Moving into a new home is an exciting time full of possibilities, but it can also be a stressful period with many tasks to complete. Installing new flooring is a major decision, especially if you’re opting for the beauty and durability of engineered hardwood. But before you start laying down your new flooring, there’s one crucial step that often gets overlooked: acclimation. Acclimation is vital for ensuring your engineered hardwood floors look their best and last for years to come. But do you really need to acclimate engineered hardwood floors? Or can you just skip this step and get started with installation?
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I recently learned the hard way about the importance of acclimation when I installed brand new engineered hardwood floors in my living room. I was eager to get the project done and jumped right into the installation process. Big mistake! After a few weeks, I noticed gaps appearing between the planks, and some of the boards even started to warp. Frustrated, I did some research and discovered that I should have acclimated the flooring before installation. Learn from my mistakes and read on to understand why acclimation is crucial for engineered hardwood.
Why Acclimate Engineered Hardwood Floors?
Engineered hardwood floors are made up of multiple layers, with a top layer of real wood veneer and a core layer of plywood or other materials. The plywood core provides stability and strength, while the veneer layer gives the floors their beauty and character.
Because of the different materials used in engineered hardwood, it’s susceptible to changes in humidity and temperature. If you install engineered hardwood without acclimating it, the changes in humidity and temperature in your home can cause the wood to expand and contract, leading to problems like:
- Gapping between planks
- Cupping and warping
- Click-and-lock systems failing
- Squeaking and noise
The Importance of Humidity and Temperature
Engineered hardwood floors are more resilient than traditional solid hardwood floors because of the plywood core. However, they still need to be acclimated to the environment where they will be installed. Humidity and temperature play a critical role in how the wood behaves.
When the humidity levels are high, the wood absorbs moisture and expands. When the humidity levels are low, the wood loses moisture and contracts. Similarly, wood expands when temperatures are warm and contracts when temperatures are cold.
If you install engineered hardwood floors in an environment with high humidity or rapid temperature fluctuations, the wood may not have enough time to adjust to the new conditions. This can lead to the problems mentioned above, such as gapping, cupping, and warping.
How Long Does Acclimation Take?
The amount of time you need to acclimate your engineered hardwood floors will depend on a few factors, including:
- The type of engineered hardwood: Different types of engineered hardwood have different densities and moisture content.
- The temperature and humidity levels of your home
- The size of the area where you are installing the floors
Typically, it’s recommended to acclimate engineered hardwood for at least 48 hours. However, in humid climates, you may need to acclimate your flooring for as long as a week.
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How to Acclimate Engineered Hardwood Floors
Acclimating your engineered hardwood floors is a simple process. You’ll need to:
- Store the flooring in the room where it will be installed. This allows the flooring to adjust to the humidity and temperature conditions of the room.
- Unpack the flooring and lay it flat. The flooring should be spread out in a single layer, not stacked on top of each other.
- Maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level in the room. The ideal temperature range for acclimating engineered hardwood is between 65°F and 80°F, and the humidity level should be between 30% and 50%.
- If your floors are coming from a cold environment, such as a warehouse or a truck, allow them to warm up to room temperature before you unpack them. This will prevent shock to the wood.
- During the acclimation process, keep the air circulating. This helps to ensure that the flooring is evenly exposed to the humidity and temperature conditions of the room.
- Avoid exposing the flooring to direct sunlight or heat sources. Direct sunlight and heat can cause the wood to warp or crack.
Expert Tips and Advice
When dealing with engineered hardwood flooring, it’s always wise to consult with a professional installer. They can provide specific guidance based on the type of flooring you have purchased and the conditions of your home.
Here are a couple of expert tips to keep in mind:
FAQs about Acclimating Engineered Hardwood Floors
Here are some of the most common questions about acclimating engineered hardwood floors:
Q. Do I need to acclimate engineered hardwood floors if I am installing them in a climate-controlled home?
A. Even if you live in a climate-controlled home, it’s still a good idea to acclimate your engineered hardwood floors. Your home’s HVAC system may not be able to maintain perfectly consistent humidity and temperature levels, and even small fluctuations can cause problems with your flooring.
Q. How long do I need to acclimate my engineered hardwood floors before I can install them?
A. The amount of time you need to acclimate your flooring will depend on the type of wood, the temperature and humidity levels in your home, and the size of the area where you are installing the floors. It’s typically recommended to acclimate for at least 48 hours. However, some manufacturers recommend waiting up to a week in humid climates or when using specific types of wood.
Q. What happens if I don’t acclimate my engineered hardwood floors?
A. If you don’t acclimate engineered hardwood floors, you may experience problems like: gapping, cupping, warping, clicking, and squeaking. These issues can affect the appearance and longevity of your floors.
Q. How can I tell if my engineered hardwood floors are acclimated?
A. If you notice any significant changes in the flooring, such as warping, cupping, or gapping, it’s a sign that the flooring isn’t fully acclimated. However, the only way to be sure is to wait the recommended period specified by the manufacturer.
Do Engineered Hardwood Floors Need To Acclimate
Conclusion
Engineered hardwood floors are a beautiful and durable investment, but neglecting the acclimation process can lead to costly problems down the road. By acclimating your flooring before installation, you’ll ensure your floors look their best and last for years to come.
If you’re considering engineered hardwood floors, I hope this article has provided valuable information about the importance of acclimation. It might seem like an extra step, but it is well worth the effort and time. Do you have any experience with acclimating engineered hardwood floors? Let me know in the comments below!
