Hardwood is a floor that reacts to its environment. Wood expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. If you skip acclimation, your beautiful new hardwood floors could warp, buckle, or gap after installation. That’s a nightmare no homeowner wants. So, how long should you let your hardwood flooring acclimate before installing it?
The ideal acclimation time
Most experts recommend at least 3 to 7 days for hardwood flooring to acclimate. But that’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. The actual time depends on:
- Wood species: Some woods absorb moisture faster than others. Exotic hardwoods often need more time.
- Plank thickness: Thicker planks take longer to adjust to their new environment.
- Climate and season: If your home has high humidity, your flooring may need extra days to stabilize.
To be safe, check the manufacturer’s guidelines. Some hardwoods need up to two weeks to fully adjust.
How to properly acclimate hardwood flooring
Simply dropping off the boxes inside your house isn’t enough. You need to do it right. Here’s how:
- Control indoor conditions: Keep the room at a steady temperature (60-80°F) and humidity (30-50%).
- Leave the planks in their boxes: This slows down moisture absorption and prevents sudden expansion.
- Stack them properly: Lay boxes flat, with spacers in between for airflow.
- Wait patiently: Rushing this step can lead to costly repairs later.
How to check if your flooring is ready
You can’t tell just by looking at the planks. The best way to know if your hardwood flooring is fully acclimated? Use a moisture meter.
- Measure the moisture in the planks: Compare it to the moisture level of your subfloor.
- Ideal range: The difference between the two should be no more than 2-4% for solid hardwood and 1-2% for engineered wood flooring.
- If the numbers are off, wait longer: Installing too soon can lead to floor movement and gaps.
What happens if you skip acclimation?
If you’re tempted to rush the process, think again. Skipping acclimation can lead to:
- Cupping: The edges of the planks rise, making your floor uneven.
- Gapping: Spaces form between planks as they shrink.
- Buckling: Boards lift from the subfloor, creating major damage.
None of these are easy (or cheap) to fix. Taking the time to acclimate your solid or engineered wood flooring properly is a small step that prevents big problems.
Your experts on hardwood floors in Amarillo, TX
Acclimating hardwood flooring might feel like an unnecessary delay, but it’s essential for a long-lasting installation. Give your planks time to adjust—whether it’s three days or two weeks—and test the moisture levels before moving forward. A little patience now will save you from headaches later.
Are you looking to upgrade your home with beautiful solid or engineered wood flooring? If so, reach out to Gowdy Flooring today! Our wood flooring store in Amarillo, TX, serves Amarillo, Canyon, Dumas, Borger, and Hereford, TX.
