Acclimatising wooden flooring (engineered or solid) to its new surroundings is very important. This will minimise the risk of any movement and damage once it has been installed.
Hardwood flooring will naturally acclimatise, or adjust, to its surroundings. Wood is a natural material so will alter slightly in shape and size to according to the environment, climate and atmosphere. In humid environments, the hardwood floor may absorb some of the moisture in the air and start to expand and grow in size, whereas in a dry environment it would do the opposite and lose moisture and shrink in size. This process of the wood expanding and contract is a completely natural procedure which allows it to acclimatise and manage its surroundings.
Follow these steps to allow your flooring to acclimatise correctly:
• Have your flooring delivered to your property in plenty of time to allow for it to adjust to the surroundings before it is installed.
• Solid hardwood flooring should be left for at least 7 days
• Engineered hardwood flooring should be left for at least 72 hours
• Put the flooring, in the unopened boxes, in the room where it is going to be installed.
• Ensure the existing floor in the room is dry – your new hardwood floor should not be left on a wet or damp floor. Any new plaster on the walls should also be dry.
• Leave the flooring for the recommended amount of time before your start the installation process.
