Do raw wood panels need room for movement?

[marol11]

We have an old house (early 20th century) with a framework that we are renovating inside. The craftsmen have now installed tongue-and-groove boards on which we will later place drywall. They seem not to have given the tongue-and-groove boards any room for movement and do not think it's necessary—does that sound right? I spontaneously think that wood moves and the house moves a bit. It's also the driest and coldest season now. Will this cause problems later, or do you think it will work as it is? This concerns the end grain on the tongue and groove, and there is also no room for movement downwards/upwards in some places; the boards are pressed against the floor/ceiling/corners.

 

[O]

It is also the driest and coldest season now.

That's correct, but the important question is how moist the wood is. The craftsmen are probably completely right. The wood will dry and create movement space.

 

[fribygg]

No.
I join together raw boards and other tongue-and-groove wood to make it tight, but unfortunately, the wood still dries and separates a bit.

 

[marol11]

That's correct, but the important question is how moist the wood is. The craftsmen are probably right. The wood will dry and create room for movement.

About 10-11%