I've been getting bids from contractors for my project - tear out carpet in upstairs bedroom and stairs. Install 3/4" x 2 1/4" solid White Oak Select with poly satin finish. Install White Oak solid treads with painted risers.

I emailed some questions to one contractor and got this back in an email.

“We do not PRE ACCLIMATE . But after installation we want to acclimate for 30 days prior to sanding..”

I'm on the coast in San Diego - RH around 70-90%. The flooring (if stored locally) would be in 40-50% RH (even less if coming from Wisc.).

Wouldn't some amount of pre - acclimation be necessary?

He went on to say, Our Motto is hire a specialist like us and let us do our job with no interferance ..

It does matter. Here is a link to an article which will explain more specifics that you can apply to your home.

http://www.hardwoodfloorsmag.com/inspec ... tters.html

Goes against the norm. I'd be interested to know what their philosophy and installation method is. Also, manufacturer's installation instructions usually call for acclimation.....so how does this installer square with that if there are warranty issues related to acclimation?

I agree with your flooring contractor; let him do His Job. I never acclimate either. There is more to explain to the (new expert) the home owner, than can be understood.
I will Not make an effort to do it here. Warranties are Not worth the paper it is written on, is all I will say. If you can't entrust the complete job to this flooring contractor, good luck in deciding who YOU should trust.
Go evaluate the quality work he has (done) . . .then give Him a vote of confidence.

No acclimation is just crazy and goes against all wood science. Unless you know your space's ambient temp and rh is equal to the woods moisture content. I certainly wouldn't nail down some wood thats 9% MC in an environment thats 30% rh or below.

Basically what Stephen said.The only right way to install a floor is to moisture test the flooring, moisture test the sub flooring/substrate and test the relative humidity in the house itself.

Sometimes, letting the wood sit before sanding is good and sometimes it is a terrible idea.For instance , if you let it sit after installation for 30 days during winter and forced hot air heating dries it out, the flooring will shrink like crazy and that would be completely foolish.

Ask prospective contractors to moisture test the wood and sub flooring and then record the results with a camera or smart phone and then explain to you what the proper course is .