Acclimating wood flooring before installation is a critical step to ensure its durability and long-term performance. Wood is a natural material that expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. Allowing wood flooring to adjust to your home’s environment prevents warping, buckling, and gaps after installation. This guide explains how long wood flooring should sit in your house before installation and the best practices for proper acclimation.
Why Is Acclimation Important?
Wood flooring is sensitive to moisture and temperature changes. If installed without proper acclimation, the wood can expand or contract, leading to issues like cupping, gapping, or buckling. Acclimating wood flooring allows it to reach an equilibrium moisture content (EMC) that matches the conditions in your home, ensuring stability after installation.
How Long Should Wood Flooring Acclimate?
Most hardwood flooring should acclimate for at least 3 to 5 days in the space where it will be installed. However, the exact time can vary based on several factors:
1: Wood Type: Solid hardwood requires more acclimation time than engineered hardwood,
which is more dimensionally stable.
2: Climate and Season: Homes in humid or dry climates may require longer acclimation
periods.
3: Manufacturer Recommendations: Always follow the specific acclimation guidelines
provided by the flooring manufacturer to maintain warranty coverage.
Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Acclimation:
For proper acclimation, maintain indoor temperatures between 60°F and 80°F and relative humidity levels between 30% and 50%. Operating heating or air conditioning systems during this time helps stabilize the environment. These conditions allow the wood to adjust naturally to the home’s climate.
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Best Practices for Acclimating Wood Flooring:
1. Allow Wood Flooring to Acclimate for At Least Three Days
Stack the wood flooring in its original packaging in the installation room. Keep the boxes flat and off the floor to allow air circulation.
2. Break Flooring Materials into Smaller Lots
Separate flooring planks into smaller stacks with space between them. This setup promotes even air exposure, helping the wood adjust uniformly.
3. Site-Finished and Engineered Flooring Require Different Acclimation Times
Site-finished hardwood may need a longer acclimation period due to its unfinished state, while engineered flooring usually requires less time because of its layered construction.
4. Treat Tropical Wood Species with Extra Care
Exotic hardwoods, such as Brazilian cherry or teak, may need extended acclimation due to their higher density and sensitivity to climate changes.
5. Follow Manufacturer Recommendations
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s acclimation guidelines to ensure the warranty remains valid. Skipping this step could void coverage for future issues.
How to Measure Moisture Content?
Use a moisture meter to measure the wood flooring’s moisture content. Wood is ready for installation when its moisture content is within 2% to 4% of the subfloor’s moisture level. This step ensures the wood has properly adjusted to the environment.
Conclusion:
Acclimating wood flooring is an essential step in the installation process. Allowing wood floors to sit in your home for at least 3 to 5 days helps the material adjust to the indoor climate, preventing future damage. By maintaining proper temperature and humidity, following best practices, and measuring moisture content, you can ensure your wood floors remain beautiful and stable for years to come.