Stability of Hardwood Floors


The stability of hardwood flooring relates to how much change can take place with Pine floor stability is lowmoisture changes in the environment. With lower stability ratings expect more shrinkage (gapping) during extended dry conditions. Higher moisture conditions will cause more expansion.

These characteristics are more common with solid hardwoods and not engineered. It should be noted hardwood installed with high moisture content will shrink regardless of the stability factor.¹ The opposite will be true of hardwoods with low moisture content.

There are differences in stability from one hardwood to the next, although most are suitable without much need to make adjustments. Two common hardwoods species in particular that should be addressed are Hickory and Maple. The two are not suitable for climates or

conditions that present wide swings in the environment's relative humidity during a calendar year. Adding systems that regulate the relative humidity within the home is the only real answer to maintaining these two species without complications.

Related to stability we could throw in wide plank hardwood floors. With all species, the wider the plank (exception engineered and vertical grain) the more movement the floor will take on with excessive movements in relative humidity within the environment. For a better explanation, wider boards show more gapping or swelling during these periods opposed to narrower boards.

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¹ The reference pertains to climates that have seasons, or those homeowners that at times utilize heating or air conditioning, while opening the home during pleasant outdoor weather conditions. As always, be aware of the conditions in which the floor will be installed and maintaining a committed level of relative humidity within the home environment afterwards. See more on humidity and hardwood floors.

Related Pages:

• Moisture Testing