Hardwood floors are a beautiful and durable choice for many homes, but they’re also made from a natural material—wood. Like all organic materials, wood responds to changes in its environment. If you’ve ever noticed slight gaps between floorboards in the winter or a slight lift in the summer, you’re seeing wood movement in action.
Understanding the science behind wood movement can help you care for your hardwood floors and avoid unnecessary worry when seasons change.
Why Wood Moves: Moisture and Humidity
The primary reason wood expands and contracts is moisture. Wood naturally absorbs and releases moisture from the air depending on the humidity levels in your home.
- In summer, when the air is more humid, wood can absorb moisture and expand slightly.
- In winter, when indoor air is drier (especially with heating systems), the wood may lose moisture and shrink.
This seasonal cycle causes hardwood floors to expand and contract. The process is completely normal, but it’s important to plan for it when installing and maintaining your floors.
How Seasonal Changes Affect Hardwood Floors
You may notice several small changes throughout the year:
- Gaps between boards during colder months
- Slight cupping or swelling in humid conditions
- Popping or creaking as boards adjust to environmental changes
These effects are usually minor and temporary, but without proper care or installation, more significant problems can develop over time.
Installing Hardwood Floors with Movement in Mind
Professional hardwood floor installers account for seasonal changes during installation. At Shanks Custom Hardwood, we ensure that your wood flooring is properly acclimated before it’s installed. This means allowing the wood to sit in your home for a few days so it can adjust to the indoor environment.
Additionally, we leave expansion gaps around the edges of the room to give the wood space to move without buckling or cracking. These details are small but make a big difference in how your floors perform over the years.
Tips to Minimize Seasonal Movement
While some movement is natural, you can help reduce it by keeping your indoor environment stable:
- Use a humidifier in winter to keep humidity levels from dropping too low.
- Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner in summer to reduce excess moisture in the air.
- Maintain consistent indoor temperatures year-round.
- Wipe up spills promptly to prevent moisture from soaking into the wood.
Don’t Panic—Wood Movement Is Normal
It’s easy to worry when your beautiful hardwood floors show small changes during the year. But rest assured, seasonal wood movement is a natural part of having real wood flooring. As long as the installation was done correctly and the environment is well-managed, your floors will continue to perform and look great for decades.
At Shanks Custom Hardwood, we take great care to install your floors with seasonal changes in mind. We also provide guidance on maintaining your floors throughout the year so you can enjoy their beauty without stress.