Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home, but they require proper care and maintenance to stay looking their best. One important aspect of hardwood floor care is acclimation, which is the process of allowing the wood to adjust to its new environment before it is installed.
What is an Acceptable Moisture Reading in a Hardwood Floor?
The optimal moisture content for hardwood flooring is between 6% and 9%. If the moisture content is too low, the wood can shrink and crack. If the moisture content is too high, the wood can swell and buckle.
To ensure that your hardwood floors have an acceptable moisture content, it is important to measure the moisture content of the subfloor and the wood planks before installation. You can use a moisture meter to measure the moisture content of the subfloor and the wood planks. The moisture meter should be inserted into the wood at a depth of about 1 inch.
Acclimation Periods
The acclimation period is the amount of time that the wood planks should be allowed to adjust to the new environment before they are installed. The acclimation period can vary depending on the type of wood and the climate conditions. However, it is generally recommended to allow the wood planks to acclimate for at least 3 days before installation.
During the acclimation period, the wood planks should be stored in a climate-controlled environment. The temperature should be between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the relative humidity should be between 30% and 50%.
Benefits of Acclimation
Acclimating hardwood floors before installation has several benefits. These benefits include:
- Reduced risk of shrinkage or swelling
- Improved stability
- Increased durability
- Improved appearance
Conclusion
Acclimating hardwood floors before installation is an important step to ensure that the floors look their best and last for many years to come.