What is an acceptable moisture reading in a hardwood floor?

When installing hardwood flooring, it is essential to ensure that the subfloor is dry enough to prevent moisture-related problems. Moisture can cause the wood to buckle, cup, or warp. Therefore, it is highly recommended to measure the moisture content of the subfloor before installing hardwood flooring.

The acceptable moisture reading for a subfloor varies depending on the type of wood flooring being installed. Here are the recommended moisture content ranges for different types of wood flooring:

• Solid hardwood flooring: 6% – 9%
• Engineered hardwood flooring: 7% – 10%
• Laminate flooring: 10% – 12%

If the moisture content of the subfloor is higher than the recommended range, it is important to take steps to dry the subfloor before installing the flooring.

Here are some tips for measuring the moisture content of a subfloor:

• Use a moisture meter to measure the moisture content of the subfloor.
• Take readings in several different locations across the subfloor.
• Average the readings to get an overall moisture content reading.

If you are unsure about how to measure the moisture content of a subfloor, it is best to consult with a professional flooring contractor.