Construction Conditions

• Before installing the hardwood floor, especially in new construction, you must ensure that you have reached the stage of the construction process when the installation of the floors is appropriate. Because the temperature and humidity of the room are so important, the HVAC system in the location should be installed and running for at least 14 days prior to floor installation. Additionally, all the doors and windows need to be in place, and all drywall, paint, concrete, masonry and other wet work needs to be complete, as the drying of these elements increases the humidity of the space.
  
  

Room Temperature

• The temperature of the room in which the hardwood floor is installed is paramount to the overall performance, appearance and life expectancy of the floor. For best results, ensure that the room is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the acclimation, installation and usage of the wood.
  
  

Humidty

• Another important factor in the life of your hardwood floor is the humidity in the room. Humidity refers to the amount of water present in the air. Too much humidity in the room causes the wood planks to swell, possibly causing them to shift or buckle. For best results, the humidity in the room should be between 35 to 55 percent during the acclimation, installation and usage of the wood.
  
  

Acclimating the Wood Floor

• Prior to installing the wood, give the wood an opportunity to acclimate to the temperature and humidity of the room. The temperature of the room must be set to the temperature that the room will generally be after installation. To acclimate the wood, allow it to sit in the temperature-controlled room for at least 72 hours, at which point it will swell or shrink to the size that it will remain while installed.