How long should wood sit in house before installing?
How Long Should Wood Sit in House Before Installing? A Closer Look at Acclimation
Acclimation times can vary based on wood species and product type, but the general recommendation is to acclimate wood flooring for at least three days. This process allows the wood to adjust its moisture content to the environment where it will be installed, reducing the risk of warping, cupping, or gaps after installation.
Understanding the Importance of Acclimation
Wood is a hygroscopic material, meaning it absorbs and releases moisture in response to the surrounding environment. When the moisture content of wood changes significantly, it can cause the wood to expand or contract. If wood flooring is installed without proper acclimation, it may experience dimensional changes after installation, leading to problems like cupping, warping, or gaps.
Acclimation helps minimize these issues by allowing the wood to reach a moisture equilibrium with the environment in which it will be installed. This ensures that the wood is dimensionally stable and less likely to experience significant changes after installation.
Factors Influencing Acclimation Time
While the general guideline is three days, the actual acclimation time required can vary depending on several factors:
- Wood Species: Different wood species have different moisture absorption rates. Some species, like maple or hickory, may require a shorter acclimation time than others, like oak or walnut.
- Product Type: The type of wood product also affects acclimation time. Solid wood flooring generally requires a longer acclimation period than engineered wood flooring, which is more dimensionally stable due to its layered construction.
- Initial Moisture Content of the Wood: If the wood has a significantly different moisture content than the environment where it will be installed, it may require a longer acclimation period.
- Environmental Conditions: The temperature and humidity of the installation environment also play a role. In environments with high humidity or significant temperature fluctuations, a longer acclimation period may be necessary.
Ensuring Proper Acclimation
To ensure proper acclimation, follow these guidelines:
- Check Manufacturer’s Recommendations: Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific acclimation recommendations for your wood flooring product.
- Deliver Wood to the Installation Site: Bring the wood flooring to the installation site well in advance of the installation date to allow for adequate acclimation time.
- Open Boxes and Spread Out Planks: Open the boxes and spread out the planks to allow for better air circulation and moisture exchange.
- Monitor Temperature and Humidity: Maintain the installation environment at a consistent temperature and humidity level during the acclimation period. Ideally, the temperature should be between 60-80°F and the relative humidity between 35-55%.
- Use a Moisture Meter: If you are unsure whether the wood has acclimated sufficiently, use a moisture meter to measure the moisture content of the wood and compare it to the recommended moisture content for the installation environment.
Building Codes and Acclimation
While building codes do not explicitly mandate acclimation, they do address moisture-related issues that can arise from improper acclimation. For example, the International Residential Code (IRC) requires that wood flooring be installed at a moisture content that is appropriate for the intended use and environment.
Conclusion:
Acclimating wood flooring is a crucial step in ensuring a successful and long-lasting installation. By allowing the wood to adjust to its new environment, you can minimize the risk of post-installation problems and enjoy beautiful, stable floors for years to come.