When you're installing new flooring, you want everything to go smoothly. But before you dive in with luxury vinyl flooring, there’s a question that needs answering: does it really need to be acclimated? You’ve probably heard mixed advice, and we’re here to break it down. Spoiler alert—yes, acclimation matters, and here’s why.
What is acclimation, and why is it important?
Acclimation is simple: it’s giving your flooring time to adjust to the environment where it’ll be installed. Why does this matter? Because materials expand and contract based on temperature and humidity. Even tough, moisture-resistant luxury vinyl flooring isn’t immune to this.
Skipping this step can lead to gaps, warping, or uneven planks down the road. You don’t want to redo your floor because of avoidable mistakes. Trust us—acclimation saves you from headaches later.
How to acclimate luxury vinyl floors
Acclimating LVP flooring doesn’t take much effort. Here’s what you do:
- Bring the flooring into the space where it’ll be installed.
- Lay the boxes flat and keep them sealed for at least 24-48 hours.
- Ensure the room is at the right temperature (usually between 65°F and 85°F) and has stable humidity.
That’s it. The flooring adjusts to the environment, and you’re good to go. This small step makes a big difference in the longevity of your new floors.
Are there exceptions to the rule?
Some types of luxury vinyl flooring don’t require acclimation—think rigid core or click-lock varieties. However, always check the manufacturer’s guidelines. They’ll tell you if you can skip this step. Ignoring those instructions can void warranties, and no one wants that.
The risks of skipping acclimation
What happens if you don’t acclimate? Well, you’re gambling with your floor’s performance. Uneven gaps, buckling, and planks pulling away are just a few of the issues that might pop up. And once they do, fixing them is no easy task.
Your experts on luxury vinyl flooring in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
So, does LVP flooring need to be acclimated? Most of the time, the answer is yes. Taking this one step ensures your floors look and perform their best for years.
If you’re ready to install luxury vinyl flooring in your home, let us help! Visit Hailo Flooring to find the perfect style, and our team will guide you through every step—including acclimation. We have a showroom in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, and we serve the Inland Empire, which is the Southern California region adjacent to Los Angeles, as well as San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
