It seems as though there is a growing confidence when it comes to tackling DIY tasks – perhaps a result of the amount of brilliant advice now readily available, or maybe just because the rising cost of living is pushing more and more people towards carrying out home improvements themselves, rather than paying for someone else to do the job.
That said, some tasks are definitely easier than others and when it comes to fitting your own floors, it is worth noting that certain types of flooring are far tricker to install than others.
While laying wooden flooring is a highly popular DIY job these days, without proper research into the correct installation techniques, it can go horribly wrong. There is one thing in particular that the success of the whole job is hinged on – proper acclimatisation. Here, experts explain everything you need to know about this all-important element.
Why do you need to acclimatise wooden flooring?
Before getting into why getting acclimatisation wrong is such an important flooring mistake to be aware of, it is crucial that you understand exactly what it involves and why it has to be done.
Adam Robertson, MD of Urbane Living, explains more about the process. "Acclimatisation is an important part of preparing a timber floor for installation because wood is a natural material, meaning it naturally absorbs and releases moisture in response to the surrounding conditions.
"If flooring is installed before it has had time to adjust to the room's temperature and humidity, it can move after installation as it reaches equilibrium with its new environment," adds Adam. "This movement can lead to gaps appearing between boards, boards expanding and pushing against one another, or, in more extreme cases, cupping, bowing or other movement."
Adam Robertson is the co-founder and managing director of Urbane Living, a specialist flooring company recognised for its expertise in parquet, bespoke carpets and runners. With a background in design and a strong eye for detail, Adam is passionate about all things related to quality timber, from floorboards to wall panels.
How do you acclimatise wooden flooring?
It is clear then that rushing into this seemingly easy DIY project without waiting for your flooring to acclimatise is a huge mistake – but exactly how do you carry out this all-important step?
"As a general rule, the flooring should be delivered to the property once the building is sufficiently weather-tight and the room conditions are stable," picks up Adam Robertson. "Wet trades such as plastering and screeding should be fully finished and dry, and the heating and ventilation should be working normally.
"Boxes should be stored flat, off the floor and away from damp or direct heat, with the flooring kept in the conditions in which it will ultimately be installed. It is important not to simply open all the boxes unless the manufacturer specifically recommends this, as the correct method varies between products," continues Adam.
"The purpose of acclimatisation is not simply to leave the flooring in a room for a set number of days. It is about allowing the timber to reach an appropriate moisture content for the conditions in which it will be installed. This is why following the manufacturer’s instructions and checking the moisture content of both the flooring and subfloor is so important. Rushing this stage can increase the risk of movement and problems developing once the floor is down."
Ian Tomlinson, MD of Chaunceys Timber Flooring, explains that it is also crucial to pay attention to the type of wooden flooring you are working with. "For kiln dried boards, we recommend 10 to 14 days, while reclaimed timber may require up to four weeks. Regular moisture checks using a hygrometer and protimeter will confirm when the boards have reached their equilibrium moisture content."
This handy device allows you to monitor both temperature and humidity, making it easy to see the ideal conditions for installing wooden flooring.
Identify damp levels quickly with this moisture meter, which works on wood, walls and floors. It also comes in useful when trying to detect leaks.
Chaunceys Timber Flooring is a family-run company based in Bristol with Ian becoming the Managing Director in 2012. They have been supplying sustainable, high-quality timber flooring to homeowners, award-winning architects, design and build companies, and renowned interior designers since 1988.
Do you need to acclimatise engineered wooden flooring?
When it comes to fitting engineered wooden flooring, this tends to be an easier job than with solid boards, but don't think you can simply unpack and go if you want a perfect end result that stands the test of time.
Adam Robertson explains that, while engineered timber is more structurally stable, acclimatisation is still necessary. "Engineered wood flooring typically requires far less acclimatisation time than solid wood, which can make a significant difference on projects with tighter timelines. Solid timber is much more reactive to changes in temperature and humidity, so it often needs considerably longer to adjust to its environment before installation can begin.
"That said, while engineered flooring is generally more stable than solid timber because of its layered construction, it is still a natural wood product and needs to be stored and handled correctly before installation," points out Adam. "The exact acclimatisation requirements will vary depending on the flooring manufacturer, construction and installation method, so it is important to follow the specific guidance supplied with the flooring."
Shop for wood flooring
A dark solid oak floor with a tongue and groove design. Not suitable for underfloor heating
A light grey oak engineered wood flooring which offers the visual appeal of wood with a more practical finish
Engineered wood but with a classic herringbone sizing to give a more traditional look
What other wooden flooring mistakes are common?
It isn't just failing to acclimatise properly that can ruin your well-planned wooden flooring ideas – there are other mistakes to be aware of too, according to Ian Tomlinson, including:
- Poor sub-floor prep: "One of the biggest mistakes we see is neglecting proper subfloor preparation. If the base isn't clean, dry and level, it can compromise both the look and longevity of the floor," says Ian.
- Ignoring moisture checks: "Skipping moisture checks is particularly risky as hidden dampness in the subfloor can lead to swelling, warping or cupping during acclimatisation – or even months later. A good installer will always test and manage moisture levels before starting work."
- Not accounting for expansion gaps: "Wood naturally moves with changes in humidity, so without a proper gap around the room's perimeter, the floor can press against the walls and buckle. It's a small step that can prevent a big problem."
- Installing it over UFH without checking compatibility: "Installing wooden flooring over underfloor heating without acclimatising the boards or commissioning the heating system correctly can also cause problems. Industry standards recommend keeping engineered flooring's surface temperature below 27°C. Sudden heat changes, particularly after a new installation, can cause the wood to shrink or develop surface splits. Maintaining a consistent temperature and making gradual adjustments will help protect the floor and ensure long term stability."
FAQs
Is laying wooden flooring a DIY job – or one best left to the pros?
While laying laminate flooring is usually a straightforward process, all of this information may have left you wondering whether DIY wood flooring installation is such a good idea after all. Natalie Mudd, co-founder and creative director at Knot & Grain has some advice that could help.
"While DIY installation is rewarding, it’s also a complex job that requires precision and experience. If in doubt, remember that a professional installation can guarantee a flawless and long-lasting result, giving you complete peace of mind.
"If you’re feeling a little nervous about the task in hand, it’s always best to call in the experts," continues Natalie. "However, if you have the skills and the know-how, you can learn to lay flooring just like a pro."
Natalie co-founded Knot & Grain with the aim of offering customers high-quality flooring options to suit both classic and contemporary interior schemes, making Natalie perfectly placed to advise on the latest flooring trends.
When installing wooden flooring with underfloor heating it is vital that you check compatibility with both your heating installer, as well as your flooring manufacturer to avoid running into any issues. And, if you're thinking of using wooden flooring upstairs like me, find out what the experts had to say about my ideas.
