Vinyl flooring is a durable and beautiful option for nearly any area of the home. It’s also famously easy to maintain, though careful installation and acclimation are key to ensuring years of care-free use. Find out how to acclimate vinyl plank and tile flooring ahead of your next upgrade.
Acclimating Vinyl Flooring: Why It Matters
Like most types of flooring, vinyl tile and vinyl plank flooring need to acclimate to account for changes in temperature and humidity. Air temperature and humidity vary widely, especially if your new flooring is coming straight from a warehouse to your home. These swings in conditions can cause vinyl flooring products to expand or contract, potentially creating gaps or buckling once the installation is complete. Acclimation can help prevent damage to new flooring.
How to Acclimate Vinyl Plank Flooring
Both luxury vinyl tile and luxury vinyl plank require a short acclimation period. Fortunately, the process is very easy and is part of Floor Coverings International® of the West Florida Panhandle’s installation plan. There are four things to keep in mind when acclimating vinyl flooring to a new space:
- Store new vinyl flooring inside. Indoor humidity levels should be between 30% and 50% to prevent warping and maintain healthy indoor air quality.
- Keep the flooring flat. Stack the boxes flat or, if possible, take them out of the box and lay them on the floor for more direct exposure.
- Most manufacturers recommend allowing 48 hours to acclimate. Check your product's care directions or ask your local flooring experts for guidance.
- Maintain the right temperature. Vinyl flooring’s ideal temperature range varies from 65°F to 85°F during installation and above 55°F for the first day or two after installation is complete. Always follow the manufacturer's specific instructions to protect your flooring investment.
Is There Vinyl Plank Flooring That Doesn’t Need to Acclimate?
There are some newer vinyl products engineered to shorten or eliminate the acclimation period. Most of these products are designed around a more humidity-resistant core than those found in traditional options.
- Stone Plastic Composite (SPC): Extremely dense and rigid, SPC is less prone to expansion or contraction.
- Wood Plastic Composite (WPC): While less dense than SPC, wood plastic composite cores typically require little acclimation, if any.
Always check the manufacturer's instructions; ignoring the acclimation period could void your warranty. That’s why it’s always a good idea to count on Floor Covering International® of West Florida Panhandle’s expert team for professional vinyl flooring installation.
Elevate Your Home with Beautiful Vinyl Flooring
Discover the perfect flooring for every space in your home with our extensive selection of products. We offer the Florida Panhandle’s largest flooring catalog, and we bring it right to you with our Mobile Flooring Showroom®.
Shop in total convenience from Pensacola to Milton and beyond; schedule your free in-home consultation with us today!
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