Fixing Long Gaps in Laminate, Vinyl Plank, & Engineered Wood Flooring

Updated at: 23/03/2025

Gaps appearing in your laminate, vinyl plank, or engineered wood flooring can be unsightly and detract from the overall aesthetic of your home. These gaps, often widening over time due to fluctuations in humidity and temperature, can also compromise the flooring's integrity, potentially leading to further damage or even structural issues. Whether the gaps are small or significantly large, understanding the causes and employing the right repair methods is crucial to restoring your floor's beauty and functionality. This is especially true for engineered wood, which can be more susceptible to expansion and contraction than other types.

Fortunately, fixing these gaps is often achievable with readily available tools and materials, regardless of the flooring type. While a completely seamless repair might be challenging, significantly reducing the visibility of gaps is entirely possible with the right approach. To guide you through the process, we've outlined a step-by-step guide covering common repair techniques for each flooring type, ensuring you can achieve professional-looking results.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • 2x4s (two pieces, approximately the length of your planks)
  • Double-sided tape
  • Bar clamps (larger ones are recommended)
  • Suction cup tool
  • Measuring tape
  • Utility knife
Safety Guidelines
  • Always wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with flooring materials and tools. Dust and debris can cause eye and respiratory irritation.
  • Use caution when using sharp tools like utility knives or saws. Always cut away from yourself and ensure the flooring is securely held in place.
  • If working with adhesives, ensure proper ventilation and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Some adhesives are flammable or release harmful fumes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Supporting Pieces

    • Cut two pieces of 2x4 lumber to approximately the same length as your flooring planks. Ensure the bottom surfaces are clean and smooth.
    Prepare the 2x4s: Cut two pieces of 2x4 lumber to approximately the same length as your flooring planks. Ensure the bottom surfaces are clean and smooth.
    Prepare Supporting Pieces

  2. Apply Adhesive

    • Apply double-sided tape to sections of the 2x4s, enough to cover the length of the gap you're fixing. If you have enough tape, cover the whole length; otherwise, cut it into sections to save material.
    Apply double-sided tape: Apply double-sided tape to sections of the 2x4s, enough to cover the length of the gap you're fixing. If you have enough tape, cover the whole length; otherwise, cut it into sections to save material.
    Apply Adhesive

  3. Position & Secure

    • Carefully place the taped 2x4s along the gap, positioning them close to the edges of the planks (about half an inch to an inch). Avoid sticking them completely yet.
    • Apply bar clamps to secure the 2x4s to the flooring, applying pressure to close the gap. Using larger bar clamps provides more effective pressure.
    Use bar clamps: Apply bar clamps to secure the 2x4s to the flooring, applying pressure to close the gap. Using larger bar clamps provides more effective pressure.Use bar clamps: Apply bar clamps to secure the 2x4s to the flooring, applying pressure to close the gap. Using larger bar clamps provides more effective pressure.
    Position & Secure

  4. Apply Pressure Evenly

    • Gradually apply pressure using the bar clamps and body weight. Avoid over-tightening initially; it might cause tilting of other planks. Focus on even pressure to avoid tilting.
    Apply even pressure: Gradually apply pressure using the bar clamps and body weight. Avoid over-tightening initially; it might cause tilting of other planks. Focus on even pressure to avoid tilting.
    Apply Pressure Evenly

  5. Work on Multiple Sections

    • If needed, loosen clamps, reposition the 2x4s to target other sections of the gap systematically, adjusting pressure as required.
    Work in sections: If needed, loosen clamps, reposition the 2x4s to target other sections of the gap systematically, adjusting pressure as required.
    Work on Multiple Sections

  6. Address Adjacent Gaps

    • Check for and address any gaps in the adjacent planks; the process might require working on multiple gaps simultaneously.
    Address adjacent gaps: Check for and address any gaps in the adjacent planks; the process might require working on multiple gaps simultaneously.
    Address Adjacent Gaps

  7. Fine-tune & Finalize

    • Once the primary gaps are significantly reduced, reposition the 2x4s to focus on any remaining small gaps. Use the suction cup tool to tap in any remaining small gaps.
    Final adjustments: Once the primary gaps are significantly reduced, reposition the 2x4s to focus on any remaining small gaps. Use the suction cup tool to tap in any remaining small gaps.
    Fine-tune & Finalize

Read more: Fixing Drywall Nail Pops: A Quick and Easy DIY Guide

Tips

  • Using long 2x4s is more efficient. Shorter pieces require more frequent repositioning and may waste tape.
  • A second person can help apply additional weight while clamping, improving pressure and results.
  • Ensure you address any adjacent gaps, otherwise fully closing the main gap will be challenging.
  • Sufficient double-sided tape is crucial. Frequent repositioning may cause the tape to wear out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Improper Expansion Gap

Reason: Not leaving enough expansion space around the perimeter of the room for the flooring to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes.
Solution: Remove the affected flooring and reinstall, ensuring a consistent expansion gap of the manufacturer's recommended size.

2. Using the Wrong Adhesive or Fastener

Reason: Employing an adhesive or fastener not designed for the specific flooring type, leading to poor adhesion, gaps, or damage to the flooring.
Solution: Replace the flooring section using the manufacturer-recommended adhesive or fasteners.

FAQs

Can I use wood filler to repair large gaps in my laminate or vinyl flooring?
While wood filler might seem like a simple solution, it's generally not recommended for laminate or vinyl flooring. These materials don't expand and contract like wood, so the filler is likely to crack or separate as the floor moves with temperature and humidity changes. For laminate and vinyl, focus on solutions like flexible caulk or specially designed gap fillers designed for these materials. For engineered wood, wood filler might be suitable for smaller gaps, but you'll want to ensure it's compatible with your floor's finish.