Acclimatising Wooden Floors
27 Aug 2024
At Havwoods, we understand that wood is not just a flooring material, it’s a living, breathing element of your interior. As a natural product, timber responds to its surroundings, continuously interacting with the environment in a process known as hygroscopic behaviour. Simply put, wood absorbs and releases moisture to reach equilibrium with the ambient climate. This is what makes acclimatisation such a vital step in the installation of wooden floors.
Understanding the natural behaviour of timber and why it matters for installation
Even when packaged and protected, engineered and solid timber flooring will gradually adjust to the temperature and humidity of its new environment. If there is a difference in moisture levels between the timber and the room where it’s to be installed, the wood will either absorb or release moisture until a balance is reached. Temperature affects this process too - warmer conditions can accelerate moisture transfer, which is why correct acclimatisation in real project conditions is such an important consideration.
Why acclimatising wood flooring is an essential part of the process
Before installation, wooden floors should be stored in the space where they will be laid for a few days before fitting, depending on the product and site conditions. This period allows the wood to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the environment, even if the packs remain sealed. The goal is to bring the product to the same temperature as the room. Modern wood flooring materials are kiln dried to a lower moisture content than traditional solid wood floors. This is because underfloor heating and modern heating and ventilation systems create a drier, warmer environment inside buildings, and this demands the floor to be produced in a condition to compliment this.
Controlled commissioning of heating and ventilation systems
When heating and ventilation systems are first commissioned, a gradual process is always advised to slowly change the environment and allow acclimatisation over a longer period. A phased introduction allows the flooring to adapt over time without sudden shifts in temperature or humidity. Longer acclimatisation times generate less movement in timbers as opposed to sudden dramatic changes. By increasing temperature and airflow gradually, the environment is stabilised in a way that protects both the material and the long-term performance of the floor.
Seasonal considerations and settling
A timber floor will take up to 12 months to fully acclimatise to its new environment, cycling through the natural changes in temperature and humidity that come with each season. During this time, the timber will continue to settle, and any minor movements will become less frequent as the wood adapts. It’s also the period when any inconsistencies in heating or ventilation are likely to become apparent - providing an opportunity to fine-tune environmental controls for optimum comfort and floor stability.
Whether you're specifying flooring for a home, hospitality venue, retail environment, or workspace, proper acclimatisation ensures the longevity and beauty of your floor. At Havwoods, we not only supply timber products that are expertly engineered for modern conditions - we support you with the technical guidance and product knowledge to make sure each floor performs exactly as intended.
Over 50 years delivering stunning wood surfaces for every interior
At Havwoods, we’ve spent over 50 years curating some of the world’s most beautiful wood surfaces - not just for floors, but for walls, cabinetry, ceilings, and entirely bespoke applications.
We are passionate about sharing deep product knowledge, offering a carefully selected global range of premium wood surfaces, and delivering outstanding service - so you can rely on us to take care of everything, right through from inspiration to installation.
If you have any questions, call our friendly expert team on 01524 737000 or email us on info@havwoods.com. You can also request a quote or order samples online with next day delivery.
