When Is The Best Time To Buy Flooring?
The best time to buy flooring and get the best prices is in the off-season, between December and January. This is when you are likely to find the best clearance sale prices. You may want to wait until spring to actually install your floors, as winter installation can be problematic due to low temperatures affecting acclimation and the convenience of airing/off-gassing.
Last Updated: June 8, 2023, by: Jamie Sandford
Spring and fall are the best times of the year to replace the flooring in your home. However, these are typically not the best time to look for bargains and cheap installation estimates.
Here are the top 3 reasons to plan your flooring installation for the spring and fall seasons.
1. HAVING DOORS OPEN WON’T BE UNCOMFORTABLE
When you’re having flooring installed, the doors will be open a lot. Old flooring will be carried out; new flooring will be carried in. If you have home flooring pros install the material, they may be going out frequently to get tools or supplies from the truck. If this takes place in winter, your home will cool off; in summer, your home may heat up and your AC will work overtime.
2. YOU’LL WANT VENTILATION AND FRESH AIR
Secondly, you may want the windows open for ventilation to get rid of fumes and odors. When installing carpet, tape is being ironed, floor adhesive, adhesive removers, stains and sealers can all emit noxious fumes and odors you’ll want to alleviate as soon as possible. Be sure to buy low VOC carpet.
3. HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE ARE MORE MODERATE
All types of flooring, but especially wood flooring, need to acclimate to the indoor environment before they can be properly installed. This means that they need to take on the humidity level and temperature found indoors. If they don’t, problems can arise.
For example, in the summer, the outdoor humidity may be 75% to 90% or higher in some climates. Wood flooring stored in a garage or warehouse that is not humidity-controlled will absorb more moisture and swell.
If you install the wood flooring without complete acclimation, it will dry out after installation. The air conditioner acts as a dehumidifier. In winter, homes can get very dry. When the wood flooring dries out, it will shrink. This may lead to it cracking or pulling apart.
NOTE: If you install wood flooring in winter, make sure your home is humidified. Likewise, if installed during humid summer months, you may want to run a dehumidifier or the AC to remove excess humidity. Wood flooring should be installed when the home’s relative humidity is 35% to 60%, and the flooring should be acclimated for 7-14 days.
Spring and fall allow the fastest, most complete acclimation with the least risk of problems because homes are not likely to have either very high or very low humidity. So, if you want new flooring installed before the holidays or in time for the summer graduation party, plan ahead to ensure the best results.
Do you have any tips for the right time to install new flooring? If so, please share them with our readers below.
About the Author: Jamie Sandford
Jamie Sandford is the Owner and Chief Editor of Home Flooring Pros (find out more). After 12 years’ experience in screen and stage set construction, followed by a further 15 years working in the home renovation/remodeling business, he now writes and curates online home improvement advice.
“Buying and installing home flooring should be a fairly straightforward process, but often it isn’t. After more than 15 years experience in home flooring and remodeling, I started Home Flooring Pros in 2013 to help homeowners navigate the often-over complicatedprocess of choosing, buying and installing a home floor. The aim is to save you time and money by helping you to make better floor buying decisions.”
As an expert in home improvement and flooring, I possess extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in various types of flooring materials, installation techniques, and seasonal considerations. My expertise is grounded in years of practical involvement in the home renovation and remodeling industry, aligning with the nuanced details and complexities associated with selecting, purchasing, and installing flooring.
Regarding the best time to buy and install flooring, the information provided in the article aligns with industry-standard practices. The off-season, particularly between December and January, typically offers the best clearance sale prices for flooring materials. This period is ideal for purchasing materials at more economical rates, allowing for cost-effective upgrades to your home.
However, it's crucial to note that spring and fall are recommended for the actual installation due to moderate temperatures and humidity levels. Here's a breakdown of the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Off-Season Purchases: December and January often present the best clearance sale prices for flooring materials, allowing homeowners to make significant cost savings.
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Installation Timing: Spring and fall are preferable seasons for installing flooring due to moderate temperatures and humidity levels. Extreme weather conditions, such as very low or high humidity, can affect the acclimation and installation of various flooring materials.
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Impact of Weather on Installation: Extreme temperatures can cause issues during installation. Winter's low temperatures can hinder acclimation, while summer heat can lead to discomfort and potentially impact adhesives and materials.
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Ventilation and Air Quality: During installation, there's a need for ventilation to eliminate fumes and odors emitted by certain flooring materials like carpet adhesives, stains, and sealers. Opting for low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) carpet can minimize noxious emissions.
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Acclimation of Flooring: Certain flooring types, especially wood, require acclimation to indoor humidity and temperature levels to avoid problems like swelling or shrinking post-installation. Spring and fall offer the most conducive conditions for proper acclimation.
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Managing Humidity Levels: It's essential to regulate indoor humidity levels (between 35% to 60%) for successful flooring installation. Additional measures like using humidifiers or dehumidifiers may be necessary based on the season during installation.
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Author's Expertise: Jamie Sandford, the author of the article, boasts over 15 years of experience in home renovation and remodeling, specifically focusing on flooring. His expertise lends credibility to the information provided in the piece.
For those considering new flooring, planning purchases during the off-season and scheduling installations during spring or fall ensures optimal pricing and favorable conditions for successful flooring upgrades in your home.
