The term "attic stock" refers to the extra flooring left over after an installation is complete. Keeping this material is an essential insurance policy for your hardwood floors. Because hardwood is a natural product, every production run has unique characteristics—from subtle color variations to specific grain patterns and milling quirks. Even if you purchase the same brand and color years later, the product is likely to come from a different batch, meaning the new boards will not perfectly match your existing floor. By storing 5-10% extra material in a climate-controlled area, you ensure that you have access to perfectly matched boards if a section of your floor is damaged by water, impact, or other incidents. When storing this material, it is critical to avoid areas with extreme humidity or temperature fluctuations, such as unconditioned garages or crawl spaces. Store the boxes flat on a stable surface in a climate-controlled environment, such as a master closet or a finished basement. Moisture levels in the attic stock should remain similar to the conditions in your home. If you are forced to perform a repair in the future, having this original material allows a professional installer to weave in new boards seamlessly. Without it, you may be forced to perform a complete floor replacement to ensure a uniform appearance, which is significantly more costly and disruptive than a focused repair using original matching stock.
Key considerations
- how much attic stock for hardwood
- save extra hardwood floor
- hardwood repair matching
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