Yes, it is entirely normal for old hardwood floors to separate. Wood is a natural material that constantly expands and contracts as indoor temperatures and humidity levels fluctuate.
During humid months, wood floors may absorb moisture from the air, causing the planks to swell. Conversely, during dry months, the air lacks moisture, and the wood releases moisture, leading to shrinking. This cycle of expansion and contraction can result in noticeable gaps between the planks.
Uneven floors in old houses are a normal issue, especially in homes built decades ago. Some minor sloping may be typical. But in many cases, it's a sign of deeper problems, like foundation settlement or crawl space damage, that need attention.
Hard floors in homes, such as tile or hardwood, can further exacerbate the issue. These surfaces provide no shock absorption, forcing your feet to bear the full brunt of your body weight with each step. Walking barefoot on such floors can result in small tears to the plantar fascia, worsening your symptoms over time.
3 Steps to Fix Hardwood Floor Gaps
Filling gaps in hardwood floors
Don't use filler on the longitudinal gaps of older floors because it will turn into cracky fill in the course of a season. Open, honest, clean gaps are always more attractive than gaps with broken fill.
Add an expansion gap: If the planks are separating due to insufficient room for expansion, trim the edges of the flooring to create a small gap near the walls. This allows the flooring to expand and contract without pulling apart.
Healthiest Flooring Types Compared
Foot Pain from Walking Barefoot on Hard Floors
Heel pain and ball of the foot pain occur when you are walking on hard floors as there is simply excessive pressure on these areas. This pressure leads to inflammation and pain.
One of the first red flags is persistent heel pain. This pain usually presents itself at the bottom of your heel, but it can also manifest in the arch of your foot. It often feels like a stabbing or sharp sensation, particularly after periods of rest, like when you wake up in the morning.
Regardless of age, we recommend professional evaluation for severe or worsening sloping, sagging exceeding 1/4 inch over short distances, or unsafe-feeling floors – especially alongside sticking doors, misaligned windows, or wall cracks.
The rule of 3 in flooring is a design principle that recommends using no more than three different flooring materials throughout a home to maintain visual cohesion. This guideline helps you create intentional transitions between spaces without overwhelming the eye.
Most flooring manufacturers specify a flatness tolerance, typically 1/8” over a 6-foot span, or 3/16” over 10 feet. However, tolerances can be much tighter especially for industrial and healthcare applications. In the level areas, we needed to achieve a near-zero deviation—less than 1/8” over 10 feet.
Visible Cracks and Gaps: Signs of Deterioration
One of the most apparent signs of floor instability is the presence of cracks and gaps on the surface. These visual cues can manifest in various patterns, such as hairline cracks, large fissures, or gaps between floor tiles or floorboards.
You may be starting to notice those small gaps in between your floorboards. Don't worry, it's totally normal. When the air gets cold and dry, hardwood loses moisture content and shrinks a bit. Then, in the spring, the higher humidity levels will add moisture back into the boards, returning them to their normal width.
Having your floors refinished will always be considerably less expensive than purchasing a new floor, due to the fact you are paying mostly for labor while with a new floor you will be incurring in material and labor costs. The average price to refinish a wood floor can oscillate between $5-$10 per sf.
Stage 1: Acute Inflammation
Pain may improve slightly as you move around, only to come roaring back after standing for long periods or at the end of an active day. Acute plantar fasciitis typically lasts four to six weeks, and during this stage, the tissue damage is more inflammatory than degenerative.
This gentle nighttime technique can help maintain flexibility in your plantar fascia while you sleep. Put on a pair of socks, then gently pull your toes upward toward your shin, creating a mild stretch along the bottom of your foot. Hold this position while you pull the sock material taut over your toes.
5 Signs You Shouldn't Ignore: Time to Visit a Foot Doctor
Warm Neutrals and Earthy Flooring Color Palettes
Shades such as honey, caramel, chestnut, and natural oak bring depth without overpowering your décor, and they pair naturally with clay, terracotta, sage, and the muted greens showing up in paint trends and furniture.
Fibromyalgia can affect your feet and may cause burning, tingling, stiffness, sore arches, or sensitivity that makes standing or walking more difficult. These sensations may be linked to nerve hypersensitivity, tender points, or overlapping conditions such as plantar fasciitis or circulation changes.
The reluctance of Generation Z to show their bare feet in public can be attributed to a variety of factors stemming from their unique generational experiences and the impact of the internet on their perception of privacy and body image.
100% waterproof flooring includes rigid core vinyl, luxury vinyl planks (LVP), and vinyl tiles with sealed seams.
Hard-surface flooring materials that are non-absorptive, chemical resistant and monolithic, such as resin flooring, are the most hygienic flooring options.
Vinyl: Vinyl is softer than many hard-surface floors and easy to clean. If you use a cane or any medical aid, it'll be easier to keep the floor surface tidy.