Do You Need to Acclimatise Solid Timber Flooring Before Installation?

Acclimatising Solid Timber Flooring

If you’ve been on the tools for a while, chances are you’ve heard mixed opinions about whether acclimatising solid timber flooring before installation is still necessary. Some installers always allow time for timber to settle, while others lay it straight out of the pack. So, what’s the right move?

Timber Is a Living Material

Solid timber is a natural product, which means it’s constantly responding to the conditions around it. Changes in humidity and temperature cause the timber to expand and contract—something that can impact the finished look and performance of solid timber flooring.

Moisture content plays a big role here. Timber that’s stored or manufactured with a moisture content of around 10–12% may react differently once it’s brought into a home or site with a higher equilibrium moisture content—say 14%. In this case, the boards will likely absorb moisture and expand after they’ve been installed. If the reverse happens—installing dry boards in a low-humidity environment—the timber may shrink, leading to noticeable gaps between the boards.

These changes aren’t defects—they’re part of timber’s natural behaviour. However, when not managed properly, they can lead to costly repairs.

What Is Acclimatisation?

Acclimatising solid timber flooring is the process of letting the boards adjust to the indoor conditions where they’ll be installed. This usually means placing the unopened packs of timber in the room (or as close to the installation environment as possible) for 7 to 14 days prior to laying them. The goal is to let the timber reach a moisture balance with the surrounding environment, reducing the amount of movement after installation.

It’s important not to stack the packs too tightly—leave gaps between them for airflow. Avoid placing timber directly on concrete or in direct sunlight, as this can create uneven acclimatisation and more problems down the line.

Is Acclimatisation Always Required?

While some manufacturers may state that their products don’t require acclimatisation, especially for engineered or pre-finished options, solid timber is a different story. For most solid timber flooring, especially in areas with significant seasonal changes or varying site conditions, acclimatisation is still considered best practice.

Acclimatising solid timber flooring isn’t about adding unnecessary delays—it’s about protecting your work and ensuring long-term performance. A few days of planning can prevent expansion, shrinkage, and avoidable headaches down the line. When in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and use a moisture meter to double-check that the boards are within an acceptable range for your project.