Do hardwood floors need to acclimate?

It is important to acclimate solid hardwood because wood is hygroscopic. This means that it will take on moisture from the environment it is in. Taking on or losing too much moisture will cause wood to change. It can expand, shrink, check, or split because of excessive moisture changes.

How long does hardwood floor need to acclimate?

Acclimation of wood flooring begins with proper storage at the job site. It should be cross stacked and spaced to encourage air circulation around the boards. Most manufacturers recommend materials acclimate for a minimum of three days with no maximum suggested.

What happens if you don't let hardwood floors acclimate?

If hardwood planks are not allowed to acclimate to their environment before installation, issues like cupping, warping, and gapping can arise.

Does hardwood need to acclimate before installation?

Permanent heating and/or air conditioning systems should be operating at least five days before you install your wood floors. This will allow the wood to acclimate to actual living conditions inside the building. Heating and A/C systems should continue to operate at normal conditions during and after installation.

Can hardwood flooring acclimate in the box?

Can Hardwood Flooring Acclimate in the Box? It is possible to acclimate hardwood flooring in the box, but it will take much longer due to the lack of air circulation.

Wood Floor Acclimation - How Long Does It Take?

How do you store hardwood floors before installing?

You should really store your hardwood flooring in a controlled environment, never a garage or basement. If the hardwood is being store above 50% humidity it will take in a ton of moisture and expand this will typically happen in the summer months when humidity is at it's highest.

Can you walk on hardwood floors after installation?

How long do I have to wait to use my room after new floors are installed? We recommend waiting 6 hours before walking on your new floors in socks. After 24 hours you can walk through with shoes on. Allow 48 hours before setting furniture and returning pets.

What is the best temperature for hardwood floors?

The safe temperature range for hardwood floors is typically between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Does engineered hardwood need to acclimate?

It is still recommended by manufacturers to acclimate engineered hardwood floors at least 48 hours or until they reach their acceptable moisture content. Do this inside the room where they will be installed. Its plywood core helps mitigate dimensional changes but it does not totally eliminate it.

Why are my new hardwood floors cupping?

Excess moisture is the culprit when it comes to hardwood cupping. This happens when the humidity level is high, when the boards absorb too much moisture from the subfloor, from water leaks and spills or even by cleaning your hardwood flooring in the wrong manner.

Why does flooring need to acclimate?

Acclimating allows the planks to become unified in the temperature and humidity that is identical to the conditions found in the room in which they will be installed. Once acclimated, the planks will be uniformly conditioned and the locking system won't be compromised.

How long should wood acclimate before cutting?

Sometimes distractions occur and this may take a week or more but typically is a few days. I buy my wood from a local sawmill. It runs about 15/16ths in thickness skip planned. I like to get started as soon as it gets in the shop.

What is the best time of year to install hardwood floors?

Moisture in Spring and Summer

Fall is a perfect season for hardwood flooring installation because the cool, crisp weather exposes your hardwood flooring to less moisture.

How do you get moisture out of hardwood floors?

Use a dehumidifier placed at the highest setting possible to dry the floors. Place it in the center of the room and leave it on for at least 24 hours. Next, place fans around the room so the entire surface receives the blowing air. Place the fans at the highest settings possible.

What is the best humidity level for hardwood floors?

Proper humidity level for your hardwood floor

The National Wood Floor Association (NWFA) states that normal relative humidity levels should range between 30%-50% to ensure successful long-term performance of your wood flooring.

Why are my wood floors popping?

The most common reason for hardwood to make a popping sound, specifically at night, is a change in humidity. The home cools during the transition from day to night and that can impact humidity levels in the home. The popping sound can be especially loud if the fit of the wood is very tight.

Do hardwood floors make your house colder?

Wood Floors Provide Heat

Solid materials can significantly reduce the temperature fluctuation in your home because they store and absorb heat, while carpet fibers simply represent a barrier.

Why does my floor pop when walked on?

If your floors are nailed down to the subfloor, the popping noise could be coming from the nails. The sound happens when a plank becomes loose and the nail rubs against the subfloor. If you have access to your floors from underneath, driving screws into the loose planks will usually solve the problem.

How much hardwood flooring can be installed in a day?

A two-person team of installers is typically able to complete 750 to 1000 square feet of flooring each day. If the job size is up to less than 1000 to 1500 square feet, the installation might take less time. Also, installation will take less time in case the job site is free of any obstacles and is wide open.

Is it better to glue or nail engineered hardwood flooring?

If you have a concrete subfloor, then you should glue your hardwood down, if you have a wooden subfloor then you can choose either method of installation. However, if you are planning on fitting your hardwood floor to joists, then you will need to secret nail them into place.

Can hardwood flooring be stored upright?

Storage Method

Therefore, rely on environmentally-controlled storage solutions for hardwood flooring to keep it in good condition. Store hardwoods flat on the floor away from walls. Elevate wood off the concrete ground by stacking it on top of a level and stable object. Monitor the wood's condition regularly.

Can I leave hardwood in the garage?

Avoid the garage and the basement: As noted by Cassens, typical storage locations like the garage and basement are poor choices for your hardwood.

What is the max moisture content of solid wood flooring at the time of installation?

In general, 12% moisture or above is too wet to install flooring. Ideally, it should be between 7% and 9%. Take the readings in at least 20 spots per 1,000 square feet of flooring and average the results.

Does vinyl plank flooring need to acclimate?

Luxury vinyl floors must be given 48 hours to acclimate in their new environment. It will be worth while to make sure you have the flooring shipped to your home 2 days before installation. Once you have your boxes of plank, carry them to the room where you plan to lay them.