The #1 Mistake Everyone Makes When Installing Hardwood Floors (And How to Avoid It!)

July 11, 2025

Are you planning to install hardwood floors in your home? STOP! Before you begin, there’s one critical mistake that could cost you thousands of dollars—and most homeowners don’t even realize they’re making it.

Hardwood flooring is one of the most elegant, durable, and valuable upgrades you can add to your home. But if you don’t install it correctly, your investment could warp, crack, or buckle within months.

In this guide, we’ll reveal the #1 hardwood floor installation mistake and show you how to install hardwood floors correctly with best practices and DIY flooring tips.

Let’s get started!

Before we reveal the most disastrous flooring mistake, let’s go over some other common flooring installation errors that could ruin your project:

1. Rushing the Acclimation Process

Hardwood floors need time to adjust to your home’s temperature and humidity levels before installation. Skipping this step can lead to warping and shrinking (more on this later).

2. Using the Wrong Type of Underlayment

A proper underlayment is crucial for stability, moisture protection, and noise reduction. The wrong choice could lead to creaking floors and moisture damage.

3. Skipping Subfloor Preparation

An uneven subfloor can cause gaps, loose boards, and squeaking. Always check for moisture levels and smoothness before installation.

4. Choosing the Wrong Direction for Planks

Laying your hardwood planks against the floor joists creates a more stable foundation. Installing them incorrectly can lead to structural issues over time.

While these are all serious issues, they’re nothing compared to the #1 mistake we’re about to reveal…

The #1 Mistake Everyone Makes: Not Letting Hardwood Floors Acclimate!

The biggest and most costly mistake in hardwood floor installation? Not letting your hardwood planks acclimate properly before installation.

Why Is Acclimation So Important?

Hardwood is a natural material that expands and contracts based on temperature and humidity. If you install your flooring immediately after delivery, it may absorb moisture or dry out after installation, causing:

Warping – Boards will swell and lift off the subfloor
Buckling – Planks push against each other and lift at the seams
Gaps – The wood contracts, creating visible spaces between boards.

To avoid these costly issues, you must acclimate your flooring before installation.

How Long Should Hardwood Floors Acclimate?

General Rule of Thumb

Most hardwood flooring should acclimate for at least 48-72 hours before installation. However, the ideal timeframe depends on the type of wood, your home’s humidity levels, and the season.

Factors That Affect Acclimation Time

Humidity & Temperature – Your home should be between 60-80°F with 30-50% humidity for best results.
Wood Species – Exotic hardwoods may require up to two weeks to adjust.
Seasonal Conditions – Wood takes longer to adjust in winter due to lower humidity.

How to Know When Your Hardwood is Ready

Use a moisture meter to check the planks. The moisture content should match the subfloor within 2-4% before installation

The Right Way to Acclimate Hardwood Floors (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these best practices for hardwood floor installation to ensure a perfectly stable and durable floor:

Step 1: Store Planks in the Installation Room

Bring the boxes inside at least 2-3 days before installation.
Keep them in the room where they will be installed for accurate acclimation.

Step 2: Stack Them Properly for Airflow

Do not leave flooring in a sealed box—this traps moisture.
Stack planks with spacers to allow proper air circulation.

Step 3: Monitor Humidity and Temperature

Use a hygrometer to check the humidity levels in the room.
Avoid storing flooring in unfinished basements or garages, where moisture is higher.

Step 4: Test Moisture Content Before Installation

Use a moisture meter to compare the moisture levels of the flooring and subfloor.
The difference should be no more than 2-4% before installation.

By following these steps, you’ll prevent expensive flooring installation mistakes and ensure a flawless hardwood floor.

Other Pro Tips for a Flawless Hardwood Floor Installation

Now that you know how to avoid the #1 mistake, here are some additional DIY hardwood flooring tips to get the best results:

Check Subfloor Moisture Levels – A damp subfloor can cause your floors to warp even after acclimation.
Leave Expansion Gaps – Always leave a ¼-inch gap around the edges of the room to allow for natural movement.
Use the Right Fasteners – Using nails or staples that are too short can cause loose boards over time.
Consider Professional Installation – If you’re unsure about your skills, hire a professional to avoid costly mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don’t let my hardwood floor acclimate?
Your flooring may warp, buckle, or develop large gaps as it adjusts to your home’s climate.
Can I speed up the acclimation process?
No. Hardwood needs at least 48-72 hours to properly adjust. Rushing this step can cause installation failures.
Do engineered hardwood floors need acclimation?
Yes! While engineered wood is more stable, it still requires at least 24-48 hours to adjust.
How can I measure moisture levels before installation?
Use a moisture meter to compare the moisture content of the wood and subfloor before installing.
What’s the best humidity level for hardwood floors?
The ideal range is 30-50% humidity with temperatures between 60-80°F. If your home is too dry, consider using a humidifier to maintain stability.

Final Thoughts: Avoid This Mistake for a Perfect Floor!

If you’re installing hardwood flooring, acclimating your planks is the most important step. By taking the time to let your wood adjust, you can avoid warping, buckling, and gaps—saving yourself time, money, and frustration.