Q: Do you absolutely need to have air conditioning installed before laying hardwood floors? What if you have a dehumidifier and can keep the humidity in the acceptable range?
I do plan on having AC installed eventually. I’m in Ohio, we have warm humid weather during the summer months.
A: Hardwood floors have been installed in houses many decades before air conditioning was invented. And many of those floors are still in use. So, there is your answer.
It is a very good idea to make sure the wood is acclimated in the areas it will be installed to the temperatures and humidity that generally exists for that location. This will help to reduce gaps developing during dry seasons and will prevent excessive swelling of the wood from high humidity levels, possibly causing cupping and lifting of the floor.
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