How to Fix Horizontal Gaps in Laminate Flooring: A Real Designer’s Guide to Closing Gaps and Restoring Your Floors

Horizontal gaps in laminate flooring can be an annoying eyesore, and if you’re a homeowner or a designer dealing with these little spaces between boards, I get your frustration. Laminate is prized for its smooth, seamless look, so when gaps appear, it throws off the whole aesthetic and can even lead to further issues like trapping dirt or moisture. In this guide, I’ll walk you through practical, professional steps based on my hands-on experience designing homes across the U.S.—plus share a few expert tricks and tools to close those gaps for good.

In my early years, I remember walking into a client’s house in Dallas where the new living room floor had several prominent gaps after a winter cold snap. What followed was a crash course in laminate troubleshooting, and I’ve been helping clients fix horizontal gaps ever since—especially as laminate floors get more popular for DIY and pro installs alike. Let’s dive in.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

First off, it’s important to understand why these gaps crop up. The most usual suspects include:

1. Poor installation: The boards may not have been tapped together tightly enough.
2. Temperature or humidity swings: Laminate expands and contracts, which can cause boards to separate—especially in dry or fluctuating climates.
3. Subfloor issues: An uneven subfloor can prevent intact locking systems, leading to gaps.

To fix these, start by identifying the underlying issue. If the problem’s due to weather, a humidifier can sometimes help laminate planks swell slightly, naturally closing small gaps. In other cases, you might need a hands-on approach:

1. Gently tap boards together: Use a tapping block and a mallet to realign adjacent planks. Some professionals also use a special laminate pull bar for areas close to walls.
2. Reinstall loose boards: For bigger gaps or persistent issues, you may need to uninstall the affected section and reinstall, ensuring a snug click-lock connection throughout.
3. Fill micro-gaps: For very narrow spaces, color-matched laminate filler can help conceal the gap (though this is best for cosmetic fixes only).

If you’re planning to replace or repair planks across a whole room, mapping your floor plan with a digital design tool first can save time and headaches.

Level of Detail & Time

How long does the process take? For a typical living room with two or three gaps, addressing the issue usually takes less than a day. But if you’re dealing with widespread gaps across a large area, budget a weekend. Here are some factors that influence project time:

1. Gap size and severity: Tiny cosmetic gaps can be fixed in minutes, while structural issues take longer.
2. Type of installation: Floating floors are easier to adjust than glue-down variants.
3. Subfloor prep: Uninstalling planks to address a bumpy subfloor will add to your timeline.

Project Planning

Don’t start tapping boards randomly—having a plan is key. Here’s what I recommend before you get started:

1. Check humidity in the room: Ideal levels are 35%–55% for laminate. Sudden swings can open or close gaps on their own.
2. Assess the age of the floor: Older laminates may have worn locking systems; consider if replacement is warranted.
3. Document gap patterns: Mark which planks are most affected. A digital floor planner can help you visualize and track these areas during your repair.

Case Studies & Real Examples

I once worked on a downtown Chicago condo with extensive gaps forming every winter. We tested using a portable humidifier and found a 10% rise in room humidity helped the planks expand slightly, closing up most gaps without any physical intervention. In another instance, a client tried to fix a gap with wood glue—unfortunately, this locked one board in place and caused new gaps three feet away after the next season change. Lesson learned: avoid adhesives on floating laminate!

For beginners, tools like a DIY planning platform can help you visualize outcomes before making any repairs.

Workflow Automation Tips

If you’re on a larger project or flipping multiple rooms, consider automating your documentation and repair schedule. Digital planners allow you to create a simple checklist, upload before/after photos, and map noted gaps—saving lots of trial and error as you move from one space to the next.

FAQ

1. Can I fix laminate floor gaps without removing planks?
2. Often yes—lightly tapping nearby boards together with a block can close small gaps, especially near a wall.
3. Are gaps in laminate flooring normal?
4. Small movement is common but persistent or wide gaps could indicate humidity management or installation issues.
5. Will a humidifier help with gaps?
6. In dry climates, running a humidifier can help planks expand and reduce tiny gaps.
7. What if a gap won’t stay closed?
8. If a board keeps separating, the locking system might be damaged—replacing the affected plank could be necessary.
9. How do I prevent new gaps after fixing?
10. Maintain consistent humidity year-round, and check that your subfloor is flat to specification.
11. Can I use caulk or glue on laminate gaps?
12. I don’t recommend it—laminates are meant to float. Flexible, color-matched filler is a better choice for visible small gaps.
13. What tools do I need to fix floor gaps?
14. Basic supplies include a tapping block, mallet, pull bar, and possibly a digital room mapping tool to plan repairs.
15. Is professional help needed for all repairs?
16. Most DIYers can close minor gaps, but call a pro if the floor feels soft or boards are badly misaligned.
17. How long does fixing gaps take?
18. For a standard room, expect 1–2 hours for minor repairs. Complex issues could take a weekend.
19. Are warranties affected by DIY gap repairs?
20. Usually not for simple tapping or board adjustment, but check your flooring’s documentation first.
21. What’s the best way to prevent future gaps?
22. Let flooring acclimate to your home before installation and use a humidistat to monitor indoor moisture.
23. Where can I find more design or repair inspiration?
24. For more floor planning tips, explore ideas with a room visualization tool.