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Cupping, Crowning, and Gapping: How to Prevent Moisture Issues

Writer: Brandon KrauseBrandon Krause

Moisture can cause some common—and frustrating—problems in hardwood floors, such as cupping, crowning, and gapping. Here’s what they mean and how you can prevent them.

What’s Happening:

• Cupping: When the edges of a board swell higher than the center.

• Crowning: The reverse—where the center of the board rises.

• Gapping: When boards shrink in dry conditions, leaving gaps between them.


A severely crowned laundry room floor.
A severely crowned laundry room floor.
How to Prevent These Issues:

• Maintain consistent indoor humidity.

• Acclimate your wood properly before installation.

• Use quality underlayment and vapor barriers to manage moisture.

A Quick Recap:

Keeping an eye on moisture levels and ensuring proper installation techniques will help keep these problems at bay, so your floors remain smooth and attractive.

 
 
 

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