DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hi,
I'm in the process of installing laminate flooring and i'm aware there needs to be a certain gap around the edges of the room, however i need to install a piece of laminate flooring between a door frame and the bottom of the stairs which is curved.
My question is does there have to be a gap cut into the door post and a gap at the other end of the panel at the bottom of the stairs which is only 1.2m away from the door? This could also lead onto another question if you confirm a gap is required; can the gap by the stairs be filled with coloured flexable filler?

Hi
I can imagine u will get people saying my advise is wrong. But I have fitted hundreds of laminate floors with all types of subfloors. Personally i don't like beading so i suggest fitting/re-fitting skirting boards when fitting solid wood flooring but laminates i give a 2mm gap around all the way around and not one has ever expanded. Around the stairs i profile it around the stairs with 1mm/2mm gap which carpet on stairs covers. If you don't have carpet on the stairs fill it with filler.
The flooring manufactures say 10mm/12mm gap to cover themselves i think incase something does expand.
To profile it around the stairs i have a small plastic profiler, Bought at a hardware store. Small plastic device with pins. Push and the pins will shape to the curve of you stairs.

Hi Mike,

Thank you for your help.