Laying a floating wood floor: expansion, offcuts and direction

By covering type · 7 min read · updated 5 November 2026 · Written by Tilelico

A wood floor has no joint between boards, but it moves: the gap left all around and the spacing between end joints matter as much as the direction of the lay.

Real example · calculated by Tilelico

Living room of 5.60 × 4.80 m, 13.8 × 120 cm, 8 mm expansion gap

WholeCutCut under 100 mmFixed unit

The covered area is smaller than the room because the unit and the expansion gap remove laying area, including around the unit. Almost every cut has its own length, as in any random lay, and the plan flags several narrow cuts to rework by shifting the grid.

Calculated result

Room area: 26.88 m²
Area covered: 23.78 m²
Whole pieces: 78
Cut pieces: 126
Actual need: 204
To order (+8%): 221
Waste with no offcut reuse: 29.6 %
Narrow cuts: 10

Most frequent cuts

126 cuts in 110 different sizes.

C01 · 101 × 1,200 mm× 6
C02 · 138 × 1,200 mm× 4
C03 · 138 × 1,024 mm× 2
C04 · 138 × 922 mm× 2

Setting out and products

Starting point 109 mm from the west wall and 600 mm from the north wall, then a 138 × 1,200 mm repeat.

Reproduce it in Tilelico

1Draw a 5.60 × 4.80 m rectangle, then add in the centre: Fixed unit.
2Choose the covering: 13.8 × 120 cm, 8 mm expansion gap.
3Select the “Random” pattern.
4Set the distribution to “Balanced cuts” and the margin to 8%.

Open this example in the editor

When to choose it

It suits renovations and living spaces when the substrate allows a floating lay and the product permits it.

Best forEngineered and laminate floors in bedrooms and living rooms.
Avoid ifThe substrate or room is damp without protection, or if the manufacturer requires gluing.

Continue with: Random laying: running planks without a staircase →

Preparing the job

Let the boards acclimatise in the room for the time given by the manufacturer, and check the substrate’s moisture.

Lay the underlay specified for the product, with any vapour barrier the substrate requires.

Continue with: Laying wood-effect tile: offset, joint and direction →

Step by step

Step 1 — Choose the board directionMost often towards the main light, or in the direction of traffic.
Step 2 — Respect the expansion gapLeave the planned width along all walls and obstacles, using spacers.
Step 3 — Lay the first rowCheck it against a line: it sets the straightness of the whole floor.
Step 4 — Start rows with offcutsReuse them if they are long enough and respect the minimum gap with the neighbouring run.
Step 5 — Finish with skirtingRemove the spacers and cover the gap, without pinning the floor under the skirting.

Continue with: Herringbone tile laying: the complete tutorial →

Mistakes to avoid

Pinning the floorA partition, column or skirting fitted too tightly prevents movement and makes the floor swell.
Forgetting long runsBeyond the manufacturer’s dimensions, a movement joint may be needed.

These pointers describe common practice, not imposed rules. The data sheet for your covering and for your installation products always takes precedence, and measurements taken on site are the reference.

Frequently asked questions

How wide should the gap be?

It depends on the product and the room. The 8 mm value in the example is a reference, and the manufacturer’s sheet takes precedence.

Do offcuts reduce the order?

Often, yes, and Tilelico’s cautious calculation counts every cut board. Reality generally falls between this calculation and the theoretical minimum.

Technical references

This guide describes common installation practices. It does not replace applicable technical documents, manufacturer instructions or measurements taken on site.