When installing hardwood in Wheat Ridge, CO, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is whether engineered hardwood needs to acclimate before installation. Acclimation refers to the process of allowing the flooring to adjust to the temperature and humidity of your home before it’s installed. While solid hardwood is known for requiring this step, many wonder if engineered hardwood also needs to acclimate. Let's explore why acclimation might be necessary and the best practices to follow.
Why acclimation is important
Wood, including engineered hardwood, is a natural material that can expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. Wheat Ridge, CO, and its surrounding areas experience seasonal fluctuations, which can affect the moisture levels in your home. Acclimating your engineered hardwood helps to prevent potential problems like warping, buckling, or gaps that can occur when the wood adjusts to a new environment after installation.
Even though engineered hardwood is more stable than solid hardwood, due to its layered construction, it can still be affected by the environmental conditions in your home. If the moisture content of the flooring and the subfloor differ significantly, acclimation is necessary to ensure that the flooring remains stable and performs well over time.
Best practices for acclimating engineered hardwood
While engineered hardwood doesn't always require as long of an acclimation period as solid hardwood, it's still a good idea to let it sit in your home for at least 48 hours before installation. Here are some best practices to follow when acclimating hardwood in Wheat Ridge, CO:
- Store the flooring in the room where it will be installed. The engineered hardwood should be placed in the environment where it will be installed to properly adjust to the local conditions.
- Keep the boxes closed but allow airflow. You can open the ends of the boxes to let air circulate without completely exposing the planks.
- Monitor temperature and humidity levels. The ideal environment for acclimating engineered hardwood is a room temperature between 60-80°F and a relative humidity of 30-50%. This is particularly important in areas like Wheat Ridge, where outdoor conditions can fluctuate.
What happens if you don’t acclimate engineered hardwood?
Skipping the acclimation process can result in unwanted issues after installation. If the flooring hasn’t adjusted to your home’s environment, it might expand or contract after it's installed. This can lead to gaps between the planks, or worse, buckling, which can require costly repairs or even reinstallation.
While engineered hardwood is more dimensionally stable than solid hardwood, it’s still susceptible to changes in your home’s humidity. By properly acclimating your flooring, you’re taking a simple but important step to ensure the longevity and durability of your investment.
Conclusion: Properly acclimating your engineered hardwood
If you’re planning to install hardwood in Wheat Ridge, CO, make sure to give your engineered hardwood the time it needs to acclimate to your home’s environment. At Simply Floors Inc., we carry a wide variety of luxury vinyl, carpet, laminate, hardwood, and waterproof flooring. Our team of experts is here to help you with everything from design consultation to free in-home estimates and residential installation.
Visit one of our showrooms in Wheat Ridge, Centennial, or Aurora, CO, or take advantage of our mobile showroom that brings samples directly to your door. We proudly serve Wheat Ridge, Centennial, Denver, Arvada, Aurora, Golden, Parker, and surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find the perfect flooring for your home!
