Acclimation

Hardwood flooring is hygroscopic. This means the moisture content of your plank floor will increase or decrease with changes in the relative humidity of the installation environment, both before and after installation.

If the moisture content of the planks increases, they will expand in size. Conversely, if the moisture content of the planks decreases, they will contract in size. The purpose of acclimation is to expand or contract the size of the planks to best match the current and future installation environment, prior to the installation. As such, there is no pat answer for how long plank flooring should acclimate. Successful acclimation should be job specific and include a good measure of common sense. 

The manufacturing facility is maintained at a relative humidity ranging from 35 to 60%. Ideally, the installation environment will be maintained at the same humidity range. Please be aware the installation environment includes the immediate living area as well the space located directly below the living space to include basements and crawl spaces. To maintain the 35 to 60% recommended relative humidity, installation and use of the following equipment is suggested:     

To prevent relative humidity levels above 60%:

• Air conditioner (of proper size and in working order)
• Dehumidifier (if required)

To prevent relative humidity levels below 35%:

• Humidifier (of proper size and in working order)

In addition to the above listed equipment, the manufacturer strongly recommends monitoring the installation environment with a hygrometer to ensure proper relative humidity levels are maintained. 

•  If the installation environment is humidity controlled, acclimation is unnecessary and the plank flooring may be installed immediately.
• If the installation environment is not humidity controlled and located in an arid region, allow the plank flooring to acclimate for 7 days. This will allow the planks to shrink in size, preventing future gapping of the floor.
• If the installation environment is not humidity controlled and located in a mixed arid region, allow the plank flooring acclimate for 7 days if it is the wet time of the year (above 60% relative humidity). Install the plank flooring immediately if it is the dry time of the year (below 35% relative humidity).
• If the installation environment is not humidity controlled and located in a mixed humid region, allow the plank flooring to acclimate for 15 days if it is the wet time of the year (above 60% relative humidity). Install the plank flooring immediately if it is the dry time of the year (below 35% relative humidity).
• If the installation environment is not humidity controlled and located in a humid region, allow the plank flooring to acclimate for 15 days. This will allow the planks to expand in size, preventing future cupping and/or buckling.
• If the installation environment is not humidity controlled and located in a tropical region, allow the plank flooring to acclimate for 30 days. This will allow the planks to expand in size, preventing future cupping and/or buckling.

The examples listed above are for reference only and do not cover all possible applications.