When it comes to installing new flooring, there are plenty of factors to consider to ensure a long-lasting and professional finish. One of the most critical but often overlooked aspects is acclimating the flooring material to its environment before installation. At Wood and Beyond, with over 15 years of experience in selling and fitting laminate flooring, we understand the importance of this process for the longevity and quality of your flooring project.
In this article, we will explore what acclimatisation means for laminate flooring, why it’s essential, and how to properly acclimate your laminate to avoid costly mistakes and maintain the manufacturer’s warranty.
What Is Flooring Acclimatisation?
Acclimatisation refers to the process of allowing your flooring material to adjust to the temperature and humidity levels of the room where it will be installed. This step is vital for many types of flooring, including hardwood, engineered wood, and laminate. Failing to acclimate can result in the flooring expanding or contracting after installation, leading to unsightly gaps, buckling, or warping.
Why Is Acclimatisation Required?
Flooring materials, especially those made from natural components such as wood, are sensitive to environmental changes. They absorb moisture from humid air and release it in drier conditions. Without acclimating, the material may not be able to handle these fluctuations, leading to expansion or shrinkage.
- High humidity: Flooring planks may absorb moisture, causing them to swell.
- Low humidity: Planks may lose moisture and shrink, potentially causing gaps.
If this expansion or contraction happens after installation, it could cause the planks to shift, compromising the locking mechanisms and the integrity of the floor. Even though changes may seem minimal, a millimetre or two could make a significant difference. In the worst-case scenario, flooring that isn’t acclimated may need to be replaced, causing unnecessary expense and frustration.
What About Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring, while not entirely made from natural wood, still requires an acclimatisation period due to the materials used in its core. Most laminate floors are made from Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) or High-Density Fibreboard (HDF), both of which are highly sensitive to humidity and temperature fluctuations. These materials, although manufactured, behave similarly to natural wood because they are porous on a microscopic level.
Why Does Laminate Need to Acclimate?
Like solid and engineered wood, laminate flooring will expand and contract based on the environment it is placed in. MDF and HDF contain tiny pores that allow air and moisture to penetrate the core. When exposed to high humidity, the planks absorb moisture, leading to slight but significant swelling. Conversely, in low humidity, the boards can shrink, potentially causing gaps between planks.
If not acclimated properly, this movement can affect the locking systems that hold the planks together. Misalignment or gapping can make your floor look unprofessional and even void your warranty. Acclimating laminate flooring allows it to adjust to the temperature and humidity levels of the room, so once installed, the planks are stable and less likely to shift.
Laminate vs. Hardwood Acclimatisation
Though hardwood is denser and may take longer to acclimate, laminate flooring, made with MDF or HDF cores, requires its own acclimation period—usually 48 hours. The acclimatisation process for laminate ensures that the material conforms to the environment in which it will be installed. Skipping this step can lead to serious problems, as both laminate and hardwood flooring need to be maintained at a similar humidity level to ensure long-term durability.
Tips for Acclimatising Laminate Flooring
Proper acclimatisation is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail. Here are some essential tips for acclimatising laminate flooring:
1. Place Flooring Boxes in the Centre of the Room
When you bring your laminate flooring home, store the unopened boxes in the centre of the room where the flooring will be installed. This allows the flooring to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity without being influenced by external factors, such as cold exterior walls.
2. Open the Ends of Each Box
Open the ends of each box to allow air circulation around the laminate planks. This helps the boards acclimate more evenly and reduces the risk of uneven expansion or contraction.
3. Keep the Boxes Away from Exterior Walls
Avoid placing the laminate flooring near exterior walls, as these areas may have more drastic temperature changes, especially in colder months. Instead, store the flooring away from windows and doors for a more consistent acclimatisation process.
4. Allow 48 Hours Before Installation
Let the flooring sit in the room for at least 48 hours before installation. This will give the laminate planks enough time to adjust to the room’s conditions and stabilise in terms of temperature and humidity.
5. Regulate the Temperature and Humidity
Make sure the room where the laminate flooring will be installed has a consistent temperature between 18°C and 30°C and that humidity levels are controlled. Using a hygrometer to measure humidity is highly recommended.
6. Avoid Recent Painting or Plastering
If your room has been recently painted or plastered, wait for the humidity levels to normalise before acclimating the laminate. Fresh paint or plaster can increase the moisture content in the air, which can cause the laminate to absorb more humidity than usual.
7. Check the Subfloor Moisture Level
Before installing the laminate, check the moisture level of the subfloor. The moisture content should be below 12% to avoid any complications. High moisture levels in the subfloor can impact the performance of the laminate and cause buckling or swelling.
Closing Thoughts
Acclimatising laminate flooring is a crucial step that should never be skipped if you want a floor that looks great and lasts for years. By allowing the laminate to adjust to the environment, you ensure that the planks will be stable once installed, preventing issues like gapping, buckling, or uneven wear.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional, following these tips will help you achieve a flawless laminate installation. At Wood and Beyond, we take pride in offering a wide range of laminate flooring options designed to suit every taste and budget. Explore our collection today, and don’t forget to properly acclimate your flooring to get the best results!
—
FAQ
What is acclimatisation in flooring?
Acclimatisation refers to the process of allowing flooring material to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the room where it will be installed. This helps prevent the material from expanding or contracting after installation, which could lead to issues like gaps, buckling, or warping.
Why is acclimatising laminate flooring important?
Acclimatising laminate flooring is crucial because it allows the planks to adapt to the room’s humidity and temperature levels. This prevents the planks from expanding or shrinking after installation, which could compromise the locking system and cause issues like buckling or gaps.
How long should laminate flooring acclimate?
Laminate flooring should acclimate for at least 48 hours before installation. This ensures that the planks have enough time to stabilise in terms of temperature and humidity, reducing the risk of post-installation problems.
Can I install laminate flooring without acclimating it?
Installing laminate flooring without acclimating it can lead to significant problems. The planks may expand or contract after installation, causing gaps, buckling, and other issues. Skipping acclimatisation can also void the manufacturer’s warranty.
What are the best tips for acclimatising laminate flooring?
To acclimatise laminate flooring, store the boxes in the centre of the room, open the box ends for airflow, avoid placing them near exterior walls, and maintain a room temperature between 18°C and 30°C. Also, allow the planks to sit for 48 hours before installation and ensure the subfloor moisture level is below 12%.
