Why Acclimation Matters When Installing Hardwood Floors in Colorado Homes

Article Summary

Hardwood flooring is one of the most beautiful upgrades you can make to your home. Colorado homeowners, however, face a unique challenge: hardwood reacts to temperature and humidity, and the state’s dry climate can cause wood to shrink, gap, or shift if it is not acclimated properly. This guide explains what acclimation is, why it matters, how long it takes, and how FH Flooring ensures premium hardwood performs the way it should in Colorado homes.

Why Acclimation Confuses Homeowners

If you have ever researched hardwood floors, you have probably heard that they need time to acclimate before installation. For many homeowners, this raises more questions than answers. What does acclimation actually mean, and is it really necessary? The short answer is yes, especially in Colorado.

Hardwood can thrive in Colorado homes when it is handled correctly, and acclimation is a big part of that process. Below, FH Flooring shares what every homeowner should know before installing premium hardwood flooring.

What is Wood Flooring Acclimation

Acclimation is the process of allowing hardwood flooring to adjust to the temperature and humidity of your home before it is installed. Wood is a natural material that expands when it absorbs moisture and contracts when it dries out. Because hardwood will eventually match the conditions of the home it is placed in, installers give the flooring time to stabilize before securing it to the subfloor.

During acclimation, the planks rest in the space where they will be installed. This gives the wood time to release or absorb moisture until it reaches a balanced state. When this step is skipped, wood flooring is more likely to warp or develop gaps over time.

Why Acclimation Matters More in Colorado’s Climate

Colorado’s climate creates additional challenges for hardwood flooring. The air is naturally dry for much of the year and becomes even drier during winter heating months. Humidity levels can drop well below what wood flooring needs to remain stable.

Most hardwood products perform best in indoor humidity between 35 percent and 55 percent. Colorado homes often fall outside this range if homeowners do not use humidity control. When hardwood flooring enters a space with significantly lower humidity, it loses moisture quickly. As a result, the planks can shrink, separate at the seams, or become uneven.

Acclimation helps the planks slowly adjust to your home’s environment before they are installed. This prevents sudden moisture loss and gives the flooring a much better chance of staying stable throughout the year.

How Long Should Hardwood Floors Acclimate in Colorado Homes

Acclimation time depends on the type of flooring. Most engineered hardwood products need between 48 and 72 hours. Solid hardwood often needs three to seven days. In some cases, FH Flooring may recommend a longer acclimation period based on the season or the current humidity levels inside your home.

The goal is not to hit a set number of hours. The goal is to allow the planks to reach equilibrium with your home. Professional installers use moisture meters to determine when the flooring and subfloor are compatible. Solid hardwood and subfloors must be within a specific moisture difference before installation begins. This helps reduce movement after the planks are installed.

Signs Your Hardwood Has Properly Acclimated

Experienced installers do not guess when acclimation is finished. They use specific checks to confirm stability.

What installers look for:

• Moisture meter readings that match manufacturer guidelines

• A minimal difference in moisture between the subfloor and the hardwood planks

• Stable temperatures inside the home during the acclimation period

• No signs of plank cupping or bowing after sitting inside the space

When these conditions are met, the flooring is ready for installation and is far less likely to shift over time.

Myths About Acclimating Hardwood Floors

Homeowners often receive conflicting advice about acclimation. Here are a few common myths and the facts behind them.

Myth: All hardwood flooring needs the same acclimation time.
Different wood species, thicknesses, and construction types acclimate at different rates. Solid hardwood usually takes longer than engineered hardwood.

Myth: Engineered wood does not need acclimation.
Engineered hardwood is more stable than solid hardwood, but it is still made with real wood. It still needs time to adjust to your home’s temperature and humidity.

Myth: You can acclimate wood without opening the boxes.
Manufacturers require flooring to be removed from the boxes so air can circulate around each plank. Leaving wood sealed traps moisture and prevents proper acclimation.

Myth: Acclimation is not necessary in dry climates.
Acclimation is even more important in dry climates because wood loses moisture rapidly. Slow, controlled acclimation helps protect your investment.

Why Premium Hardwood Still Needs Acclimation

Premium hardwood flooring often comes in wider plank sizes. Although they are beautiful, wider planks are more sensitive to changes in moisture and temperature. Premium finishes improve durability but do not stop natural wood movement. Proper acclimation helps prevent tightening, gapping, and cupping.

High-quality hardwood also deserves high-quality installation. FH Flooring takes extra steps to ensure premium materials remain stable and attractive. This includes moisture testing, careful unpacking, and monitoring humidity throughout the installation process.

FH Flooring’s Acclimation and Installation Process

Successful hardwood installation starts long before the first plank is secured to the floor.

What FH Flooring does to protect your investment:

• Evaluates your space during a free in-home consultation

• Recommends the right acclimation timeline for your specific flooring

• Uses moisture meters to confirm that your floor and subfloor are ready

• Installs according to manufacturer guidelines for Colorado conditions

• Leaves proper expansion gaps for seasonal changes

This approach helps prevent common issues and ensures your hardwood looks great for decades.

Considering premium hardwood floors for your home? FH Flooring can guide you through plank width, species, finish options, and care recommendations so you can choose hardwood with confidence.

How Homeowners Can Prepare Their Homes for Acclimation

There are a few simple steps you can take to make the acclimation process smooth and effective.

Before your flooring arrives:

• Keep your HVAC system running normally

• Set your thermostat to the same temperature you use most days

• Use a whole-house humidifier if you already have one

• Avoid storing hardwood in garages or unfinished areas

• Keep doors and windows closed during extreme weather

These small steps help maintain consistent indoor conditions. Consistency is the key to acclimation success.

Do You Need a Whole-House Humidifier with Hardwood Floors

Many Colorado homes benefit from adding humidity control, especially when installing solid hardwood. A whole-house humidifier helps keep indoor humidity within the ideal range. This protects your flooring and also improves indoor comfort. Humidity control is one of the most important long-term factors for maintaining wood floors in Colorado’s climate.

FH Flooring often recommends adding or adjusting a humidifier when homeowners choose premium hardwood. It is a simple way to safeguard your flooring investment.

Key Takeaways: Acclimation Protects Your Flooring Investment

• Acclimation allows the hardwood to adjust to your home’s environment

• Colorado’s dry climate makes acclimation essential

• Engineered and solid hardwood both require acclimation

• Moisture meters help determine when flooring is ready

• Premium hardwood performs best when the humidity stays between 35 and 55 percent

• A whole-house humidifier can dramatically extend the life of your floors

Hardwood floors can absolutely thrive in Colorado when acclimation and humidity control are part of your plan. FH Flooring is here to guide you through each step so your flooring performs beautifully for years to come.

Shop Premium Hardwood Floors with FH Flooring

If you are considering hardwood for your home, working with a team that understands Colorado’s climate makes all the difference. FH Flooring has helped homeowners in Golden, Arvada, Lakewood, Littleton, and the greater Denver Metro area select and install hardwood that holds up to local conditions.

Our mobile showroom makes it easy to explore premium hardwood products in the comfort of your home. We take the time to recommend the right species, plank width, and installation methods so you feel confident in your decision.

Ready to bring premium hardwood into your home? Schedule a free in-home consultation with FH Flooring and let us help you choose flooring that is beautiful, durable, and built for Colorado living.