I've got my floor "half" installed already. No glue, or nailing, purely floating. We've got a foam underlayment and are using spacers. I'm noticing some trouble with the boards coming loose, gaps appearing between some of the boards. I'm wondering if the first row needs to be secured to the sub-floor (plywood over 6" planks) somehow. I'm really hoping that I don't have to pull up that first row, as that "row" is a bit not row-like, we have a great-room: living, dining and kitchen.
What can I do to tighten this up, without compromising the "breathing" of the floor, so as to avoid buckling etc?
Best Answer
I've seen this opening of seams and it regularly happens with a "snap together"-type floor. Unless the manufacturer states the flooring can be secured it would be wise not to chance any repercussions that may occur. The working mechanics for a floating floor system is to allow the planks to expand and contract freely (that's the reason for the 3/8 inch spacing along the wall). If no allowance is made for movement the boards will move in the plane of least resistance, usually upwards. I found that it's easiest to close the gap by kicking the board tight with a rubber soled sneaker. Nice looking floor BTW.