What temperature should the house be at for install?

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Q: I’m about to install unfinished 3/4″ oak in my home which is under construction. What temperature should the house be at for install? I don’t have heat yet and it’s December (in Rhode Island).

A: The environment in the house should be at normal living conditions. So, if it is 50 F in the house and that is where you are going to keep it year round, that will be fine. Otherwise, standard recommendations for installation are that all wet trades be complete, windows and HVAC installed and operating. The floor should be acclimated to the environment of the rooms, which should be within range of normal living and the moisture of the sub structure should be checked with a meter to ensure it is within 4% of the oak floor.

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