Flooring Acclimation Guide Why It Matters for SPC LVT and Laminate
Acclimation is letting the flooring adjust to the room environment before installation. Many installation problems trace back to skipped or improper acclimation. This guide explains why it matters and how to do it correctly.
Why Acclimation Is Important
Flooring materials respond to temperature and humidity. When a box of flooring sits in a warehouse at 50 degrees and 80 percent humidity, then arrives at your home at 72 degrees and 50 percent humidity, the material changes.
SPC changes very little with temperature and humidity. The stone content makes it dimensionally stable. But even SPC can have slight expansion.
Laminate changes the most. The HDF core absorbs and releases moisture. A laminate plank can expand or contract by several millimeters across its width with humidity changes.
LVT falls in between. The vinyl core is stable but can soften in high heat and stiffen in cold.
Acclimation Requirements by Floor Type
SPC flooring:
- Acclimation time: 24 to 48 hours
- Room temperature: 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit
- Humidity: 40 to 60 percent
- Stack planks flat in the center of the room
- Do not remove plastic wrapping
- SPC is the least sensitive to acclimation conditions
LVT flooring:
- Acclimation time: 24 to 48 hours
- Room temperature: 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit
- Humidity: 40 to 60 percent
- Click lock LVT: acclimate in the room where it will be installed
- Glue down LVT: acclimate the product and the adhesive
Laminate flooring:
- Acclimation time: 48 to 72 hours
- Room temperature: 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit
- Humidity: 40 to 60 percent
- Open the boxes and separate the planks slightly for airflow
- Most critical to acclimate properly
- Failure to acclimate causes gapping or buckling
Common Acclimation Mistakes
Stacking boxes against exterior walls: Exterior walls are colder than interior walls. Planks against the wall acclimate differently than planks in the center. Stack boxes in the center of the room.
Acclimating in a different room: The flooring must acclimate in the exact room where it will be installed. Different rooms have different conditions.
Removing wrapping too early: The plastic wrapping protects the planks from moisture changes. Keep the wrapping on until the boxes are in the room.
Ignoring the seasons: Flooring ordered in winter and installed in spring faces the largest humidity change. Allow extra acclimation time during season transitions.
Not checking room conditions: Use a thermometer and hygrometer to check room conditions. Do not guess. The room should be at normal living conditions for at least 48 hours before installation.
What Happens If You Skip Acclimation
SPC: Minor edge gapping that may close over time. Usually not serious.
LVT: Planks may not click together properly. Edges can curl after installation.
Laminate: Most affected. Planks can buckle, gap, or cup. These issues often require floor replacement.
About PROLEADER
PROLEADER provides detailed acclimation instructions with every order. Contact us for installation guides and acclimation recommendations for your specific product.
