I know… it seems a scary thing when you notice your floorboards are shrinking and it’s very normal to start panicking, turn to Google and ask why your floorboards are shrinking… What to understand before you panic — and when it might be time to restore, not replace.
Just want the basics before deciding? This will guide you calmly.
Whether you live in a village cottage near Linton, a modern family home in St Ives, or a converted chapel in Cambridge, floorboard shrinkage can feel like an unsettling surprise. Spaces appear between boards. Edges curl ever so slightly. A once-seamless surface begins to whisper of change.
But is this a sign of damage — or simply the story of your floor doing what wood naturally does?
Let’s look at what causes this, when to worry, and how careful restoration can bring both the structure and the story of your floor back into balance.
Understanding the Natural Movement of Wood Floors
Wood, even once milled and fitted, is a living material. It responds to the world around it — humidity, temperature, moisture content in the subfloor, even how much central heating you’ve been running.
In Cambridgeshire, with its mix of older period properties and more modern extensions, we often see seasonal shifts affect floorboards in two key ways:
- Seasonal Drying (Winter Shrinkage)
When heating systems dry the air during colder months, timber releases moisture — and contracts. That’s when you start noticing those narrow gaps appearing between boards, especially near radiators or sun-drenched spots.
- Subfloor or Installation Issues
Sometimes, it’s not seasonal at all. If boards weren’t appropriately acclimatised before installation, or if the subfloor holds inconsistent moisture, shrinkage may happen early — and stay.
“Is Something Wrong with My Floor?”
Not necessarily. In fact, some movement is completely normal — even expected. But when it becomes noticable or uneven, it can signal:
- Poor ventilation underneath suspended floors
- Lack of adequate expansion gaps at installation
- High or low humidity over sustained periods
- A finish that no longer protects the boards effectively
Many Cambridgeshire clients notice changes after big life moments — a new heating system, an extension, a period of the home being left unheated, or even returning from holiday to “something looking different”.
If any of these ring true, it’s worth asking us to take a closer look.
What Can Be Done About Shrinking Floorboards?
The answer depends on the extent of the movement — and what your floor needs long-term.
- Light Gapping (Seasonal)
This often resolves naturally as moisture levels balance throughout the year. A good cleaning and protection plan can help reduce future stress.
- Moderate Gapping or Cupping
Restoration — including sanding, re-finishing, and in some cases, strategic board repairs — can realign the look and feel of your floor without needing full replacement.
- Structural Movement
In rarer cases, especially in older properties across Ely or villages like Thaxted and Little Shelford, more advanced work may be needed — including investigating the subfloor or joists. But this is typically the exception, not the rule.
Real-World Example: Great Shelford Oak Floor
A couple in Great Shelford called after noticing their oak floor “didn’t look quite right” after a wet winter. Gaps had widened, and the finish looked tired.
Our team assessed the floor, confirmed it was seasonal movement combined with a breakdown in the protective finish, and carried out a full restoration using breathable, high-quality oils that allow for natural adjustment year-round. The floor now looks — and feels — unified again.
They told us:
“We didn’t realise just how much of a difference the right finish makes. It’s not just appearance — it’s the feeling underfoot.”
Prevention Tips for Floorboard Shrinkage
Even if your floor isn’t in trouble now, here’s how to help it stay that way:
- Maintain steady indoor humidity (ideally between 40–60%)
- Use breathable, high-quality finishes that move with the wood
- Avoid over-washing or steam cleaning wood floors
- Protect floors from direct sunlight using blinds or rugs
- Call in for advice if things start to shift significantly
What We Offer: Restoration That Respects the Material
At Art of Clean, we treat every wood floor as part of the home’s story — not a problem to “fix”, but a surface to understand and care for.
Whether it’s an elegant engineered floor in Ely, a rustic cottage pine in Bar Hill, or a parquet original in Cambridge, our team works with the wood — not against it.
Our wood floor restoration service includes:
- Full sanding with dust control
- Eco-conscious oils and lacquers
- Care for expansion gaps and movement joints
- Expert advice on long-term maintenance
Final Thought: It’s Not Damage. It’s Dialogue.
Shrinkage doesn’t always mean something’s gone wrong. Sometimes, it’s just your floor talking — telling the story of seasons, heating, humidity, and life itself.
We’re here when you’re ready to respond — with care, craft, and calm guidance.
Written by Tracey Gilbey, Marketing
For further advice or information on our Carpet and Soft Furnishing care, please don’t hesitate to contact the Art of Clean team on 01223 901549 in Cambridge. Our services include Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, oriental and area Rug Cleaning, Curtain Cleaning, Patio and Driveway Pressure washing, Leather Cleaning, Stone and Tile Floor Cleaning and Wood Floor Sanding and Restoration. We also supply new flooring and carpets through our sister company Art of Flooring. Farthings Cambridge provides our Dry Cleaning service.
