Acclimating Laminate Wood Flooring

Acclimate hardwood flooring like a pro.

Acclimating laminate wood flooring.

Like hardwood flooring laminate floors need a little tlc along the way. This means that if the laminate is to be installed in the family room acclimation of the laminate flooring should take place in the family room. The shaded area indicates the generally recommended range for wood flooring 6 and 9 percent emc which occurs when temperature is 60 80 fahrenheit and 30 50 relative humidity. Generally you should place laminate planks in the specific room where they will be installed for at least 48 hours before installing.

Some manufacturers may even recommend a week long acclimation period. The most critical condition is that the indoor environment be stable and constant. Storing the laminate flooring in the garage is not acclimation even if the garage is attached. The flooring material needs to be acclimated in the area of installation.

At 70 fahrenheit a relative humidity of 25 percent gives an equilibrium moisture content emc of 5 percent and a relative humidity of 75 percent gives an emc of 14 percent. The company that manufactures the laminate flooring that you have purchased will likely provide you instructions on how best to lay there flooring they will also provide in depth instructions on how to acclimate the flooring before use. Vinyl plank flooring has become common among homeowners and property managers due to their versatility and durability. Laminate flooring isn t exactly wood but it s made of a wood byproduct and it undergoes expansion and contraction with fluctuating humidity.

Once your laminate flooring arrives you should research the manufacturer s specific instructions regarding acclimation. From the moment you finalize your purchase there are a few things you need to do to ensure quality installation. It therefore needs a period of acclimation in the. How to acclimate hardwood flooring.

Many will find out the hard way. Sadly some flooring dealers will tell you that you don t have to acclimate laminate floors. Acclimating and installing your laminate floor is pointless in an open environment i e with open windows or exposed framed. Make sure the room or level where the flooring will be laid is an enclosed space.

They will tell you that laminate isn t real wood so it doesn t. Between 5 and 10 days ahead of time check to see if the temperature and humidity of the space is at normal living conditions. Inside the boxes. Acclimating is the pre installation process of letting flooring materials become accustomed to the environment where they will spend their life.