Wood is hygroscopic. It expands or contracts in response to the humidity around it. This is a constant unseen battle that goes on every day, every season, all year long, year after year…
When it comes to the battle of wood vs. water,
Water wins, every time!
In general, wood floors will start off flat after they have been sanded and finished. From that point on, the wood will react to any and all moisture changes, whether it’s on purpose, or not.
Magic trick: start with a beautiful, flat wood floor, then add excessive moisture, such as in the basement during the spring and summer months (or even as short as just a few days) and voila…
you now have beautiful CUPPED wood floors!
Hygroscopic:
Definition: readily taking up and retaining moisture.
The ability to absorb and release moisture from the air.
Ex: dry sponges are highly hygroscopic.
Sweet Spot:
Wood floors do best when RH% air is stabilized YEAR-ROUND between 40% min and 55% max relative humidity.
It’s all about proper humidification and dehumidification.
Over many decades of wood floor experience, we’ve seen a lot of short cuts that “could” be done, but are most often things that should NOT be done!
For every action, there is an equal and opposite re-action!
Try as some may, but you just can’t cheat the Laws of Physics.