I want to install brazilian cherry prefinished 5 inch flooring up against existing red oak flooring. Do I need to leave a gap between the two floors to allow for different expansions and contractions. i would then install a transion piece in red oak. I was told i had to do this because of the different woods and different expasion and contraction that could cause buckling. Is this true or can I butt the two together? I think the transion tee would stand out too much. Any advice-----Thanks

There is no need to gap between the species. Many installs will quarter turn the boards in different rooms when it is the same species, and wood will react differently along the length than it will across it's width. Have no worries. More important is the expansion around the room.

Thanks for your reply.

What about installing this 10 x 10 room going with the floor joist instead of across them. This is pre-finished brazilian cherrry bellawood in 5 inch plank. If I install going across the floor joist I have the entire floor that must butt each end on the one side into the existing oak floor. If things aren't running exactly perfect I could run into trouble with gaps etc...It would be easier to install with planks running same as joists and existing floor. Should I use underlayment? Should I use adhesive---which is best? Should I use cleats or staples with adhesive? What length? I have tung and grove 3/4 sub-floor.Thanks for any advice!! Sorry for so many questions at once.