Winter is the Perfect Time to Install New Hardwood Flooring

January 18, 2023

There are countless benefits to investing in home renovations. In many cases, they can improve the function as well as the aesthetic of your home. Additionally, they can also add to the value of your property.

However, if you’re planning a home renovation, you must consider the time of year. For example, it’s not ideal for certain renovations, such as roofing or exterior painting, to be done during the winter season. On the other hand, winter is an ideal time to do some interior home improvements, such as installing new hardwood floors.

4 Reasons to Install Hardwood Flooring in the Winter

Although you can install new hardwood floors at any time of the year, they are best suited for a winter installation. The following are the primary reasons why you should install your hardwood floors during the winter:

1. Hardwood Won’t Expand in the Winter

Wood expands when exposed to heat and moisture. This means that if you’re installing hardwood floors in the summer, the wood you’re installing has likely expanded. This happens because when humidity levels are high (which they tend to be in the summer), wood absorbs more moisture, causing it to expand.

Once temperatures drop, the wood will contract, which can cause the boards to come apart or warp, leaving gaps between the boards. By waiting until the winter to install your hardwood flooring, you can ensure that the wood won’t expand, making for a more secure and reliable installation. Of course, small gaps will need to be left between the boards to allow for expansion once temperatures rise.

2. Moisture Won’t be Trapped Below the Floors

In addition to causing the wood itself to swell and warp, high humidity levels can also cause a problem if moisture is trapped below the floors during installation. If moisture is trapped below your flooring, it can eventually cause the wood to warp and buckle. Additionally, if the area below your hardwood floors is damp, it can lead to mold or mildew growth.

3. Hardwood Can Acclimate During the Winter

When installing hardwood floors, it’s important to ensure that the wood can acclimate to the environment inside your home. Acclimation helps wooden boards adjust to the humidity levels, preventing warping and expansion once you’ve installed them. In order for the wood to acclimate properly, it needs to be kept at a consistent temperature for at least ten hours.

During the winter, it’s much easier to maintain consistent temperatures in your home than it is during the summer, when temperatures and humidity levels can fluctuate significantly.

4. Contractors Aren’t as Busy During the Winter

Finally, one of the biggest advantages of installing hardwood floors in the winter is that contractors are usually less busy during this time of the year. This means that you have a better chance of finding a qualified contractor who is available to work on your project. If you install your hardwood floors in the summer instead, you might find it difficult to find a contractor that isn’t already booked — and if you do, it could cost you more.

Install Hardwood Flooring This Winter

Hardwood flooring adds warmth and charm to any home, instantly transforming a space into something unique. Plus, hardwood flooring can be incredibly durable, lasting for years with proper care and maintenance. If you’re thinking about investing in a home renovation this winter, now is a great time to consider installing new hardwood flooring. For information about our home renovation services, contact Community Renovations today.