Why is there a cork strip around my wood floor?

Very old cork that has been fitted at the bottom of the stairs.

Wood is hygroscopic meaning it will absorb moisture if the air contains moisture and let it escape from the wood when the air around it is dry. Wood floors therefore can change is size very often

When wood floors are installed it is essential the wood boards is acclimatised to the room a minimum of 1 – 2 weeks before they get installed. It is require that the heating system is turned on to a standard setting and windows and doors are closed though ventilation should be allowed for.

This will allow for the wood to absorb a standard volume of moisture to the level present in the room under normal conditions.

Once the wood floor is installed a gap should be left around the edge of the room to allow for expansion and contraction of the floor – 8 – 12 mm around the border of the room.

In some cases the expansion gap will be covered over when a skirting board is fitted over the top of the gap.

In cases where the floor is fitted up to the edge of the skirting board the gap will be filled with cork.

The cork will act as a buffer to the expansion and contraction of the wooden boards.

Over time the cork can dry out and become prattle eventually even crumble and fallout. Your floor sanding company will be able to replace the cork.