Wood flooring is a significant investment—one that can endure for many years if properly maintained. However, prior to considering installation, there is one important step that significantly impacts the outcome: acclimation. Neglect it, and you might face gaps, warping, or buckling. If done correctly, your floor will remain in excellent condition for years. Let's analyze it step by step.
How Do You Acclimate a Wood Floor?
Picture this—you bring home stunning oak planks straight from the supplier and lay them down right away. Everything looks perfect. Then, a few weeks later, the boards start shifting, expanding, or even cupping. Why? Because wood reacts to the environment around it.
To get it right, follow these steps:
Bring the wood inside – It needs to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the room where it will be installed.
Unwrap and stack properly – Open the packaging, lay planks flat, and leave space between them so air circulates.
Keep the room at normal living conditions – Aim for temperatures between 16-24°C and relative humidity around 35-55%.
Use a moisture meter – The flooring and subfloor should have a similar moisture content (within about 2%). Once they’re balanced, it’s time to install.
Skipping this step can lead to costly problems later, so patience now will save you hassle down the road.
How Long Should You Let Wood Acclimate?
The exact time depends on the type of flooring, but here’s a general guide:
Solid wood: 3-7 days
Engineered wood: 24-72 hours
Exotic or dense hardwoods: Up to two weeks
More than just watching the clock, use a moisture meter to check when the wood and subfloor are in sync.
How Do You Acclimate Laminate Wood Flooring?
Laminate isn’t as sensitive as solid wood, but it still needs time to adjust. Since it has a fibreboard core, it can expand or contract with moisture changes.
Keep it in the box – Unlike solid wood, laminate should stay in its packaging while acclimating.
Lay it flat – Stacking boxes upright could lead to bending.
Give it 48 hours – Most laminate flooring only needs a couple of days to settle before installation.
Skipping this can lead to planks not locking together properly or developing gaps over time.
How Long Does Flooring Need to Acclimatise?
Acclimation times vary depending on:
Wood type – Some species take longer to adjust.
Room conditions – Spaces with fluctuating humidity might need extra time.
Season – Winter heating and summer humidity can impact the process.
If you’re unsure, it’s always better to wait a little longer rather than rush the installation.
Allowing your flooring to acclimate to its new surroundings is among the easiest methods to avoid future problems. A bit of patience at this moment results in an easier installation and a floor that remains lovely for years. No matter if you’re using solid wood, engineered wood, or laminate, allow it to acclimate—it’s beneficial.
For more flooring insights, explore our guides on the best flooring for pets and eco-friendly flooring options.
Visit UK Flooring Depot for high-quality wood flooring solutions.
