How Far Should Drywall Be Off the Floor? Important Things to Know 

Putting up drywall is an important part of any home improvement project. It brings the space together and can help to make it more sound, fire, and moisture-resistant. However, it’s important to leave a small gap between the floor and baseboard when installing sheetrock. 

Most contractors hang drywall from the top down. In general, ½ to 5/8 inches is viewed as an acceptable floor height difference. This means that anything over a 1-inch gap between the floor and wall might be unnecessary and make the space look unbalanced.

Why is there a gap between the baseboard and floor? 

Well, there are a number of reasons why you should leave a gap between tile and wall surfaces. Firstly, drywall is incredibly absorbent, so the last thing you want is for the moisture from your floors to be absorbed into the walls. This could greatly reduce the lifespan of your plasterboard. 

Secondly, in some cases, the flooring might not be leveled, which could compromise the structural integrity of the drywall and make it uneven, so a space between the wall and floor is included to alleviate this issue. 

Lastly, drywall expands and contracts naturally as it experiences temperature changes, so if there isn’t a maximum 1-inch gap between the tile and wall, you could end up with damage to both materials. This might lead to a crack between the floorboards or sheetrock.

Should You Fill the Drywall and Floor Gap or Leave It As-is? 

The truth is that filling the gap between a concrete slab and a wall could be a big mistake. 

When you completely fill drywall gaps, you do not allow the material enough room to breathe, which could lead to damage. 

However, if you have a particularly large gap between the baseboard and floor, you can consider talking to a reliable contractor to help you install a gap floor plate to cover up a part of the drywall floor gap. 

Keep in mind that the answer to the questions, “Should baseboards touch the floor?” and “Can drywall touch concrete?” is generally no, so you want to ensure that you are doing your research before you seal that gap between the concrete floor and the wall. 

We also recommend talking to a local expert, especially if you have a large gap between your drywall and the floor, as there could be an important reason for this that you are not aware of. 

Here are a few reasons to fill a particularly big gap between your drywall and concrete floor: 

• Gaps between a floor and a wall could be entry points for insects and other pests. 
• A smaller gap will promote a good overall visual appeal. 
• When you reduce the size of the space between a wall and floor, it could help to improve the insulation of the wall. 
• Sealing this area could help to make the drywall less prone to water damage. 

Keep in mind that even though these benefits seem great, the drawbacks of filling in the gap completely could be far more serious. You should definitely make sure that you are taking this decision seriously. 

While some don’t mind having a large gap between floors and walls, this can become a point of concern and even irritation for others. If this is you, then we recommend talking to an experienced contractor who can provide guidance and advice tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

Want to Learn More About What to Do with a Drywall Floor Gap? 

Having to look at a large gap in your flooring and wall can be stressful and worrying. The good news is that we can use sheetrock gap filler to improve the look and feel of your home and ensure that this defect doesn’t cause you anxiety without damaging the plasterboard. 

We understand the challenges homeowners face, which is why we are committed to making the process easier with high-quality applications that are designed to last. 

If you would like to learn more about your options or require a free, no-obligation quote for fixing the gap in your floor, get in touch with Skyline Drywall Aurora today!