Why is my hardwood floor cupping?

Cupping is usually caused by moisture imbalance—but the source is not always obvious.

Floor cupping is a type of warping where the edges of hardwood planks lift higher than the middle, giving the floor a shallow “U” shape or a slightly wavy look. This usually happens when moisture builds up underneath the boards more than on the surface, causing the bottom to expand and push the edges upward.

Typical causes are:

• Moisture imbalance
• Installation issues
• Environmental changes

What you see is often a symptom — not the actual problem.

Why does a hardwood inspection matter?

Fixing the symptom without identifying the cause can make the problem worse.

• Avoid wrong fixes
• Avoid wasted money

An inspection helps identify the cause before you take action.