How Long Does Wood Flooring Need To Acclimate?

Installing wood floors is an exciting but complex process. Not only are wood floors expensive, but there are significantly more variables involved when working with real wood versus synthetic materials. One of the main concerns when it comes to installing wood floors is moisture content. Wood absorbs moisture, which is why it is so important you allow your wood to acclimate to its surroundings.

You should acclimate wood flooring for a minimum of 3 days before you begin the installation process. Your climate, manufacturer instructions, type, and size of wood can all affect how long your wood needs to acclimate. Use a wood moisture reader to take an initial moisture reading, and monitor the progress of the wood each day, until it falls within the proper moisture levels for your specific surroundings.

Acclimating your wood flooring is essentially preparing it for the conditions that it will experience once it becomes a wood floor. If you skip this step your wood floor may expand or contract, causing overlap, or gaps. In order to avoid having to fix one of these major issues, you should know the most effective methods of acclimating your wood flooring.

When you prepare to acclimate your wood, it is important you have ideal conditions, or at least as close as you can get. When you bring wood floorboards inside to store them during the acclimation process, you should have a controlled environment.

The whole process of acclimation relies on the wood slowly reaching the moisture content consistent with its surroundings. Therefore, in order for this process to work, the conditions need to be relatively consistent.

The best conditions for wood are between 30% and 60% relative humidity. These conditions are fairly common, but you may need to adjust your storage room’s humidity levels to mimic these conditions. After all, these conditions are the same that will exist for most of the floor’s lifetime.

Temperature is also key. The room temperature should be between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, you will choose a mild time of year to acclimate the wood and install the floor. If you cannot, be sure you have a working air conditioner or heater on hand.

Store the hardwood flooring in a space with its desired target moisture level. This means wood flooring should be in a similarly controlled indoor environment. Ideally, it should be in a home that has already been constructed and completed.

While your home may still need some work, you should never store your wood flooring in an uncontrolled environment, as this will not help it acclimate properly. Similarly, you should not store wood flooring in a home that is only partially finished. Make sure the following home building steps are completed before you consider acclimating and installing your wood flooring.

All Wet Building Projects Are Complete. This means all concrete is poured and has been given ample time to dry. Ideally, you have also finished and painted all interiors, as paint also releases moisture into the air.

Building Is Totally Enclosed. Your work site is not controlled until it is completely enclosed. Ensure all windows have been installed, and there are no holes. Vapor barriers should also be installed, to ensure proper moisture protection.

Drainage Installed And Runs Away From Home. Ensure that your drainage is in full working order. This will prevent any high-moisture or flooding incidents.

Basement And Crawl Spaces Complete And Dry. Your basement is likely your wettest area. The concrete foundation it sits on will evaporate moisture for weeks and months. In order to ensure it is drying properly and not adding undue moisturizer, allow it time to dry. Alternatively, have a dehumidifier running at all times until humidity dissipates.

Make Sure Your HVAC Is Installed. In order to ensure your home is in its normal climate it is best to run your heat or A/C units installed. Your wood floor boards should be installed in the temperature and conditions they will normally be in. This means you should have your house set up the way it normally will be – with working HVAC. Run the system for several (ideally at least 5) days before you bring the wood in.

You can make sure the house is in perfect working order, and have everything ready, but you cannot control the weather. If you have any sort of flexibility as to when you are to deliver hardwood flooring to the property to acclimate, try and choose a mild day. Very moist, hot, cold or even dry days can have an impact on how long the wood will take to acclimate. If you have non-ideal conditions, make sure you allow extra time, and use your wood moisture meter diligently.

Measuring the wood moisture level and the moisture in the dwelling are both crucial in ensuring correct acclimation. The best way to do this is by using a reliable wood moisture reader. Try and find a wood moisture reader that also records ambient moisture.

Make sure you get plenty of measurements. The standard rule of thumb is to measure 40 boards for every 1,000 square feet. This will ensure an accurate overall read. Once you have your accurate wood moisture monitor, you can monitor your wood as it reaches closer to the desired moisture level.

When you purchase and deliver wood for your new hardwood floors you should allow them at least three days to acclimate. Make sure you have a wood moisture reader so you can get an initial reading and monitor the progress. The ideal moisture level for the wood should fall between the average high and low moisture levels for your geographical area. Remember that your climate, the type and size of wood you use and the manufacturer instructions all impact how long you need to acclimate your hardwood flooring.