Does Vinyl Flooring Expand or Contract? Causes and Solutions

Yes, most vinyl and luxury vinyl flooring WILL expand and contract – it’s just a matter of how much.

So you’ll need an expansion gap along the edges of the floor – any time it meets a vertical obstruction (wall or column) or crosses over to another room.

vinyl floor expand contract

Just about every material in the world expands/contracts due to temperature or humidity (well, ALMOST every material), so the REAL questions to ask are:

  • By how much will it expand/contract?
  • What should I do about it? 

This article will answer these questions and more. Learn: 

  • What causes expansion/contraction
  • What types of vinyl flooring will expand/contract the most
  • How to avoid issues with expansion/contraction 

How Much Do Different Types of Vinyl Flooring Expand or Contract?

Hardwood

Hardwood floors expand and contract the most out of any flooring material due to their natural composition. Controlling indoor humidity and temperature can help minimize these issues.

Laminate

Laminate flooring, similar to vinyl, expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes. While it expands/contracts less than hardwood it does so more than vinyl.

Sheet Vinyl

Sheet vinyl flooring is an affordable flooring option that comes in rolls and can be cut to any length. Although you do glue it down, it can still expand despite the adhesive, so you should install a 1/4 inch gap for your installation with additional expansion spaces necessary for installations over 30 feet.

Tile

Tile flooring is more resistant to expansion and contraction compared to vinyl and hardwood. However, temperature and humidity changes can still impact the installation, and proper planning is necessary.

Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) Vinyl flooring

This will expand very little — if at all — even if you live in a very hot and humid climate. It is designed for extreme weather so while you might want to leave a very minimal expansion gap, you really don’t have to worry that much about expansion gaps.

Vinyl Tiles and Planks

Vinyl tiles and planks are susceptible to expansion and contraction, especially when exposed to temperature fluctuations. Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) and planks (LVP) require a gap around the perimeter to accommodate these changes.

Stick-On Vinyl Tiles and Planks

Stick-on vinyl tiles and planks are easy to install but may suffer from expansion issues if exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, causing the adhesive to lose its strength and the tiles to move.

Floating Vinyl Floors

Floating vinyl floors connect with a click-and-lock mechanism and are more resistant to temperature and humidity changes. However, an expansion gap is still required around the edge of the installation to allow for movement.

Loose-Lay Vinyl Planks

Loose-lay vinyl planks expand and contract less than other types of vinyl flooring, making them ideal for rooms with high humidity, such as basements and bathrooms. Expansion gaps are not needed for these types of planks.

4 Factors That Affect Vinyl Flooring Expansion

Why does vinyl flooring expand or contract? Vinyl flooring expands and contracts due to:

  1. temperature
  2. sunlight exposure
  3. standing water
  4. humidity changes

And to reiterate: basically, EVERY MATERIAL in the world will expand/contract when exposed to fluctuations in those conditions. It’s just a matter of how much.

Maintaining a controlled indoor environment between 65°F and 80°F with a consistent humidity level can help minimize these fluctuations.

Acclimate Your Floor Before Installation

Allow the flooring to acclimate at the average temperature and humidity of the installation location before installation. For vinyl planks, you should be safe leaving it to acclimate for 48 hours to 72 hours.

Maintain a Consistent Temperature and Humidity

Keep a consistent indoor temperature and humidity with HVAC systems or dehumidifiers after installation. If you limit the factors that cause expansion and contraction and keep the environment stable, you’ll limit expansion and contraction.

Shade the Floor from Direct Sunlight

Sunlight can damage vinyl floors — and discolor them — so if there is harsh sunlight that shines onto your vinyl floor, install shades or curtains to block the worst of it.

Keep the Floor Dry At All Times

If you spill a liquid on a floor, clean it up and dry it off completely as soon as possible. Keep any nearby appliances in good shape so they don’t leak water out to the floor.

4 Causes of Severe Expansion & Contraction in Vinyl Floors

Prolonged Contact With Water

Exposure to water for extended periods can cause severe expansion and contraction in luxury vinyl floors, potentially leading to warping or buckling.

Drastic Temperature Changes

Extreme temperature fluctuations can also cause significant expansion and contraction in vinyl flooring. Installing blinds to block direct sunlight and maintaining a consistent indoor temperature can help minimize this issue.

No Acclimation Period

Not allowing vinyl flooring to acclimate to the room’s temperature before installation can cause disastrous results, as the material may expand or contract more than expected after installation.

Prolonged Bright Sunlight and UV Exposure

Vinyl floors should be protected from prolonged direct sunlight.

4 Causes of Severe Expansion & Contraction in Vinyl Floors

Why Are Expansion Gaps So Important?

Expansion gaps are crucial to accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of most vinyl flooring. Without sufficient expansion gaps, your floor could buckle or bulge – which is the last thing you want!

Expansion gaps are not a bad thing, don’t be afraid of them. Regardless you will need to cover the edges of a floating vinyl floor with trim around the edges. So if you do it right you’ll never see the gaps again — AND your floor won’t buckle or budge.

If the floor DOES buckle or bulge, you might be forced to pull up part or all of the floor and redo it. The trick is figuring out how large of an expansion gap you need…

How Big of an Expansion Gap Does Vinyl Plank Flooring Need?

There is no one easy answer to this question because it depends on 3 things:

  1. How much variation is there in humidity and temperature in the room where the flooring is being installed?
  2. What type of flooring are you installing and how are you installing it?
  3. How large of an area is the flooring being installed in?

In my experience, I’ve installed vinyl planks in relatively small rooms (less than 15×15 feet), and the expansion gap necessary was minimal. I added about 1/4 of an inch around the edges and covered the gap with trim. Years later the floors are still looking great despite going through significant shifts in humidity and temperature in the Western New York area.

Take an example: Villa Barcelona floors from Lowes requires a 1/4 inch gap for 2500 sq feet or less but for larger spaces than that they require 3/8 of an inch up to 1/2 an inch.

As a rough general rule: luxury vinyl will require about 1/10 of an inch to 1/4 of an inch and vinyl composite will require 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch. If your floor extends over 30 feet in one direction you’ll need to add 1/16th of an inch to your calculations for each 10 feet of flooring in that direction.

If you’re installing flooring in a tiny half-bathroom you really don’t need to worry that much about expansion gaps at all.

But if you’re installing it over a gigantic 80-foot room you have to consider that each plank will expand or contract by a minuscule amount that adds up to a big amount when you add it all up.

When figuring out the expansion gap take into account the current temp and humidity: If you’re installing floors in the middle of a hot summer in Florida and don’t have A/C running, you can assume after acclimatization that the vinyl flooring is at the widest/largest it will be so you should leave an expansion gap on the lower end of the recommendation.

Of course, the reverse is true – is it 50 degrees F in the house and dry as a bone when installing? You’ll see significant expansion during the summer months.

You have to look at the installation instructions for your specific flooring material for recommendations and weigh that against the size of the floor you’re installing.

Does Luxury Vinyl Flooring Need To Acclimate?

Yes, luxury vinyl flooring needs to acclimate to the room’s temperature for more than twenty-four hours before installation. Acclimating the flooring material helps ensure that it adjusts to the room’s temperature and humidity conditions, reducing the risk of expansion or contraction issues after installation.

It’s also ideal if the acclimation can occur at around the average temperature and humidity in the installation location.

How Do You Prevent Expansion and Contraction in Vinyl Flooring?

Proper installation techniques:

  1. Expansion gaps: Ensure an expansion gap is left around the perimeter of the floor or at any vertical obstruction. The size of the gap will vary but it will usually be around 1/4 to 1/2 an inch. Consult the install instructions for your specific material and size of the room.
  2. Acclimation period: Allow vinyl flooring to acclimate for at least 24 hours before installation. Preferably at least 48 hours (in some cases up to 72 hours) in environmental conditions that match the long-term temp and humidity of the room.
  3. Subfloor preparation: Properly prepare the subfloor by cleaning and leveling it before installing the vinyl flooring.

Controlling indoor temperature and humidity to limit expansion and contraction

  1. HVAC systems: Install a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system to maintain consistent indoor temperatures.
  2. Dehumidifiers and humidifiers: Regulate the amount of moisture in the space, preventing excessive expansion or contraction.
  3. Proper ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in rooms with vinyl flooring to reduce humidity and temperature fluctuations.

Now, if it’s too late for your floor, read up on How to Fix Vinyl Plank Floor Buckling and Bulging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Vinyl Flooring Expansion and Contraction

Do I need to leave an expansion gap for my vinyl flooring?

Yes, it is essential to leave an expansion gap when installing vinyl flooring. This gap allows for natural expansion and contraction of the material due to temperature and humidity fluctuations, preventing warping, buckling, or separation. The size of the gap will vary (see above)

What are the signs of potential issues related to expansion and contraction?

Signs of potential issues related to expansion and contraction include gaps between planks, buckling or warping of the material, and lifting edges or corners. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage to your flooring.

Can I install vinyl flooring over existing flooring materials?

It is possible to install vinyl flooring over some existing flooring materials, such as concrete, plywood, or even old vinyl or tile, provided that the subfloor is clean, level, and dry. However, it is not recommended to install over carpeting or any uneven surfaces.

How long does it take for vinyl flooring to acclimate?

Vinyl flooring should be allowed to acclimate for between 24 and 72 hours in the installation space. This allows the material to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity levels, reducing the risk of expansion and contraction issues after installation. Read more in Does Vinyl Flooring Need to Acclimate? For How Long?

What is the ideal temperature and humidity range for vinyl flooring?

The ideal temperature range for vinyl flooring is between 65°F and 85°F (18°C and 29°C), while the recommended humidity range is between 35% and 55%. Maintaining these levels can help prevent excessive expansion and contraction of the material.


Can I use vinyl flooring in outdoor spaces?

Vinyl flooring is generally not recommended for outdoor spaces due to its susceptibility to temperature and humidity fluctuations. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures can cause damage to the material over time.

How much does vinyl flooring really expand?

The amount of expansion in vinyl flooring varies depending on the material composition, type, and quality, as well as the temperature and humidity conditions. Generally, expansion is minimal, but it is still essential to leave an expansion gap during installation to accommodate these changes.

What kind of flooring does not expand and contract?

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are flooring materials with minimal expansion and contraction. Due to their rigid structure and low moisture absorption rate, they are less likely to change shape or size due to temperature and humidity fluctuations.

How much space should you leave for vinyl plank to expand?

Typically, around a 1/4-inch (6.35mm) expansion gap is recommended for vinyl plank flooring – but again see the above discussion on gaps for more detail. This gap should be left around the perimeter of the room and any fixed objects, such as cabinetry or doorframes, to allow for natural expansion and contraction.

What happens if you don’t leave an expansion gap for vinyl flooring?

If you don’t leave an expansion gap for vinyl flooring, the material may buckle or warp due to temperature and humidity changes. If the flooring is laid too tight against a fixed surface, the lack of space for expansion and contraction can cause damage to the flooring, leading to costly repairs or replacement.

Does luxury vinyl plank flooring need an expansion gap?

Yes, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring requires an expansion gap during installation. This gap allows the material to expand and contract naturally due to temperature and humidity changes, preventing issues such as buckling, warping, or separation. Typically, a 1/4-inch (6.35mm) expansion gap is recommended for LVP flooring.

Does vinyl floor expand in summer or winter?

Vinyl flooring is more likely to expand in the summer due to higher temperatures and humidity levels. In the winter, the material tends to contract as temperatures and humidity levels decrease. It is crucial to maintain consistent indoor conditions to minimize these fluctuations.

Picture of Tom Powell

Tom Powell

Over the last 7 years, I’ve done a bit of everything when it comes to maintaining and repairing my 110-year-old house. Installed vinyl plank and vinyl peel and stick flooring, resurfaced and stained wooden porch, leveled and installed tiling on a concrete floor, resurfaced our kitchen cabinets… It never ends, but it feels great when you finish a project yourself and end up with a beautiful new (or repaired) floor.

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Picture of Tom Powell

Tom Powell

Over the last 7 years, I’ve done a bit of everything when it comes to maintaining and repairing my 110-year-old house. Installed vinyl plank and vinyl peel and stick flooring, resurfaced and stained wooden porch, leveled and installed tiling on a concrete floor, resurfaced our kitchen cabinets… It never ends, but it feels great when you finish a project yourself and end up with a beautiful new (or repaired) floor.

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