The Best Time of Year to Install New Floors in New England

Wood fibers absorb and release moisture. In humid summers, wood and laminate expand slightly. In winter, when the heat runs and indoor air gets very dry, they shrink. That is normal, and a well installed floor allows for it with acclimation and an expansion gap at the walls.

Problems happen when material is installed during one extreme without acclimation, then the season changes. Boards installed tight in August can show gaps in January. Boards installed in a bone dry January without a gap can buckle in July.

Spring is a popular time for flooring because it pairs with other projects and moving season. Humidity is moderate. Basements can be damper with snowmelt and rain, so moisture checks there are important.

Summer is fine for vinyl plank and tile. For hardwood and laminate, run the air conditioning or a dehumidifier so indoor conditions are close to what they will be most of the year, and give the material time to acclimate.

Many installers consider fall one of the best seasons for wood floors in New England. Humidity drops, temperatures are mild, and floors installed then settle in before the heating season. It is also a good time to finish projects before the holidays.

Winter is often a good time to get on the schedule, and interior work is not affected by snow. Indoor air is dry, so wood should acclimate under the same heated conditions it will live in. Tile and vinyl plank are not affected much by the season.

Whatever the month, the best time to start is when the subfloor is checked, the material has acclimated and your schedule allows the room to be out of use. PG Solutions installs floors year round around Springfield, Worcester and Milford, and we can help you plan the timing for your material.