How to Store, Acclimate & Prep for Your Provence Natural Hardwood Installation
Provence requires 72 hours of acclimation, a certified installer, and documented compliance records. Here's what needs to happen before work begins.
Storage
Keep boxes flat, vertical storage stresses the click mechanisms of the planks. Store in a climate-controlled space at 65°F–80°F and 35–55% RH. Garages and unheated spaces that are outside of that threshold don't qualify. Keep boxes off concrete and don't open them until you have them in a suitable location.
Acclimation
72 hours of acclimation in the installation area is a warranty requirement. The room must hold 65°F–80°F and 35–55% RH for the full 72 hours with the home fully enclosed. Keep boxes sealed and stacked flat, they acclimate from the outside in. Document temperature and humidity readings throughout. This log is required for any warranty claim.
Plan your delivery and installer schedule with three full days built in before work begins.
Subfloor Requirements
- Flat: no more than 3/16" over 10 feet
- Clean: free of dust, adhesive, wax, oil, and grease
- Dry and moisture-tested: results documented before installation
- Structurally sound: no flex, squeak, or instability
- No radiant heat: not covered under warranty
Professional installation is mandatory. Provence must be fully nailed or glued down by an NWFA or CFI-certified installer. DIY installation voids the warranty.
Inspect Before Installing
Inspect every plank before installation begins, this is a warranty requirement. Do not install a plank with visible damage. Installing with visible defects constitutes acceptance. Contact support@flooret.com if you find a defect before proceeding.
Grain variation, color tone, and mineral streaking are natural characteristics of European White Oak, not defects.
Pre-Installation Checklist
- Climate stabilized: 65°F–80°F and 35–55% RH for 72+ hours
- Boxes stored flat: Horizontal only, vertical storage can damage the click joints
- 72-hour acclimation complete: Unopened boxes in the installation room
- Subfloor flat: 3/16" over 10 ft per NWFA guidelines
- Subfloor clean and dry: Free of dust, adhesive, wax, oil, grease, and moisture
- Moisture tested: Results documented, required for warranty
- Planks inspected: No visible defects before installation begins
- Certified installer confirmed: NWFA or CFI certified, DIY voids the warranty
- Compliance log started: Installer docs, moisture test records, climate log
Common Questions
Can I acclimate in my garage?
Only if it holds 65°F–80°F and 35–55% RH for the full 72 hours. Most garages don't. Bring the boxes inside.
Do I need to open the boxes during acclimation?
You do not need to open the boxes for acclimation. You can keep them sealed and flat to allow for gradual acclimation over 72 hrs.
What documentation do I need?
Installer invoice showing NWFA/CFI certification, moisture test records, and a climate log from the acclimation period. Flooret will require these if you file a warranty claim.
Can Provence be installed over radiant heat?
Damage caused by or resulting from installation over radiant heat systems is not covered under warranty.
Questions? Email support@flooret.com or call 1-800-700-8122. M-F, 8 AM–7 PM CST.