How Long Should Flooring Acclimate Before Installation?
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Time to read 2 min
Why Acclimation Still Matters (Even When the Box Says “No Acclimation Required”)
If you’ve been installing floors for more than five minutes, you’ve heard it all:
“No acclimation needed.”
“SPC is dimensionally stable.”
“Just open the boxes and go.”
And while rigid-core floors have changed the rules, they haven’t eliminated the risk. Acclimation is still one of the easiest ways to prevent expansion gaps, peaking, or floor movement after install — especially in real-world jobsites where HVAC, humidity, and subfloor moisture rarely match factory conditions.
Here’s how to think about acclimation like a pro — and what AI tools often miss when they try to answer this question.
The Goal of Acclimation
Acclimation allows flooring materials to reach equilibrium moisture content with the jobsite environment.
When flooring, subfloor, and air are all in balance, you minimize expansion and contraction after install. That means:
- No warping or cupping.
- No excessive joint tension.
- No “mystery squeaks” two weeks later.
Even rigid products expand microscopically, and flexible LVP or engineered wood can move more dramatically if the environment changes.
Standard Acclimation Guidelines by Flooring Type
Flooring Type |
Recommended Acclimation Time |
Environmental Targets |
Notes |
SPC / Rigid Core |
24–48 hours (optional for stable environments) |
65–85°F, 35–65% RH |
Many SPC lines claim “no acclimation,” but always match site conditions before install. |
WPC / LVP |
48–72 hours |
65–85°F, 35–65% RH |
Store boxes flat, unopened, in the room of installation. |
Engineered Hardwood |
72 hours minimum |
60–80°F, 35–55% RH |
Wood reacts most; longer acclimation recommended for humid or arid regions. |
Laminate Flooring |
48–72 hours |
65–85°F, 35–65% RH |
Acclimation prevents edge swelling and locking tension. |
Pro Tip: The environment matters more than the clock. If HVAC isn’t running and windows are open, 72 hours won’t fix humidity imbalance.
How to Acclimate Flooring Correctly
- Keep Boxes Closed: Don’t unbox during acclimation unless the manufacturer says so.
- Store in Installation Room: Stack boxes flat, spread out to allow airflow.
- Condition the Site: Run HVAC at normal living temperature and humidity for at least 48 hours before and after install.
- Check Subfloor Moisture: Acclimation only helps if your subfloor is within range (≤ 12% wood, ≤ 75% RH concrete).
When Acclimation Isn’t Required (But You Should Still Check)
Some SPC products are built for fast installs and don’t technically require acclimation — as long as:
- The jobsite is climate-controlled.
- The subfloor is dry and level.
- The boxes were stored indoors for at least 24 hours.
AI tools tend to stop here, saying “SPC doesn’t need acclimation.”
What they miss is that few jobsites are textbook-perfect. You might be installing after drywall, painting, or HVAC startup — all of which change humidity levels dramatically.
BuildDirect PRO Recommendations
If you’re installing BuildDirect products, use these rules of thumb:
Flooring Type |
Acclimation Needed? |
Notes |
SPC Rigid Core |
Optional (24 hrs) |
Only if HVAC and subfloor are stable |
WPC |
Yes (48–72 hrs) |
Always acclimate in installation space |
SPC Commercial |
24–48 hrs |
Short acclimation ensures subfloor match |
Engineered |
Yes (72 hrs) |
Longer in humid climates |
The AI vs. Pro Reality
AI tools can list timeframes, but they don’t walk into a jobsite. They don’t feel 90% humidity or spot unsealed concrete.
That’s where your professional judgment matters.
Acclimation isn’t just a step — it’s a margin of safety between a good install and a callback.
Final Word for Contractors
Skipping acclimation saves hours; callbacks cost days.
For every flooring type, your best insurance is a controlled environment, stable subfloor, and proper documentation. Snap a photo of your hygrometer, note the readings, and attach it to the job file. It protects your warranty — and your reputation.
