How to properly acclimate oak flooring?

MurphyMan

Happy New Year!

Tomorrow we are placing an order for 1,300 sq ft. of Shaw brand oak. It looks like it will be delivered to the house 7-10 days before we start the job.

The house is 30 y.o., as is the 3/4" plywood we are installing it on.

Should we take the wood out of the box to properly acclimate it? I would prefer not to, but will if it is necessary.

Any other precautions in this regard?

Thanks.

mark942

Are you going to do the instal yourself, or will you hire it out? The reason I ask this is because of some technical processes that you will need to do before the instal. To CYOA. Moisture content of wood, then a humidor test for the house humidity levels. These need to be done before the instal. This way you have the Specs needed if you have any problems with Cupping, Warping with the manufacturer. Also if you have a basement, that to will need to be tested as well for humidity levels. 7-10 days to acclimatise seems to be on the minimal side to me. I am sure there are more knowledgeable that will chime in....................Good Luck To you...........

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rusty baker

Acclimation has nothing to do with time. It is moisture content, period. With that much invested, buy a moisture meter.

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"I'm twisted, not sick. Sick implies, I'll get better"
Semi-Retired Installer
Installing since 1973

MurphyMan

Thank you. Yes, I am doing myself, and spending hours on this forum to make sure I get it right.

I see the point of getting the moisture meter and recording the initial moisture levels. I found one at Lowes for $29.95 and the reviews were good.


No basement - crawl space.