I am new here and still learning a lot from reading many of the prior posts, quite a bit from the Internet, etc.

As I previously posted here a couple days ago, my intended floor will be site finished 3/4" solid hardwood, 7" wide, quarter sawn white oak.

I understand that the recommended standard is "As a general rule, a 3⁄4” expansion space must be left around the perimeter and at all vertical obstructions".

My question regarding expansion space is: how do you allow for expansion space, for example, where the hardwood in one room meets a ceramic or porcelain tile floor that is in another room, or area? Or, where a hardwood floor in a hall ends at steps, that are either wood or carpeted?

More specifically, I have a tiled floor powder room off an entrance foyer to my home that will have this hardwood installed. Also, I have tile on the floor in front of the fireplace in my living room which will also have this hardwood floor installed. I also have steps that are carpeted going to second floor, and will have this hardwood on the main floor in my home. I also have steps leading to a lower level that are wood.

I appreciate your advice. Thanks, John

Where the hardwood meets the tile that is on the same level as the wood floor a wood transition strip is used. The wood floor will expand under the transition strip. If the tile and wood are at different heights a reducer or modified transition/reducer is used. Wood expansion along it's length is negligible. Where the first floor flooring meets the carpeted stairs you could leave an expansion gap under the riser. Where the flooring on the second floor runs to the landing tread no gap is left....floor and landing tread would theoretically expand out over the top step.

Thank you for your reply. I am learning a lot.

John