Should You Install Hardwood Flooring in Toronto in Winter?

Are you thinking about installing hardwood flooring in your Toronto home but can’t decide whether winter is a good time?

Being a natural product, hardwood flooring has been popularly used in homes for years. However, when it comes to natural flooring materials and installation, timing is vital, and the same applies to hardwood flooring.

While hardwood flooring comes in different grades and has many benefits, such as durability and beauty, humidity and sudden temperature fluctuations can cause the planks to swell and contract. And while most of us believe winter isn’t a good time for hardwood flooring installation, this isn’t the case.

Read this post to discover what you need to know about installing hardwood flooring in Toronto during winter.

Does Winter Affect Hardwood Flooring Installation in Toronto? 

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide whether it’s a good idea to install hardwood flooring in winter.

Is winter a good time to purchase and install hardwood flooring in Canada?

As mentioned, timing is everything when purchasing and installing hardwood flooring in Toronto and elsewhere in Canada.

1. Before the Holiday Season Begins 

During the holidays, most of us are hosting family and friends, making it a good time to consider investing in hardwood flooring installation. Plus, this is a good time for the flooring to be adjusted to withstand higher foot traffic, preparing it for the rest of the year. What’s more, new flooring will ensure your home looks better and add to its overall aesthetic appeal. Hardwood flooring also offers a sense of warmth, making winter a good time to revamp your home and prepare for the new year.

2. When Others Aren’t Buying 

It’s a good idea to purchase hardwood flooring when others aren’t as you may get a good bargain. This is because many homeowners are under the impression that winter isn’t a suitable time for hardwood installation. Hence, most stores reduce their pricing.

Plus, many have holidays and New Year’s deals to attract customers and get rid of old stock. And since there won’t be as many people competing for the material, it will make shopping less stressful as you won’t have to endure long lines. The item you want is also less likely to be out of stock.

Benefits of Hardwood Flooring Installation in Winter 

 

1. There Is Less Moisture in the Air

Humidity plays an integral role in hardwood installation as too much can warp and buckle the planks quickly which can make the flooring look uneven.

Plus, installers also have to think about trapped moisture under the planks which may harbour mildew and mould, making the environment unsuitable. However, winters bring with them dry weather, making one less thing for installers to worry about. This makes it one of the best times for hardwood flooring installation in Toronto.

2. Planks Can Properly Acclimate 

It’s a good idea to acclimate wooden planks; meaning they should be exposed to the air of their surroundings. This gives the material a better chance of surviving longer without sustaining damage.

Since humidity levels are higher in summer, it’s better not to install hardwood flooring during this time. No matter how careful you are, there’s a chance that your hardwood planks will trap moisture beneath them, resulting in mould and/or mildew.

However, when you install flooring in winter, you give the planks a better chance to acclimate. This allows the wood to properly get used to low humidity levels and temperature. Since winters are generally drier than other seasons, you won’t have to worry about moisture getting trapped underneath the floorboards.

3. The Plank Sizes Don’t Change Much 

Like most organic materials, hardwood planks tend to expand when the temperature is high and contract when it’s low. It also changes depending on the humidity, with damp air making them expand and dry conditions making them contract. This happens because the vessels in the tree trunks are vertically aligned tubes that carry nutrients and water up the trunk from the ground. Hence, when the environment is moist, these vessels absorb water, causing the planks to expand. So, when installed during summer, the organic material will absorb moisture and expand; you will most likely not see issues until winter. This will result in the planks contracting and result in gaps appearing between the boards.

That said, there’s no need to be alarmed if you notice smaller gaps during the winter months as it gives some much-needed growing room to the material. This allows it to expand without damaging the surrounding planks.

As you can see, winter is a great time for hardwood flooring installation in Toronto. The material offers a long life span and is easy to maintain. So, are you ready to add warmth to your home this winter and beat the winter chills? Then get in touch with our experts for a free consultation.