new “lap & gap†red pine may cause problems with curving, lifting, and not being able to lay down evenly. Do you have any insight on the practicality of using “lap & gap†red pine for flooring and installing “lap & gap�
Gap in floor height versus stair heightI am planning to install hardwood floors in my second floor. Currently it is carpeted. The stairs are oak with a carpet runner. The subfloor upstairs is plywood and the height matches the height of the stair nose at the top of the stairs. Once installed, the new hardwood floor…