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How Long Should Hardwood Flooring Acclimate Before Installation?

Writer: Joe Avila
Joe Avila
6 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 28 minutes ago

Need an independent answer about your floor? Contact NWFA certified inspector Joe Avila:

Acclimation is one of the most misunderstood steps in a hardwood flooring job. Many installers still go by a rule like "let it sit three days." The NWFA and most manufacturers don't set a fixed number of days. The goal is a moisture content, not a calendar.

How Long Should Hardwood Flooring Acclimate?

Hardwood flooring should acclimate until it reaches the moisture content it will live at in the finished home. Sometimes that takes a few days and sometimes a couple of weeks. Sometimes the flooring arrives already within range and needs very little time at all.

What decides it:

  • The flooring's moisture content on delivery. Measure it with a meter, don't assume.

  • The home's expected conditions. In most U.S. homes that is about 6% to 9% MC at 30% to 50% relative humidity. See what moisture content is normal for hardwood floors.

  • The product type. Solid hardwood usually needs more attention than engineered. Many engineered products are made to be installed with little or no acclimation, so follow the manufacturer's instructions.

  • Board width. Wider planks move more, so the match needs to be tighter.

Acclimation Only Works In The Right Conditions

Leaving flooring in a house that isn't at living conditions doesn't acclimate it. It just soaks up the wrong moisture. Before acclimation counts:

  • The building should be enclosed, with windows and doors installed.

  • Wet work such as drywall, plaster, paint and concrete should be done and dry.

  • HVAC should be running at normal living temperature and humidity.

  • Boxes should be opened or the flooring spread out, according to the manufacturer, so air reaches the boards.

Installing before the building reaches normal conditions is one of the most common root causes we see when floors cup, gap, or crown months later.

How To Confirm Acclimation Is Done

  1. Record the indoor temperature and relative humidity.

  2. Take moisture readings from a sample of boards across several cartons.

  3. Take readings of the wood subfloor, or test the concrete slab with approved methods.

  4. Compare the results against the manufacturer's requirements and NWFA guidelines.

  5. Keep the readings with the job file. They matter if there is ever a warranty claim.

Quick Answers About Hardwood Flooring Acclimation

How Many Days Should Hardwood Flooring Acclimate?

There's no fixed number of days. Hardwood should acclimate until its moisture content matches the expected living conditions of the home, which is confirmed with a moisture meter, not a calendar.

Does Engineered Hardwood Need To Acclimate?

Many engineered products need little or no acclimation, but requirements vary by manufacturer. Always follow the product's installation instructions and confirm the job site is at normal living conditions.

Can Hardwood Acclimate In The Garage?

No. Flooring should acclimate in the space where it will be installed, with HVAC running at normal living conditions. A garage or unconditioned room gives it the wrong moisture content.

What Happens If Hardwood Isn't Acclimated Properly?

The boards will gain or lose moisture after installation. That can cause cupping, crowning, gaps, buckling or board separation.

Need Acclimation And Installation Checked?

Our on-site quality control service verifies moisture and job-site conditions before and during installation, on projects nationwide. Call (908) 232-6600 or book a consultation with NWFA certified inspector Joe Avila.

About The Author

Joe Avila is the founder and lead consultant of National Wood Floor Consultants, with 26 years in wood flooring. He is an NWFA Certified Wood Flooring Inspector, installer and sander, and teaches accredited AIA, ASID and IDCEC continuing education for architects and designers. His project experience includes Montclair University, One Wall Street, institutional and landmark buildings, and luxury residences and penthouses, and he pioneered subfloor sound-attenuation systems for New York City apartments. Read Joe's full profile.

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