What should we know about our wood delivery?

Hardwood Floor Delivery Guidelines in Cleveland, Ohio

What Homeowners MUST Know Before Wood Flooring Arrives

If you’re having hardwood flooring delivered to your home in Cleveland, Ohio, proper preparation is critical.

👉 Wood is a natural material that reacts to moisture and temperature, and if it’s not handled correctly before installation, it can lead to issues like:

• Gapping

• Cupping

• Expansion or contraction

At Pasquale Floors, we want to make sure your project starts off the right way. Here are the most important things you need to know before accepting your wood floor delivery:

1. Complete All “Wet Work” Before Delivery

Before your hardwood flooring arrives, make sure all moisture-producing work is completed, including:

• Drywall

• Plaster

• Painting

• Concrete work

👉 These trades add significant moisture to the air, which your wood flooring can absorb.

💡 In Cleveland’s climate, this is especially important—extra moisture can affect how your floors perform long-term.

2. Store Flooring Inside the Home (Not Garage or Basement)

All hardwood flooring must be stored:

• Inside the main living area of the home

• Near the installation area whenever possible

🚫 Do NOT store flooring:

• In the garage

• In the basement (unless the floor is being installed there)

👉 Garages and basements in Northeast Ohio often have higher humidity levels, which can damage the wood before installation.

Pro Tip:

If you have:

• Moving blankets

• Drop cloths

Use them to protect your existing floors.

👉 Delivery companies typically do not provide floor protection

3. Maintain Proper Temperature & Humidity

Before delivery, your home must be climate-controlled for at least 48 hours:

• Temperature: 60–80°F

• Relative Humidity: 30%–50% (ideal)

👉 This allows the wood to properly acclimate to your home’s environment.

💡 Cleveland homes—especially older ones—may struggle with humidity control. Systems like Aprilaire Whole-Home Humidifier can help regulate indoor conditions.

4. Nest the Flooring for Proper Acclimation (Recommended)

For best results, we recommend “nesting” the wood bundles to allow airflow, like the picture.

What this means:

• Lay bundles flat on the floor

• Leave about 4 inches of space between each bundle

• Stack additional rows perpendicular (cross-stacked)

• Maintain spacing for air circulation

👉 This helps the wood acclimate evenly, reducing the risk of movement after installation.

💡 If you ask your delivery team to “nest the bundles,” they should understand what to do.

Why This Matters in Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland’s climate brings:

• Humid summers

• Dry winters

• Frequent temperature swings

👉 If wood flooring is not properly stored and acclimated, it can lead to:

• Cupping

• Gapping

• Installation issues

Proper prep ensures your floors perform the way they should—for years to come.

Questions About Your Hardwood Floor Delivery?

At Pasquale Floors, we guide homeowners throughout:

• Cleveland Heights

• Shaker Heights

• Solon

• Beachwood

• Pepper Pike

• Moreland Hills

• Hunting Valley

• Chagrin Falls

• Aurora

• And More!

📞 Call 216-695-5660—or—📩 Request an estimate online

👉 We’ll make sure your hardwood flooring project is set up for success from day one

(And yes… we actually pick up the phone.)