Moisture
Moisture Contents vs Temperature/Humidity
Wood flooring will perform best when the interior environment is controlled to stay within a relative humidity range 30% to 50% and a temperature range 15.6C (60F) - 26.7C (80F). The chart below indicates the moisture content wood will likely have at any given combination of temperature and humidity.
Note that equilibrium moisture contents in the recommended temperature/humidity range (green-shaped area) coincide with the 6% to 9% range within which most hardwood flooring is manufactured. Although some movement can be expected even between 6% and 9%, wood can expand and shrink dramatically outside that range. (source: NWFA)
Wood flooring will perform best when the interior environment is controlled to stay within a relative humidity range 30% to 50% and a temperature range 15.6C (60F) - 26.7C (80F). The chart below indicates the moisture content wood will likely have at any given combination of temperature and humidity.
Note that equilibrium moisture contents in the recommended temperature/humidity range (green-shaped area) coincide with the 6% to 9% range within which most hardwood flooring is manufactured. Although some movement can be expected even between 6% and 9%, wood can expand and shrink dramatically outside that range. (source: NWFA)
Wood is a natural material that reacts to variations in relative humidity, expanding and contracting as it absorbs and releases moisture. When humidity is high, wood absorbs moisture and expands. That's why to recommend controlling humidity carefully with good ventilation, a dehumidifier, and your heating system. When the air is dry, wood releases its humidity and contracts. We recommend using a humidifier to minimize contraction of your wood flooring strips.
Please keep relative humidity in your home at about 45% (between 30% and 50%) and indoor temperature at about 20C/70F (between 16C/60F and 27C/80F) for your health, your floor, and your wood furnishings.Please keep relative humidity in your home at about 45% (between 30% and 50%) and indoor temperature at about 20C/70F (between 16C/60F and 27C/80F) for your health, your floor, and your wood furnishings.
Please keep relative humidity in your home at about 45% (between 30% and 50%) and indoor temperature at about 20C/70F (between 16C/60F and 27C/80F) for your health, your floor, and your wood furnishings.Please keep relative humidity in your home at about 45% (between 30% and 50%) and indoor temperature at about 20C/70F (between 16C/60F and 27C/80F) for your health, your floor, and your wood furnishings.