Engineered hardwood floors can be floated, but not solid hardwood floors.

Prefinished hardwood flooring is an excellent choice for those who desire a sturdy, protective coating for their floor. The multiple coats of finish applied at the factory incorporate aluminum oxide, the second hardest material after diamond, to provide a hard-wearing shield to the floor. On-site unfinished flooring requires finishing after installation. However, the use of aluminum oxide in on-site finishing is not recommended due to the extended drying time, which causes the aluminum oxide particles to sink and settle at the finish’s bottom. Site-finished floors effectively protect against moisture from the floor’s surface. Hence, prefinished hardwood flooring provides an efficient and long-lasting protective finish that requires minimal maintenance while on-site unfinished flooring can provide enhanced protection against moisture from the floor itself.

To ensure proper acclimatization of your hardwood flooring, please consider leaving it inside the designated installation room for a period of 5 to 7 days, with the boxes open. This process will allow the flooring to adjust to the conditions within the space, which will ultimately optimize the quality and appearance of your installation.

In cases where the installation room experiences high humidity levels, it may be necessary to utilize a humidifier or dehumidifier system to regulate the environment and avoid any potential damages to the hardwood flooring. Thank you for considering these important measures in your hardwood flooring installation process.

In order to properly acclimate hardwood flooring, it is recommended to leave it inside the room where it will be installed for at least five to seven days, with the boxes open. This allows the flooring to adjust to the conditions and temperature of the room before the installation process begins. In rooms with high levels of humidity, it may be necessary to install a humidifier or dehumidifier to regulate the environment and ensure optimal conditions for the flooring. Properly acclimating hardwood flooring and monitoring the environment of the installation area is important to ensure a successful installation and a long-lasting, beautiful finished product.

Wood flooring requires an acceptable range of moisture content to ensure it remains in optimal condition. This range depends on various factors such as the wood species, geographic location of installation, and time of year. Therefore, wood used for flooring typically undergoes kiln drying to achieve a moisture content between 6 to 9%. This process helps to prevent the wood from contracting due to excessive moisture or shrinking due to dryness. By ensuring the appropriate moisture content, wood flooring can maintain its durability and aesthetic appeal for a longer period of time.

Installing engineered hardwood flooring is a viable option for below-grade installations. On the other hand, it’s important to note that solid hardwood flooring doesn’t work well in such situations due to the high moisture content, causing it to contract and expand.