Luxury vinyl tile flooring is one of the most popular choices for modern homes. It looks great, handles traffic like a champ, and holds up in areas where moisture is a concern. But before you rip open the boxes and start installing, you might be wondering: Does LVT flooring need to acclimate? The short answer is yes. And skipping this step can lead to issues you don’t want to deal with later. Let’s break it down.
What acclimation means and why it matters
Acclimating your luxury vinyl flooring means letting it sit in the room where it’ll be installed, usually for 24 to 48 hours. Why? Because flooring materials, even tough ones like vinyl, expand and contract depending on temperature and humidity.
If you store your LVT flooring in a garage or warehouse, then bring it straight into a warm home and install it right away, it hasn’t had time to adjust. That can cause the planks or tiles to shift, separate, or buckle after installation. Once that happens, you’ve got a mess on your hands—and your warranty might not cover it.
How to acclimate your LVT flooring the right way
Don’t worry. Acclimating your luxury vinyl tile is simple. Here’s what we recommend:
- Store it in the room where it will be installed: Keep the boxes flat and unopened. Spread them out so air can circulate.
- Let it sit for at least 48 hours: Check your product’s installation guide. Some only require 24 hours, but 48 is safer.
- Keep the room at a consistent temperature: Aim for the same temperature and humidity you plan to maintain after the floor is in. Typically, that means 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
This small step helps your flooring adjust to the room’s environment. That means fewer gaps, fewer problems, and a better-looking floor that lasts.
Are there exceptions to the rule?
Some luxury vinyl flooring products are advertised as no-acclimation or ready-to-install. That sounds great, especially if you’re in a hurry. But take it with a grain of salt.
If your home’s temperature or humidity is very different from where the flooring was stored, even a “ready-to-install” product can run into trouble. Acclimation is still a smart move in most cases, especially in areas with large seasonal swings or high humidity.
What happens if you skip acclimation?
We’ve seen this before. A customer skips acclimating their luxury vinyl tile, thinking it’s not a big deal. A few days after installation, the tiles start to lift at the edges. Or worse, there’s visible gapping between planks.
The fix? Often, it means tearing up the floor and reinstalling it, sometimes with new materials. That’s time-consuming and costly. Avoid the headache. Acclimate first.
Don’t let impatience ruin your new LVT flooring
We get it. You're excited to transform your space. But when it comes to luxury vinyl tile flooring, patience really does pay off. Letting your flooring adjust to the room isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a key part of making sure your investment looks good and lasts long.
Your home for high-quality luxury vinyl tile in Leesburg, FL
If you’re unsure how to prep your luxury vinyl tile flooring, we’re here to help. Our team can guide you through the process, from choosing the right style to installing it the right way.
Reach out to DCO Flooring today! Our showroom in Leesburg, FL, serves Leesburg, The Villages, Tavares, and Lady Lake, FL.
