What is an Acceptable Moisture Reading in a Hardwood Floor?

Moisture is the enemy of hardwood floors. It can cause the wood to swell, buckle, and crack. This can be a costly problem to fix.

The acceptable moisture reading for a hardwood floor is between 6% and 9%. If the moisture reading is too high, the wood will be more likely to swell and buckle. If the moisture reading is too low, the wood will be more likely to crack.

There are a number of things you can do to avoid moisture problems in your hardwood floor.

• Keep the humidity in your home at a moderate level. The ideal humidity level for a hardwood floor is between 30% and 50%. You can use a hygrometer to measure the humidity in your home.
• Use a humidifier in the winter months. This will help to add moisture to the air and prevent the wood from drying out.
• Avoid using a humidifier in the summer months. This will help to keep the humidity level in your home low and prevent the wood from swelling.
• Wipe up spills immediately. Water can damage hardwood floors, so it is important to wipe up spills as soon as they occur.
• Protect your floor from direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can damage hardwood floors, so it is important to protect your floor from exposure to direct sunlight.
• Use a protective finish. A protective finish will help to seal the wood and protect it from moisture.

By following these tips, you can help to avoid moisture problems in your hardwood floor.