Engineered Hardwood Floor Acclimation

Thunderstruck xx

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When installing new engineered hardwood flooring, are you always required to store the planks for at least 48 hours in the room where they will be installed to allow them to acclimate to the temperature and humidity where they will be installed? I've been hearing/reading conflicting opinions.

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V8Aggie

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2:11p, 10/10/24

AG

Our installer said it was best practice. Especially if it's floating vs glued.

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Thunderstruck xx

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In reply to V8Aggie • 5:19p, 10/10/24

V8Aggie said:
Our installer said it was best practice. Especially if it's floating vs glued.

Good to know. What does it mean to float the wood floor?

V8Aggie

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In reply to Thunderstruck xx • 6:52p, 10/10/24

AG

Thunderstruck xx said:
V8Aggie said:
Our installer said it was best practice. Especially if it's floating vs glued.

Good to know. What does it mean to float the wood floor?

So it's either glued down or it's just laid on top of the concrete, etc with a very thin foam padding.

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Aggietaco

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In reply to V8Aggie • 8:47a, 10/11/24

AG

Or nailed.

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Aggietaco

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8:56a, 10/11/24

AG

And yes, any real wood should be unboxed and allowed to acclimate. Solid hardwoods for a week or so and engineered flooring for at least 2 days. Any installer that says otherwise is probably worth replacing.

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rao11010

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2:21p, 10/11/24

AG

I need to replace the sub floor and laminate on a mobile home at a weekend place. The AC is only turned on during the times we're there (couple days every other weekend). How would you acclimate to those conditions?

dubi

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In reply to rao11010 • 2:27p, 10/11/24

AG

rao11010 said:
I need to replace the sub floor and laminate on a mobile home at a weekend place. The AC is only turned on during the times we're there (couple days every other weekend). How would you acclimate to those conditions?

Put the boxes inside and leave the AC on for a few days.

Aggietaco

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In reply to rao11010 • 7:29a, 10/14/24

AG

rao11010 said:
I need to replace the sub floor and laminate on a mobile home at a weekend place. The AC is only turned on during the times we're there (couple days every other weekend). How would you acclimate to those conditions?

Are you doing engineered or solid hardwoods? Or laminate/LVT?

If the latter, all of the material should be stored inside and kept at normal occupancy temperatures for a day or two prior to install. Less worry with the stabilized materials vs. real wood.