Flooring acclimation is a crucial step in the installation process that ensures the long-term stability and durability of various types of flooring materials. Whether you’re considering hardwood, vinyl, engineered hardwood, or luxury vinyl plank (LVP), allowing your flooring to acclimate to its environment is essential.

In this blog post, the PA wood flooring installation experts at Artisan Wood Floors explain hardwood floor acclimation, outline specific acclimation requirements for other types of flooring, and answer frequently asked questions related to the topic.

What is Flooring Acclimation?

Flooring acclimation refers to the process of allowing a flooring material to adjust to the moisture and temperature conditions of its installation environment before it is installed. This step is necessary because different areas have varying humidity levels and temperatures that can affect the dimensional stability of the flooring.

Acclimation helps prevent issues such as warping, buckling, and gaps that can occur when flooring materials expand or contract after installation. By allowing the flooring to adjust, you minimize the risk of these problems, ensuring a more successful and long-lasting flooring installation.

How To Acclimate Wood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is particularly sensitive to changes in moisture and temperature. To acclimate hardwood floors, follow these steps: 

1. Remove the flooring from its packaging: Open the boxes and remove any plastic wrapping or covering.
2. Allow for air circulation: Place the flooring in the installation area, ensuring good air circulation around the planks. Stacking the planks with spacers between them is an effective method.
3. Monitor moisture levels: Use a moisture meter to regularly check the moisture content of the flooring and the subfloor. The moisture levels should be within the manufacturer’s recommended range.
4. Duration of acclimation: The acclimation period can vary depending on the manufacturer and environmental conditions. Typically, hardwood flooring requires a minimum of 3 to 7 days to acclimate, but it’s best to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific recommendations.

Acclimating Other Types of Flooring

The process to acclimate other types of flooring are as follows:

• Vinyl Flooring: Vinyl flooring, known for its durability and water resistance, requires less acclimation than hardwood floors. However, allowing the material to adjust to the installation environment is still essential. Typically, a 24 to 48-hour acclimation period is sufficient.
• Engineered Hardwood: Engineered hardwood is more dimensionally stable than solid hardwood and requires less acclimation. Similar to vinyl flooring, a 24 to 48-hour acclimation period is generally recommended.
• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): LVP, a popular choice for its affordability and versatility, also requires a brief acclimation period. In most cases, allowing the planks to acclimate for 24 to 48 hours is adequate.

Flooring Acclimation FAQs

The following are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about flooring acclimation: 

1.) How long does it take for wood flooring to acclimate?

The acclimation time for wood flooring can vary depending on factors such as the type of wood, installation environment, and manufacturer recommendations. However, a general guideline is 3 to 7 days. It’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions for optimal results.

2.) Can hardwood flooring acclimate in the box?

No, hardwood flooring should not acclimate in the box. It must be unpacked and allowed to breathe in the installation area, ensuring proper air circulation and exposure to the installation environment.

3.) Can flooring acclimate after installation?

While some minor acclimation may occur after installation, it’s best to allow the flooring to acclimate before installation. That will help minimize the potential for problems such as warping or gaps.

4.) Can I speed up the acclimation process for my flooring?

It’s important not to rush the acclimation process for flooring. Attempting to speed up the process by increasing temperature or using artificial methods may lead to improper acclimation and potential issues later. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines and allowing the flooring to acclimate naturally within the recommended time frame is best.

5.) Can I acclimate flooring in a room with no climate control?

It is not advisable to acclimate flooring in a room with no climate control. Temperature and humidity fluctuations in such environments can significantly impact the acclimation process. They may result in flooring problems after installation. Choosing a suitable space within the installation area that maintains a consistent temperature and humidity level is the best course of action.

6.) Should I acclimate flooring during different seasons?

Yes, it is recommended to acclimate flooring during different seasons if there are significant variations in temperature and humidity between seasons in your region. That’s because the flooring may expand or contract differently based on seasonal changes. By acclimating the flooring during each season, you allow it to adjust to the specific conditions it will encounter throughout the year, minimizing potential issues during installation and afterward.

Consult a Wood Flooring Expert About Flooring Acclimation

Proper flooring acclimation is essential for the long-term performance and durability of flooring materials. Whether installing hardwood, vinyl, engineered hardwood, or LVP, allowing the flooring to adjust to its environment is crucial. By following the specific acclimation guidelines for each flooring type, you can minimize the risk of issues such as warping, buckling, or gaps. Remember to consult the manufacturer’s recommended acclimation duration and process. You can ensure a successful and long-lasting hardwood floor installation by prioritizing flooring acclimation and discussing the issue with a wood flooring expert.

If you have additional questions regarding hardwood floor acclimation or the acclimation of any other type of wood flowing, contact the knowledgeable team at Artisan Wood Floors. We offer PA hardwood flooring installation throughout the Philadelphia region. Just call (215) 515-7355 and ask for Steve!