Acclimation is one of the most misunderstood yet critical steps in the hardwood installation process. It is the period during which wood flooring is exposed to the conditions of the installation site to allow it to reach a state of equilibrium with the home's environment. Hardwood is a hygroscopic material, meaning it expands and contracts as the humidity and temperature change. By skipping this step, you risk significant issues like buckling if the wood expands too much after being installed or gapping if it shrinks because it was stored in an environment too different from your living space. To perform this correctly, we follow NWFA guidelines: the building's climate control system should be operating, maintaining a temperature between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent. For solid wood, the moisture content of the boards must be within 2-4% of the subfloor, while engineered wood requires a 2% variance. Acclimation isn't just about time; it is about environment. We monitor these levels carefully to ensure that once the floor is installed, it stays stable and beautiful throughout the seasons.
Key considerations
- how long to acclimate hardwood
- why acclimate hardwood floors
- NWFA acclimation guidelines
- Acclimation
- NWFA
- Climate Control