Does Engineered Hardwood Flooring Need To Acclimate

Does Engineered Hardwood Flooring Need To Acclimate?

Engineered hardwood flooring is a popular choice for homeowners who want the look and feel of hardwood without the high cost. It's made with a thin layer of real hardwood veneer bonded to a core of plywood or another stable material. This construction makes engineered hardwood more durable and moisture-resistant than solid hardwood, but it also means that it can be more sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.

That's why it's important to acclimate engineered hardwood flooring before installing it. Acclimation allows the flooring to adjust to the temperature and humidity of your home, which helps to prevent buckling, gapping, and other problems.

The acclimation process is simple. Just open the boxes of flooring and lay them flat in the room where they will be installed. Leave them there for at least 48 hours, or until the flooring has reached the same temperature and humidity as the room.

Once the flooring has acclimated, you can begin installing it. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure a successful installation.

Here are some additional tips for acclimating engineered hardwood flooring:

Acclimate the flooring in the room where it will be installed. This is important because the temperature and humidity can vary from room to room.
Leave the boxes of flooring unopened until you're ready to install them. This will help to prevent the flooring from drying out or absorbing moisture.
If you're installing the flooring in a new home, allow the home to fully acclimate to the local climate before installing the flooring.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your engineered hardwood flooring is installed properly and will last for many years to come.