Do I Need to Acclimate My Hardwood Floor?

The Importance of Hardwood Floor Acclimation

We understand that acclimating hardwood flooring before installation is a critical step to ensure the longevity and performance of your floors. Here’s why acclimation is so important and how to properly prepare your hardwood for installation.

Why Acclimation Matters

Wood is a natural material that expands and contracts with changes in humidity and temperature. By allowing hardwood flooring to acclimate, you ensure it adjusts to the moisture content of your home. This process helps prevent issues such as excessive expansion, shrinkage, dimensional distortion, and structural damage.

Ideal Conditions for Acclimation

To properly acclimate your hardwood flooring, maintain indoor conditions between 60-80°F and relative humidity levels of 30-50%. These conditions should mimic the normal living environment of your home.

Steps to Acclimate Hardwood Flooring

1. Controlled Environment: Store your hardwood flooring in an enclosed, climate-controlled area. Avoid storing wood in garages or exterior patios.
2. Moisture Measurement: Use a moisture meter to measure the moisture content of the wood upon delivery. This establishes a baseline for acclimation.
3. Duration: Allow the hardwood to acclimate for at least three days. Some species and products may require more time, especially site-finished and engineered flooring.
4. Air Circulation: Open flooring packages and break them into smaller lots to increase airflow. Cross-stacking planks with spacers between layers can further enhance circulation.

Best Practices

• Permanent HVAC Operation: Ensure that heating and/or air conditioning systems are operating at least five days before installation and continue during and after installation to maintain consistent conditions.
• Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC): Prior to installation, the moisture content of the wood flooring should match that of the subfloor within acceptable ranges. For solid strip flooring, this difference should not exceed 4%; for wide plank flooring, it should not exceed 2%.

Conclusion

Taking the time to properly acclimate hardwood flooring is essential for a successful installation and the long-term durability of your floors.