Made from layers of real wood compressed together engineered hardwood floors are better able to handle changes in moisture and humidity than solid hardwood.
Leave hardwood inside prior to install.
Each floating floor manufacture has their own specific predetermined span limit so it s important to read the manufactures installation guide before installation.
An important note on solid hardwoods.
Open the boxes and lay them flat in the room where they ll be installed.
This is an old myth from back before wood flooring was properly kiln dried.
Failing to properly acclimate wood flooring may cause excessive expansion shrinkage dimensional distortion or structural damage.
There are all different answers from 5 days to 2 weeks or more.
The expansion joint may also be compromised which will result in further damage.
If you ve decided to install engineered hardwoods there are four possible installation methods depending on the subfloor.
Basements are moisture prone since higher humidity air is heavier and sinks.
Whether it s engineered hardwood bamboo or real wood it s crucial to acclimate wood floors before installation.
Don t bring the hardwoods into the space until the heating or air has been runnin g for at least 5 days and wait 7 10 days before actually installing them.
Not acclimating hardwood floors can cause excessive gaps warping buckling or cupping after the installation is complete.
If you don t acclimate wood flooring it can cause a myriad of problems.
The wood flooring needed to sit in the home to actually dry out.
Glue nail staple and float.
This process ensures that your wood reaches a moisture content level that s in sync with the surrounding environment.
All solid hardwood products need to be acclimated to the new environment for at least 24 hours prior to installation.
In addition to perimeter expansion center expansions are recommended in floating floor installations exceeding predetermined spans of liner feet.
Wood flooring product will be divided into smaller lots and stored in the designated rooms if necessary.
This process is known as hardwood acclimation.
What to know and do before wood flooring installation day.
Failure to properly acclimate hardwood flooring before installation begins may compromise the integrity of your floor.
It s important that the wood acclimatizes to the environment to prevent cupping or shrinkage after installing the hardwood flooring.
Before installing wood floors the flooring needs to reach a moisture content mc level that is in equilibrium with the surrounding environment.
We ve all heard someone in the flooring industry say the wood flooring must sit in the home to acclimate for a period of time before installation.