How Do You Acclimate Hardwood Floors Before Installing

Before Installation: Operate Heat and/or Air Conditioning Systems. Permanent heating and/or air conditioning systems should be operating at least five days before you install your wood floors. This will allow the wood to acclimate to actual living conditions inside the building.

What happens if you don't let hardwood floors acclimate?

Failure to properly prepare for wood floor acclimation before installation begins may compromise the integrity of your floor. Excessive gapping, warping, or cupping can occur after the installation is complete. The expansion joint may also be compromised, which will result in further damage.

What happens if you don't acclimate your flooring?

Warping results in planks looking disfigured. This issue is usually caused by standing water or moisture underneath the floor or subfloor. All of the above are caused by moisture issues, either with wood itself, the subfloor, or both.