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The time, season, temperature, and humidity are all major factor factors when installing hardwood floors. Luckily, the matter is quite simple and straightforward. In this article, we will break down the facts and give some useful tips.
Does The Season Really Matter?
The short answer is yes, very much so!
When considering when to install hardwood floors, people often plan the project really well, taking into consideration their budget, the aesthetics, materials, and so on. But people often fail to plan according to the seasons, which can actually be a huge decisive factor.
The seasons affect the humidity levels, which affect wood floors quite a bit. Additionally, extreme conditions can not only affect the hardwood planks themselves but also the adhesives used.
Seasonal Challenges to Hardwood Floors
Here are some challenges that you might expect when choosing the time for hardwood flooring:
Winter Season
Winter months signify the driest time of the year. The dry winter air will cause the planks to shrink. This is problematic when hotter months come around as the planks will begin to expand.
As the floor was installed at a month when the expansion was not taken into account, this will cause what is known as the warping effect. Warping is when the wood deforms as it expands and shrinks because of irregularities of when it was installed.
A common example of warping is the cupping effect, which is when the floor sort of rises at the edges, creating a cup-like appearance and an uneven floor.
Additional challenges that present during winter include the use of indoor heating, which adds to the dryness and creates an unfavorable condition for the adhesive to dry properly.
Summer Season
During the summer season, and with the heat of summer leaves bringing in humidity and moisture, we have a serious risk of wood absorbing this moisture from the air.
Absorbing the moisture and trapping it can lead to molding issues occurring from within the planks.
Moreover, as the colder months will roll around, the planks will lose moisture and will dry up. The drying-up process will result in actual gaps forming between the planks.
Spring Season
The spring season might seem like a good choice, but it often presents unstable weather that can present similar challenges to the one encountered in summer, in addition to rain.
The dry conditions, as we have discussed in relation to the summer months, are risky. Further, the rainy spring season presents significant humidity in the air.
Fall Season
The fall season has very little to no challenges, and it is actually the best season to install solid hardwood floors.
During the autumn months, we have very little humidity in the air, and the air is still not as dry as in the winter months.
Plus, getting your new floors installed right before the holiday season can be a great idea! This way, you can host guests in your newly renovated space!
What Is the Best Temperature to Install Hardwood Floors?
When deciding on the best month for hardwood floors installation, we take into account the outdoor and indoor temperatures that will be present, and how they will affect the wood and the adhesive.
The temperature inside your house is important due to acclimation, which is the process of allowing the planks to sit in their designated room for a few days before installation. The process of acclimation of hardwood will let the wood adjust to the temperature to allow for better installation.
The ideal conditions require a humidity range from 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Fortunately, this is the expected range during the crisp weather on an autumn day.
The temperature is also important to allow the adhesive to dry quickly. The required temperature for hardwood adhesives should be between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Install Hardwood Floors?
The best time of year for hardwood floors installation is during the autumn months. Not only is this the ideal time in terms of temperature and humidity, but it is also right before major occasions expected during winter. This should motivate you to get the project done as soon as possible.
During the fall, installation companies also tend to be less busy than during the hotter time of the year, meaning you will find more openings and get your installation done faster!
Tips for Hardwood Flooring Installation During the Fall
Here are some tips for autumn hardwood flooring installation:
Allow for proper ventilation
Ventilation is important as the process of installation uses a lot of fumes. Luckily, the fall temperature is not too cold nor too hot to keep the windows open!
Plan ahead
Even though installation companies are not as busy during autumn, it is best to plan and book ahead of time to ensure that everything gets done well before the holidays.
Acclimate the wood
Needless to say, acclimation is important. Allow for a period of three to five days.
Give the new floors time to settle
Before resuming regular traffic on the floors, give them time to settle to avoid putting additional pressure too soon and causing damage.
