What is acclimation?
Normally when hardwood flooring is shipped from the manufacturer’s warehouse, it has been kiln dried to a moisture content of 6% – 7%. If the flooring is stored in a warehouse that is heated and cooled, the moisture content will remain the same. If, however, the flooring is stored outside in the weather or in a warehouse that is not heated and cooled, the moisture content will be higher. In the Knoxville area, existing homes range between 7% – 9% moisture content, while a new house under construction will have a moisture content range between 10% – 13%. Once the heat and air unit has been installed and is turned on, the moisture content will drop to between 7% – 9%. Acclimation is very important when it comes to hardwood floors. If the hardwood is installed with a moisture content above 10%, it will have larger than normal cracks after it becomes acclimated. Also, if the hardwood has not been acclimated prior to being sanded and finished, there is a great potential for problems with th
