Hi guys, I am planning to install a pre-finished Maple hardwood floor in my living room. I was instructed by the flooring supplier to make sure to not open the boxes of wood flooring until the 4-5 day acclamation period, and I was also told by another installer to open them up prior to this adjustment period.

Who is correct, and what should the room humidity be prior to installation?? Should I test both the subfloor and the new hardwood to see what their moisture levels are and what is an optimum percentage prior to putting the flloring down?

Thanks,

ODDJOB

This is a tricky grey area. The manufacturer is wanting you to acclimate to temp as those type instructions will not allow acclimation to rh in the box very well and not at all if wrapped in cellophane inside. Your installer is used to acclimating to temp and rh.

What you need to do is get inside a box if need be to access the installation requirements. Typically they will instruct you to maintain relative humidity insdie the house to 35 to 55% rh.
It's best if this interior rh ajustment is made prior to installation. Even if it means getting a humidifier or dehumidifier, or running an ac unit depending on the season. Key word here is "maintain".

It is best to install at your median rh for your area. In dry zones it's best to install to at least 35% rh which usually will require a humidifier.