How To Acclimate Your Hardwood Flooring in Just 4 Easy Steps

Properly acclimating to a new environment can make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful hardwood install. This step-by-step guide will help you with this process and provide tips on how to do it quickly and efficiently.

Step 1: Preparation

Make sure the subfloor is stable and secure. It is essential that it will not be exposed to any type of moisture during shipping, installation, or finishing of your hardwood floors as this will impact the wood.

Step 2: Unpack Your Product

After your hardwood floors are delivered, make sure the boxes are brought into the house to begin the acclimation process.

Step 3: Allow it to acclimate

Natural hardwood requires some time to "settle down." The floor should be flat, stable, and exposed to the same temperature and humidity as the rest of your house for at least 72 hours. This process allows the boards to adjust to room temperature and humidity levels after their time in storage or shipping. If at all possible, avoid direct light exposure on the flooring as this can cause uneven discoloration in your wood floors.

After 48 hours has passed, continue on with your next step: installation. If you are not ready to install your floors at this point, do not worry—simply leave the boards out of their boxes for up to 14 days. It is highly recommended that you have your wood installed within three weeks of receiving it. If this is not possible, make sure the wood is stored in a dry location with a temperature between 45° and 80° Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Installation

After doing some research, you may even find out more information on how to acclimate hardwood flooring. Proper installation is the final step in ensuring your hardwood floors are protected from all possible damage.

If you do not want to go through the hassle of acclimating your new flooring yourself, contact a local flooring installer . They will be able to arrange the delivery and acclimation process for you—allowing you to focus on more important things, like planning your new room design.