Long term storage of unused, pre-finished hardwood

[lhfarm]

Just finished having a pre-finished hardwood floor installed. The installer recommended that we keep one unopened box in case of a future need. We are talking years of storage. I was just going to store it in the attic, but my wife is concerned about the high heat and humidity. Should I be concerned?


Thanks,

 

[murphy1244]

Just finished having a pre-finished hardwood floor installed. The installer recommended that we keep one unopened box in case of a future need. We are talking years of storage. I was just going to store it in the attic, but my wife is concerned about the high heat and humidity. Should I be concerned?


Thanks,

Yes, store it in the garage

 

[bubbacuse77]

Your wife is right, ideally keep it somewhere where you will have controlled humidity. If you don't the unfinished side will expand as it takes on moisture and warp the boards into a cupping shape.

 

[300UGUY]

I keep a box in a unheated, outside shed. Attics get pretty hot.

 

[hunterridgefarm]

Ideally you would keep this in the same environment as you plan to use it in. Store it in the house somewhere, closet, cabinet, etc.

I would not store it in the attic. However if it is still sealed in the box and wrapped in plastic (?) you could store it in a shed, garage or basement. Without proper humidity you will run the risk of expansion and warp as bubbacuse77 stated.

This product being prefinished had the stain/finish baked on so this wood may be dryer than a raw wood floor installed then finished.

However the prefinished floor is moved around on truck, left in warehouses, and then moved to the sales floor. So as long as you have some controlled environment it should be fine.

If you ever need to replace a section of your floor let the wood sit in the house for a few days or couple of weeks to become acclimated to the change.

 

[Beltman60]

I have 4 boxes slid under my bed now for 2 1/2 years
I'm wanting to do the stairs and just haven't had time
but I know they are in the same environment as whats down

 

[mjarrels]

I have a bunch stored in my barn, been there for years. Actually saw it a few years ago. Don't know what it looks like now and hopefully will never need it.

mark

 

[Pete Judd]

In a closet in the house. Same temp and moisture over the years that that the floor has. Should fit 20 years from now, but won't have the same UV but may not have the same color as the what was laid on the floor.

 

[lhfarm]

Thanks everyone. Glad I asked. I'll find a friendly place to store it.