Does hardwood flooring need to be acclimated?

Wood flooring must become accustomed to its new environment before it is installed. More specifically, the moisture content of the wood must be brought into balance with the surrounding environment since wood absorbs moisture, planks swell, or shrinks as soon as a home's humidity level changes. Cavender's LLC-The Interior Company in Cookeville, Tennessee, installs engineered wood and solid hardwood flooring in homes and businesses. Our installers closely monitor moisture levels during the acclimation process.

Engineered and solid wood
In general, all types of hardwood flooring need to be acclimated. This includes bamboo, woody grass, and engineered wood, composed of a plywood base and a layer of hardwood. However, it's always best to read the manufacturer's specifications before making a purchasing decision, so you know what to expect. You may find that the hardwood flooring company recommends skipping this step in the installation process.

Before and after installation
The acclimation process usually takes at least three days, and sometimes it can take as long as two weeks. It’s typical for exotic species to take longer to acclimate than domestic species. Your heating or air conditioning system must run for several days before wood flooring is delivered to your home, and your basement must be dry. After the floor is laid, your thermostat must be set between 60 and 80 degrees, and relative humidity must be kept within suggested standards.

Family-owned Cavender's LLC-The Interior Company, established in 1995, offers cabinets, countertops, and decor accents as well as a large selection of floor coverings. Our 6,000-square-foot showroom is a one-of-a-kind retail facility that features kitchen and bath display areas. We serve Tennessee's Upper Cumberland region, including Crossville, Sparta, Livingston, and Baxter. We invite you to begin your hardwood floor upgrade by visiting our showroom in Cookeville.