What’s the difference between acclimating and not acclimating flooring?

So, what is acclimating?

It simply means allowing your new flooring to sit in the room where it will be installed, for at least 48–72 hours, before you fit it. This helps the boards adjust to the temperature and humidity in your home. Think of it like letting a good bottle of wine breathe before serving—it just performs better!

 
And what happens if you skip it?

This is where things can go wrong. If you don’t acclimate your flooring, it can expand or contract after it’s been installed. That can cause:

• Gaps between planks
• Warping or buckling
• Creaky boards or uneven surface

I’ve seen it happen in a customer’s conservatory once. The engineered wood looked perfect the day it went down, but within a week the planks had lifted at the edges because the room was so much warmer than the delivery van it came in!

 
What flooring types need acclimating?

• Engineered wood – Yes, always.
• Solid wood – Definitely, as it's most sensitive to changes in humidity.
• Laminate – Usually yes, unless the manufacturer says otherwise.
• SPC and LVT – Less sensitive, but still good practice to let them sit for a day or two, especially in colder seasons.

Top Tips for Acclimating Flooring:

• Keep the packs sealed – Let the boards adjust slowly.
• Store them flat – No leaning against walls.
• Room conditions matter – Ideally 18–25°C and 35–60% humidity.
• Plan ahead – Build in a few days before your install date for acclimating time.

In short: acclimating your flooring means fewer problems, a better fit, and a longer-lasting floor—totally worth the wait!