When it comes to installing new flooring, acclimation is a crucial but often overlooked step. Understanding how long flooring needs to acclimate before installation can make the difference between a flawless floor and costly repairs down the line. This guide explores optimal acclimation times for hardwood, laminate, vinyl, engineered wood, and more, helping American homeowners and professionals ensure long-lasting results.
| Flooring Type | Recommended Acclimation Time | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Solid Hardwood | 3–7 days | Check moisture content, temperature, and humidity. |
| Engineered Wood | 2–3 days | Shorter acclimation is possible, but check manufacturer guidance. |
| Laminate | 48–72 hours | Keep sealed packaging in the room before installation. |
| Vinyl Plank (LVP) | 24–48 hours | Let boxes remain flat; check room conditions. |
| Bamboo | 72 hours | Bamboo is sensitive to moisture changes. |
What Is Flooring Acclimation And Why Does It Matter?
Flooring acclimation is the process of allowing new flooring materials to adjust to the environment of the installation space before they are set in place. Acclimation ensures that the flooring material absorbs ambient moisture, temperature, and humidity, reducing the risk of expansion, contraction, warping, or gaps after installation.
Skipping acclimation can lead to permanent damage such as buckling, cupping, or warping, which can void manufacturer warranties.
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Factors Affecting How Long Flooring Should Acclimate
The required acclimation time for flooring depends on multiple factors including material type, ambient conditions, product packaging, and manufacturer recommendations. Recognizing and adjusting for these factors ensures a smoother installation and better performance.
Environmental Conditions
Temperature and humidity are the most significant environmental variables. Flooring should acclimate in the exact room where it will be installed with the HVAC system running at typical living conditions: about 60–80°F (16–27°C) with humidity between 30–50%.
Geographic Location
Regions with large temperature swings, such as the Midwest or Northeast, may require longer acclimation periods for some flooring types. Coastal regions with higher humidity can also affect moisture content in wood-based floors.
Packaging And Stacking Method
Flooring should remain in its original packaging but be opened at the ends to allow airflow. Individual planks should be laid flat and not stacked in ways that restrict air circulation for best results.
Manufacturer Instructions
Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for acclimation. Some modern flooring products are engineered to require less or no acclimation, but most will specify a minimum period based on testing and product composition.
Acclimation Times For Different Flooring Materials
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood is highly responsive to changes in humidity and temperature. For best results, hardwood flooring should acclimate for 3–7 days in the room where it will be installed. Moisture content should reach equilibrium with the subfloor and environment, typically within 2% of the subfloor’s moisture content.
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- Keep packaging open at both ends for airflow.
- Lay out boards with gaps between stacks.
- Use a moisture meter to confirm acclimation.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood is more stable than solid hardwood due to its plywood core base, but it still benefits from proper acclimation. A period of 2–3 days is usually sufficient, with the HVAC system running as it would during regular use.
- Check product recommendations to confirm required duration.
- Measure moisture content, especially in humid or dry climates.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring must sit in the installation room for 48–72 hours. Though it doesn’t react to ambient moisture as strongly as wood, allowing time in the room reduces the risk of gaps or buckling.
- Protect boxes from direct sunlight during acclimation.
- Store flat and off the ground for even air distribution.
Vinyl Plank Flooring (LVP & LVT)
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are less sensitive to moisture, but 24–48 hours of acclimation is recommended for best fit. This helps avoid post-installation expansion or contraction.
- Acclimate in the installation room, keeping packaging closed or just slightly open.
- Avoid placing near heaters or in direct sunlight.
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo flooring should acclimate for a minimum of 72 hours because it is particularly sensitive to environmental changes. Moisture content in bamboo can fluctuate more widely than other hardwoods.
- Monitor humidity and temperature closely.
- Use a moisture meter to compare with subfloor levels.
Tile And Stone Flooring
Porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone tiles do not require acclimation to moisture like wood or laminate. However, it’s important for the adhesives and subfloor to be at a stable temperature and humidity. Allowing tiles to reach room temperature for 1–2 days is typically recommended, especially in climates with wide temperature swings.
How To Acclimate Flooring Properly
Proper acclimation is more than just leaving boxes in a room. The following actionable steps maximize acclimation and help prevent installation problems:
- Deliver Flooring At Least 3 Days Before Installation: This gives time for acclimation, especially for wood and bamboo.
- Keep Packaging Intact But Open: Cut open the ends or sides of the boxes to allow air circulation.
- Stack Flooring Evenly: Lay planks flat, unstack them with spacers to maximize airflow, and avoid stacking too high.
- Control The Climate: Maintain consistent temperature and humidity in the space, mimicking regular living conditions with windows and doors shut.
- Test Moisture Content: Use an appropriate moisture meter to compare flooring and subfloor levels for wood products.
- Document The Process: Take photos and notes as proof in case of future warranty inquiries.
Risks Of Skipping Or Rushing Flooring Acclimation
Failure to acclimate flooring properly may cause costly and unattractive issues, including:
- Cupping: Boards curl at the edges due to excess moisture absorption.
- Buckling: Floorboards lift away from the subfloor under pressure or expansion.
- Gaps Between Planks: Result from shrinkage if flooring loses moisture quickly.
- Peaking (Laminate/Vinyl): Seams rise along the length when boards expand against each other.
- Void Manufacturer Warranties: Most flooring manufacturers will not honor claims if proper acclimation was bypassed or performed incorrectly.
Investing time in acclimation safeguards your flooring investment and ensures a beautiful, long-lasting result.
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Acclimation Recommendations For Popular Flooring Brands
Most leading flooring brands, such as Pergo, Shaw, Mohawk, Armstrong, and Bruce, provide specific acclimation guidelines for their products. Below is a quick reference based on their latest installation advice.
| Brand | Material | Acclimation Time | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pergo | Laminate/LVP | 48 hours | Keep flat, sealed packaging. |
| Shaw | Engineered Hardwood | 3 days | Monitor room climate. |
| Bruce | Solid Hardwood | 5–7 days | Check moisture content. |
| Mohawk | LVP | 24 hours | Keep temperature steady. |
| Armstrong | Solid/Engineered Wood | 3–5 days | Acclimate at installation site. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring Acclimation
What Happens If You Don’t Acclimate New Flooring?
Improper acclimation leads to swelling, shrinking, or gaps as the material adjusts to the home’s environment. This can result in aesthetic problems and structural failure.
Can Flooring Acclimate Too Long?
Leaving flooring to acclimate for too long is generally not harmful, except in environments with uncontrolled humidity or temperature fluctuations. Overly long acclimation in an improper space can lead to moisture imbalance.
Is Acclimation Necessary For All Flooring Types?
While tile and stone flooring require only temperature adjustment, all materials with wood or fiberboard content, including engineered wood, laminate, bamboo, and cork, benefit from acclimation.
Does Engineered Wood Flooring Need To Acclimate?
Yes. Engineered wood is more stable than solid wood but should still acclimate for best results. 2–3 days is typically enough, but follow the brand’s guidelines.
Do You Need To Acclimate Flooring In Winter?
Acclimation is just as important in winter as in summer, especially if floorboards were stored in cold warehouses or trucks, which can affect their moisture content once brought indoors.
Tips For Speeding Up And Ensuring Proper Flooring Acclimation
If pressed for time, acclimation can rarely be “rushed”, but there are steps to help optimize the process without risking the floor:
- Acclimate flooring in small stacks with air space on all sides, increasing exposure.
- Don’t install if the space is still under construction—delay until HVAC is fully functional.
- Measure and monitor moisture using reliable tools and check at several points around the room.
- Control humidity with a dehumidifier or humidifier if necessary to keep within 30–50%.
How To Check If Flooring Is Fully Acclimated
For wood and bamboo, a moisture meter is the definitive tool. Compare the reading to manufacturer recommendations and the subfloor’s content—the difference should be within 2–4% (varies by product).
Vinyl and laminate products rely more on temperature stabilization, so ensure boxes and planks feel neutral to the touch and match the room’s conditions before starting installation.
Common Acclimation Mistakes To Avoid
- Acclimating in an unconditioned garage or basement: Always use the finished install room.
- Neglecting to check climate consistency: Fluctuating conditions undermine acclimation.
- Opening all packaging too soon: Introduce airflow, but keep most packaging on to prevent rapid moisture change.
- Ignoring manufacturer recommendations: Guidelines are product-specific and help protect your warranty.
Acclimation And Indoor Air Quality
Acclimation not only protects flooring but can also improve indoor air quality by allowing any residual manufacturing odors to dissipate. This is particularly relevant for vinyl, laminate, and engineered hardwood that may emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds) when first unboxed.
Acclimation Checklist For Flooring Installation
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Prepare Installation Space | Temperature 60–80°F, humidity 30–50% |
| 2. Deliver Flooring | At least 2–7 days before installation based on material |
| 3. Open Packaging | Cut ends for airflow, keep protected from damage |
| 4. Stack Planks/Boxes | Lay flat, space stacks for circulation |
| 5. Monitor Room Conditions | Maintain steady climate with HVAC on |
| 6. Test Moisture Content | Use a reliable meter for wood, confirm with product specs |
| 7. Begin Installation | Only when all conditions are met |
The Bottom Line On Flooring Acclimation Times
Most floors need 24–72 hours of acclimation, but hardwood and bamboo may require up to a week. Adhering to proper acclimation routines for each unique flooring type and climate can save American homeowners and professionals from future headaches. For best results, always consult product instructions and monitor the environment throughout the process.