How long should wood flooring be stored in the building in which it is going to be installed to allow for proper acclimation?

When wood flooring is delivered, it is essential to allow sufficient time for acclimation within the environment where it will be installed. Acclimation refers to the process of the wood adjusting to the humidity and temperature of its new surroundings, which helps to minimize future expansion or contraction after installation.

Storing the wood flooring for a period of four days is considered best practice. This timeframe allows the wood to adequately adjust to the conditions of the building, taking into account factors such as humidity levels, temperature, and airflow. By observing this acclimation period, the risk of issues such as warping, gapping, or buckling post-installation is significantly reduced.

A shorter acclimation period, such as one or two days, may not give the wood sufficient time to reach equilibrium with the environment, leading to potential problems after the flooring is installed. On the other hand, a longer period, like six days, may be excessive, and could delay the installation unnecessarily without providing additional benefits in terms of acclimation. Thus, four days strikes a balance between sufficient acclimation and efficient scheduling for the project.