Why Do I Need to Acclimate My Hardwood Flooring Before Installation?

December 26, 2018 10:40 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

There are few things more transformative to the look and aesthetic of your home than new flooring. If you’ve recently decided to invest in new hardwood flooring for your abode, you may be chomping at the bit to install it and see how it changes the interior of your living space.

Hardwood flooring, however, is a natural substance that breathes and changes shape and size with different temperatures and humidity levels. Installing your hardwood flooring without first acclimating it to the temperature and humidity level of your home could cause your brand-new floor to warp or fit incorrectly. Because of this, it’s necessary to always acclimate a hardwood floor prior to installation.

While the duration of acclimation necessary is largely dependent on the type of wood that you’ve selected, some environmental factors may also need to be taken into consideration. Be sure to consult with the experts at your local hardwood flooring store in Santa Cruz, CA to learn more about acclimation requirements specific to your situation. Here are some general tips to consider when acclimating hardwood flooring:

  • Only acclimate solid wood flooring: There’s no need to acclimated engineered wood flooring. It’s only necessary to acclimate solid wood flooring. If you’re unsure about whether or not your hardwood flooring in Santa Cruz, CA is engineered or solid, consult with the experts at your hardwood flooring store.
  • Consider the wood type: Different wood types take different amounts of time to acclimate to new environments. Generally, five to seven days will be a sufficient amount of time to acclimate your new wood. Some types of wood, however, may require longer periods, particularly if they’re from tropical climes.
  • Acclimate in a completely controlled environment: Don’t try to acclimate your hardwood flooring on your patio or in a shed. The panels need to be stored and acclimated in a climate- and moisture-controlled environment. While this may be inconvenient, it’s absolutely necessary for the long-term health of your wood panels.
  • Use a moisture meter: Measure both the ambient moisture and the moisture content of your hardwood using a moisture meter, both when the wood arrives and before installing it. The moisture levels should be within close range to each other before you attempt the installation process. Consult a professional if you’re in need of assistance.
  • Store the wood with all sides exposed: Be sure to store the wood flooring with all sides exposed evenly. Avoid storing the panels in tall stacks, as this will prevent the wood from acclimating correctly. Be sure to check the wood daily for signs of warping or bowing.

For more than four decades, The Wholesale House has been a premier provider of hardwood flooring in Santa Cruz, CA. We’re proud to provide our customers with a wide range of hardwood floor solutions designed to meet a variety of needs. To learn more about ways that we can help you identify and install a quality hardwood flooring solution in your home, reach out to one of our friendly and knowledgeable representatives today.

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