Does Laminate Flooring Have to Acclimate? Essential Guide: Why acclimation matters for laminate flooring, expert tips & real mistakes to avoid

Let’s get this out of the way first: Yes, acclimating laminate flooring is crucial—no matter what the box or store says. Skipping this step can mean warping, awkward gaps, or that frustrating raised seam you’ll notice every time you walk into the room. But why does laminate need this time to settle in, and how do you do it right? As someone who’s renovated dozens of homes, I’ve seen firsthand how acclimation (or lack thereof) can make or break a flooring project. Let’s walk through the real-world reasons, best practices, and some hard-learned lessons.

The process is simple but not always as obvious as it seems. Laminate, like wood, contains fibers and resins that can absorb or release moisture. This is especially true if you’ve got a batch that’s traveled across the country or sat in a warehouse for a bit. Without acclimation—bringing the planks into your home and letting them rest in the room they’ll be installed in—those differences in temperature and humidity can cause the flooring to change size after installation.

For context, the National Wood Flooring Association and most laminate manufacturers—whether you pick up a box at a big box store or order high-end—recommend 48–72 hours of acclimation. During this time, the unopened boxes of laminate planks should sit flat in the installation space, away from direct sunlight or moisture. This gives each piece a chance to adapt to your home’s environment, reducing the risk of contraction or expansion later on.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

One homeowner I worked with in Oregon ignored the acclimation window because their contractor was in a rush. Within weeks, the new living room floor developed buckling right along the window—where changes in sunlight and temperature are most extreme. We ended up having to remove several planks and start from scratch, costing both time and money. Another apartment project in New York had the opposite issue—flooring was left unpacked for too long in a humid basement, absorbing excess moisture and resulting in soft, swollen edges after install.

Level of Detail & Time

How long does acclimation usually take? If you live somewhere with wild seasonal changes (think Denver’s spring humidity swings or Miami’s tropical air), go for a full 72 hours to be safe, especially for large open floor plans. Most manufacturers specify temperature should be kept between 65–85° F (18–29° C) and relative humidity at 35–65%. Pro tip: Bring in the unopened boxes, lay them flat, and stack crosswise with airflow in between. Don’t open until you’re ready to install.

If you’re considering designing your floor plan in advance, using a 2D planning tool helps ensure you’re not only acclimating your flooring but also visualizing how room temperature or sunlight might affect different sections of the space.

AI-Assisted Modeling

Embracing modern design tech can really help here. I’ve started using AI-driven design platforms to simulate not just look and layout, but also environmental factors. These tools let me factor in real sunlight patterns, HVAC vent locations, and more—helping me spot spots that might need extra care during acclimation or installation. That little bit of high-tech prep can cut problems off before they start.

Client Collaboration Insights

Acclimation isn’t just a builder’s issue—it’s something clients should know about from the start. I make sure every homeowner understands why those few extra days matter, and sometimes even use interactive room planners to walk clients through the process. Setting expectations means no surprise calls when floors shift or pop months after install.

Case Studies & Real Examples

According to a 2025 Statista report, projects with proper acclimation reported 30% fewer post-installation service calls than those that skipped the step. For example, a recent Chicago-based apartment renovation saw flawless results by keeping the flooring on-site for three days prior. We tracked temperature and humidity levels, and not a single plank needed rework. On the flip side, a rushed job in Atlanta (completed in under 24 hours) led to visible gaps—a fix that took twice as long as the initial install would have.

FAQ

1. What happens if you don’t acclimate laminate flooring?

Skipping acclimation can cause the planks to contract or expand after installation, leading to gaps, buckling, or warping.

2. How long do you need to acclimate laminate flooring?

Generally, 48–72 hours is ideal. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for best results.

3. Can you speed up the acclimation process?

Not safely—forcing acclimation with heat or fans can worsen moisture issues.

4. Should the boxes be opened or closed during acclimation?

Most brands recommend keeping boxes unopened until ready to install so the planks acclimate gradually.

5. What temperature and humidity are recommended?

Keep the room at 65–85°F and 35–65% relative humidity during acclimation and installation.

6. Can I stack the boxes or do they need to be spread out?

Stack crosswise with airflow in between, flat on the floor in the installation room.

7. Is it okay to install over old floors without acclimation?

No—regardless of subfloor, laminate needs to acclimate in the actual environment.

8. Do all laminate brands require acclimation?

Almost all do, but always check your specific product instructions.

9. Will using a room planning tool help?

Yes, tools like a room planning platform can help visualize potential problem spots.

10. Could AI floor planning prevent issues?

Absolutely—using AI floor planner simulations can help you factor in real indoor climate patterns, reducing risks.

11. Do floors acclimate faster in small rooms?

Not necessarily; room size has less impact than humidity and airflow conditions.

12. What if my boards start to curl after install?

This is often a sign they didn’t acclimate properly. In severe cases, planks may need replacing after correcting room conditions.