Help!! New oak floor has been laid badly, gaps appearing between boards,squeaks loudly when walked on?

Question

supplier says gaps are to allow for expansion. Yet some boards are tightly packed together while other boards have noticeable gaps. No expansion left at skirting. The noise from the floor when walked on is unelievable - enough to waken children. Supplier says this is caused by seasons and climatic change and rustic nature of boards! We are able to move some of the boards at skirting by pushing them. When we checked laying instructions there should be min 20-30cm stepping between boards , most of our boards don't have this. Supplier says he can also feel sub floor moving through boards but this was never picked up at survey stage. Any suggestions would be really helpful.

Answer 1

Is the new flooring laid on timber joists or a solid floor ?? Both are possible but make a difference to the answer ,any oak used should be dried to an acceptable moisture content (by the supplier)and then laid tight together, I have installed oak on joists and concrete floors with no problems at all,and have never been called back except to do more !

Answer 2

Ask the supplier/installer what will cause expansion in timber floors. The answer has got to be moisture. How will your floor get wet? The chances are that the gaps in the floor will increase when the timber dries out. Timber floors should be cramped together when laid to avoid this shrinkage. It's obvious that the layer was an idiot. Demand your money back with menaces of court action.

Answer 3

Filing a claim in small claims court is very easy. I did it for the first time last year after Pottery Barn Kids sold me a broken stove for Christmas and did not allow me to exchange it. All you have to do is download a form, fill it out and send it in with a 15 dollar check (differs in different jurisdictions). The court then sends an official notice to the person that they are being sued. And that got the regional manager to call me ASAP and solve the problem. Worst case scenario if you do go to small claims you can represent yourself (just tell the judge your story). I only mention this because after I did it I realized it was such a simple and effective solution to something that infuriated me. :) Good luck.

Answer 4

Get a second opinion from an independant specialist. Try to find someone who knows his stuff when it comes to flooring but who wouldnt be competing for the work if you had to have it redone, perhaps a surveyor?

Then you can go back to the supplier and get them to make good their work.

Answer 5

They are talking crap, I did the flooring myself and managed to do a good job of it. I think the squeeks are caused cos theres no under layers. Go to the suppliers and make an official complaint, if they dont listen then tell them you are going to consumers services.

http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/after_you_buy/making-complaint/

Answer 6

Sounds like you are the latest victim of the cowboy builder brigade. Tell them you want the situation remedied, or you will be making a small claims court filing. Good luck, tho!

Answer 7

this is really neat, because i was watching on TV a home improvement channel on the exact subject. the man said first to lay some kind on paper first because this will prevent squeaks.the kind of paper i can't remember, but i'm sure that lowes or homedepot could help you there

Answer 8

Tell your supplier he leaves you no choice but to contact consumer services. See what he has to say then.

Answer 9

Some do it yourself jobs work out great. I would suggest you call in a professional.

Answer 10

laid badly!