Yes, newspaper spacers are used in laminate flooring installation, but not as a moisture barrier or underlayment. They are placed along the walls and vertical obstructions to create the mandatory expansion gap between the laminate planks and the wall. This gap, typically 1/4 to 3/8 inch, allows the floor to expand and contract with changes in humidity and temperature without buckling or cupping. The newspaper is simply a cheap, readily available spacer that is removed after the floor is installed and before baseboards or quarter-round are attached.
What Exactly Are Newspaper Spacers?
In laminate flooring installation, spacers are small wedges or strips used to maintain a consistent expansion gap between the flooring and the wall. While professional installers often use purpose-made plastic spacers, many DIYers and even some pros use folded pieces of cardboard or newspaper. The newspaper is folded to the desired thickness (usually about 1/4 inch) and placed vertically against the wall at regular intervals along the perimeter of the room. After all the planks are clicked together, the spacers are pulled out, leaving a clean, uniform gap. The gap is then hidden by baseboard molding, quarter-round, or transition strips.
Why Is an Expansion Gap Necessary?
Laminate flooring is a floating floor, meaning it is not attached to the subfloor. The planks are made of a high-density fiberboard (HDF) core that absorbs moisture from the air and expands. Without a gap around the edges, the expanding planks would push against the walls, causing the floor to buckle, lift, or create unsightly gaps between planks. The expansion gap also allows for slight movement from foot traffic and seasonal changes. Typical recommended gaps are:
- 1/4 inch (6 mm) for rooms under 40 feet in any direction.
- 3/8 inch (10 mm) for larger rooms or areas with high humidity, like sunrooms or basements.
- 1/2 inch (12 mm) if the floor runs through a doorway into a large open area.
Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific laminate brand, as some require a larger gap.
How to Use Newspaper Spacers Correctly
Using newspaper spacers is straightforward, but there are a few steps to do it right:
- Fold the newspaper into strips about 2-3 inches wide and 6-8 inches long. Fold them to the exact thickness of the required gap. For a 1/4-inch gap, fold a few sheets together until they measure 1/4 inch thick.
- Place the spacers vertically against the wall before laying the first row of planks. Space them every 12-18 inches along the wall. Also place them around doorframes, pipes, and other vertical obstructions.
- Work your way across the room, keeping the spacers in place as you click the planks together. The spacers hold the planks at the correct distance from the wall.
- Remove the spacers after the entire floor is installed. Slide them out carefully. If they are stuck, use a utility knife to cut them out.
- Install baseboards or quarter-round to cover the gap. Do not nail the baseboard to the floor—attach it to the wall only.
One tip: do not leave newspaper spacers in place permanently. They will wick moisture from the concrete subfloor and could cause mold or damage the floor’s edge.
Newspaper vs. Plastic Spacers: Pros and Cons
Both newspaper and plastic spacers work, but they have trade-offs.
- Cost: Newspaper is free and always available. Plastic spacers cost a few dollars for a pack of 50, but they are reusable.
- Consistency: Plastic spacers are uniform in thickness, ensuring a perfectly even gap. Newspaper can compress slightly under pressure, so you may get a slightly narrower gap in some spots. To avoid this, use a hard, folded stack and don’t push the planks too tightly against them.
- Ease of removal: Plastic spacers are easy to pull out. Newspaper can tear and leave bits behind, but that’s harmless as long as you remove the bulk.
- Environmental impact: Newspaper is recyclable and biodegradable. Plastic spacers can be reused many times.
For most DIY installations, newspaper works perfectly fine. The key is to fold it to the correct thickness and place it consistently.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
A frequent misconception is that newspaper spacers can replace underlayment. They cannot. Underlayment is a separate foam or felt layer that provides cushioning, moisture protection, and sound absorption. Newspaper spacers are only for the perimeter gap.
Another mistake is leaving the spacers in place after installation. Some people think the newspaper will act as insulation or that the baseboard will hide it, but the paper can absorb moisture and cause the floor edge to swell. Always remove them.
Also, do not use newspaper to fill the expansion gap after installation. The gap must remain empty to allow movement. If you need to reduce the gap’s visibility, use a flexible caulk or a transition strip, but never pack it with paper or other solid material.
Alternatives to Newspaper Spacers
If you don’t have newspaper, several household items work just as well:
- Cardboard strips cut from a box, folded to the right thickness.
- Wood shims are tapered, so they only give a consistent gap if you mark them or use them in pairs.
- Laminate offcuts – a scrap piece of laminate that is exactly the right thickness (usually about 8 mm) can be used as a spacer, but it’s a bit thin for a 1/4-inch gap.
- Plastic spacers from a hardware store are the most reliable.
Whatever you use, the goal is the same: maintain a uniform gap around the entire perimeter.
Cost and Where to Buy
Newspaper spacers cost nothing. If you buy plastic spacers, a pack of 50 costs around $5 to $10 at home improvement stores or online. They are a small part of the overall installation cost, but they save time and ensure a professional-looking result. If you are installing laminate in multiple rooms, plastic spacers are a worthwhile investment because you can reuse them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use newspaper spacers with underlayment? Yes. The underlayment goes down first, then the spacers are placed on top of the underlayment against the wall. The underlayment should not overlap the wall; it should be trimmed to fit just inside the spacers.
How thick should the newspaper spacer be? It should match the manufacturer’s recommended expansion gap, usually 1/4 inch. Fold the newspaper until it measures that thickness. Use a ruler to verify.
Do I need spacers around doorframes? Yes. Doorframes and other fixed objects are effectively walls. The laminate must have a gap around them to allow movement. You can use spacers or cut the planks to leave a small gap, which will be covered by the door casing or transition strip.
What happens if I forget to remove the newspaper spacers? The newspaper can absorb moisture and cause the laminate to swell or develop mold. It may also compress over time, leaving a gap between the floor and the baseboard. Always remove them before installing trim.
Can I use newspaper spacers for vinyl plank flooring? Vinyl plank flooring also needs an expansion gap, but the gap is usually smaller (1/8 to 1/4 inch) and the material is more flexible. Newspaper spacers work, but be careful not to compress them too much. For vinyl, many installers prefer plastic spacers or a simple cardboard strip.
Is it okay to leave a wider gap than 1/4 inch? A wider gap is generally fine, but it must be covered by the baseboard. If the gap is too wide, the baseboard may not cover it, and you’ll see a dark line. Stick to the recommended gap for your floor.
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