How long do wooden floors need to acclimatise to the rooms temperature/moisture?

Question

My parents got a new oak floor & don't know how long it needs to sit to acclimatise to the conditions in the room some people say a week, others a month etc. Anyone know??? Thanks

Answer 1

The DIY shop told us a minimum of 5 days is needed but that was for a laminate, I would imagine it depends on the type of wood. There is usually a telephone number of the manufacturer on the packaging may be you should give them a call and ask.

Answer 2

A week or two, out of the box (not laid out - just stacked in the room is fine) *prior* to installation. If you install the flooring prior to climatization, one of two things can happen, depending on the atmospheric conditions.

Wood flooring is dried to a specific % moisture (like 5%). But, you don't know what kind of climate (particularly humidity) it was stored in for a while. If it is installed in an area of higher humidity without climatizing, it can swell and buckle. If it's installed and the humidity is low, it can shrink and separate, causing gaps between the boards.

A good installer would have climatized the wood prior to installation. If not and problems arise, go back to the installer and complain.

Answer 3

i would say 7 days i have had no problems and i do it for a living but if your putting 3/4"pine t&g flooring down then ask the timber supplier where you purchase it he will tell you better what the water content is

Answer 4

depends on board size, 1 week per board width in inches, also get a de humidifier installed if you don't maintain a suitable humidty the flooring will swell

Answer 5

approx 3 weeks

Answer 6

Most of the remodeling TV shows say one week.

Answer 7

Solid wood one week at least, engineered wood just a day will do. Read all manf. requirements so you don't void your warranty