Wood is hygroscopic, meaning it expands and contracts in response to the surrounding humidity. This ongoing, invisible battle happens every day, through every season, year after year.
When it comes to the battle of wood vs. water,
Water wins, every time!
In general, wood floors begin perfectly flat after sanding and finishing. From that point forward, the wood will naturally respond to any changes in moisture—whether intentional or accidental.
Magic trick: start with a beautiful, flat wood floor. Then add excessive moisture—like from a damp basement during spring and summer, even for just a few days—and voilà… you get beautifully 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.
With decades of wood floor experience, we’ve seen plenty of shortcuts that could be taken—but most are definitely best avoided!
For every action, there is an equal and opposite re-action.
No matter how hard some try, you simply can’t cheat the laws of physics.