Acclimating/Acclimatising wood for stairs

What is acclimating (or acclimatising) and why is it important?

Any knowledgeable joiner or carpenter will tell you: “Make sure you let wood acclimate before you use it”. This is a sentiment we echo, and while we take the best care when storing and distributing all our stair parts, to protect your investment we recommend buying wooden stair parts in advance of commencing projects and to give them time to acclimate to your environment. 

For best effect and longevity, wood needs time to adjust to the temperature and humidity of a house before it is installed. Because it is a natural product, changes in temperature or moisture can affect the wood, and while such changes may be unnoticeable to the eye on a single piece of wood, when multiple pieces are installed together it can make a difference. Acclimating the wood helps prevent it from warping, cracking, expanding or shrinking once it’s been installed.

How do I acclimate the wood?

To acclimate your wooden stair parts, we would recommend placing them flat or stack them in a space where air can circulate, as this lets the wood ‘breathe’. It is best if you can carry this process out in the room or space that you are going to install the stair parts with the conditions as they will be, once they have been installed. 

Furthermore, be sure to store the parts properly to avoid any accidental damage or health and safety risks, mainly tripping hazards.

How long should wood be left to acclimate?

Good practice is to leave the stair parts to acclimate for around two weeks, however 48 hours would be fine if the space is at a premium. During this time the wood will continue to lose or gain moisture until it reaches an Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC) with the surrounding air.