Hardwood floor installation is an exciting process. New floors completely change the look and feel of your home and they increase its overall value. As with any investment, it is important to follow proper steps and guidelines to achieve the desired result. This includes the very important step of hardwood flooring material acclimation.

What is hardwood acclimation?

 Wood acclimation is the time period for the wood being installed in your home to “acclimate” to your home’s temperature and humidity levels.  Wood is a dynamic material, so naturally there will be expansion and contraction. With our dry, arid Colorado climate; the different levels of humidity (or lack of) can cause seasonal gapping and shrinkage. With proper acclimation to optimum temperature and humidity levels in your home prior to installation, this seasonal shrinkage and gapping is kept to a minimum.
   

What should I know to achieve proper acclimation?

Acclimation is very important for avoiding shrinkage and cracking in your new hardwood floor. We recommend delivering the flooring to your home at least 7 to 14 days prior to installation; longer if we are in a very wet season or your material is a very dense wood. The flooring should be stocked in or near the areas for installation, in a “log cabin” fashion; not in the garage or damp basement floor.
 
During this time, the house should be completely closed and heated/cooled properly. All “wet work” such as painting or drywall needs to be completed prior to delivering your material for acclimation.

Several factors will affect the time needed for acclimation; see how long it takes to acclimate wood floor.
 
Remember that it is very important to take the time to properly acclimate your hardwood material prior to installation to minimize seasonal gapping and shrinkage of your new hardwood flooring.
   
By allowing the experienced staff at Ward Hardwood Flooring handle your hardwood floor installation, you can rest assured we will properly install your new hardwood flooring with climate in mind. We can also review your home’s conditions with you and help you keep conditions optimal. Learn more about the acclimation of wood flooring and contact us at 303-674-6966 to get started with your new hardwood floor project.