Installing new laminate flooring can feel exciting. You’ve picked the right style, planned the layout, and you’re ready to see your space transform. But before you rush to installation, there’s one step many homeowners overlook: acclimation. It might seem like a small detail, yet it can make a big difference in how your floors perform and last.
What acclimation really means
Acclimation is the process of letting your laminate flooring adjust to the temperature and humidity of your home before installation. Even though laminate wood flooring planks are engineered and more stable than solid wood, they still react to their environment. They can expand or contract depending on the moisture in the air.
Skipping this step can lead to flooring that buckles, gaps, or creaks after it’s installed. Nobody wants that after investing in new floors.
Why do laminate floors need time to acclimate?
The Pacific Northwest has a mix of damp, rainy days and drier indoor conditions once heaters kick on. These shifts in climate create changes in moisture levels. When your new laminate flooring arrives, it’s often been stored in a warehouse or shipped in from a different climate.
Bringing those planks straight into your home without giving them time to adjust can create stress on the material. By acclimating, you give the boards a chance to settle into the same environment where they’ll live for years.
How long to acclimate laminate flooring
Most manufacturers recommend at least 48 hours of acclimation. That means leaving the unopened boxes in the room where the flooring will be installed. If your space has bigger swings in humidity, like a basement or an entryway near the door, you may want to leave the planks for up to 72 hours.
Here’s the key: keep the room at normal living conditions. Turn on the heat or air conditioning, keep the windows closed, and make sure humidity levels are consistent. This ensures the laminate gets used to the actual conditions it will face once installed.
Tips for proper laminate flooring acclimation
To get the best results, follow a few simple steps:
- Place the boxes flat on the floor, not upright.
- Leave a small gap between stacks so air can flow.
- Avoid putting the boxes directly against exterior walls where temperatures can fluctuate.
- Keep pets and kids from opening or playing with the boxes during this period.
It’s also smart to check the manufacturer’s instructions. Different brands may have slightly different requirements, and following their recommendations protects your warranty.
What happens if you skip acclimation
If you don’t acclimate, problems might not show up right away. At first, everything looks fine. But as the planks begin reacting to your home’s environment, you may see gaps forming between boards or edges rising up. These issues are frustrating and often require repair or replacement.
In short, skipping acclimation might save you two days upfront, but it can cost you a lot more in the long run.
Making your laminate flooring installation smooth
Professional installers know that acclimation is non-negotiable. They’ll plan for it and schedule your project accordingly. If you’re tackling installation yourself, remember to budget time for this step. It might not feel exciting, but it ensures your laminate flooring looks beautiful and stays durable.
A new floor is more than just a design choice. It’s part of your daily life. Taking the time to do things right means fewer headaches and years of comfort underfoot.
Your experts on laminate flooring in Lynnwood, Bellevue, and Auburn, WA
Ready to start your laminate flooring project? Our team is here to help you choose the perfect laminate floors and guide you through every step, from acclimation to installation. Our showrooms in Lynnwood, Bellevue, and Auburn, WA, serve Redmond, Kirkland, Renton, and the surrounding areas. Get in touch with Nielsen Bros & Sons today!
