Last Updated: February 27, 2024
Many homeowners desire wooden flooring due to their aesthetic designs, durability, and convenience, and are willing to spend thousands of dollars. Well maintained hardwood floors can last for generations; however, it is durable but not invincible and requires regular care and maintenance.
Wood is a natural material, and even after being transformed into flooring, it is sensitive to environmental factors such as extreme temperatures and high humidity. When moist Wood expands, but it contracts again when the air is dry and temperature drops. Hardwood floors dry out when there is not enough moisture in the air. Laminate flooring solid woods and even engineered flooring are all vulnerable to the effects of humidity.
Manufacturers recommend that humidity should be kept between 40-70%
How Humidity Affects Wood
As per the National Wood Floor Association (NWFA), 90% of wood flooring failures are related to relative humidity and moisture problems.
Consistently high humidity can swell Wood by as much as 15%. During warm and humid summers, the hardwood floor absorbs moisture from the air, swelling, and expanding, creating pressure between the boards, and causing the boards to warp, cup, or crack. Some of the hardwood floor moisture problems are as mentioned below:
Gapping
When relative humidity is lower than recommended levels, wood plank shrinks, therefore, thin gaps can appear between wood planks. Once the moisture level becomes routine, the hardwood floor expands, and most gaps will close automatically.
Splits & Checks
When the floor wood experiences extreme environments, it becomes stressed and deteriorates, making the hardwood floor brittle, and increasing the likelihood of damage. The wooden board may split, check or crack in the center or at the ends, or damage the grain’s finish.
Cupping
With a disproportionate humidity level or water spillage into the wood plank, the floorboards’ edges swell, and curl upward, becoming higher than its center, making the board appear like a cup. Other reasons for cupping include relative humidity migrating from a basement or crawl space, water infiltration, etc.
Crowning
Crowning is the opposite of cupping, where the center expands upward, and the edges remain flat. The causes of crowning include excess moisture from humidity, spills, or wicking moisture from the sub-floor. Another reason for crowning is if the floor is sanded too soon after cupping.
Buckling
Buckling is a relatively rare but severe condition usually caused by extreme events such as flooding or plumbing issues. The buckled floor expands beyond gaps and pulls away several inches from the subfloor, creating high and low spots. Once the humidity drops, the Wood shrinks back, but some space may remain between the wood boards. In most cases, the buckled planks need to be replaced.
Cracking
When Wood expands due to high moisture, boards start pressing against each other. In extreme cases, this increased pressure can lead them to crack. Even if the humidity is restored at a reasonable level, it may take some time for the Wood to come back to its original shape.
Preventing Hardwood Floor Moisture Problems
Even when it’s treated and sealed, Wood is still a porous, fibrous material and is reactive to moisture content (MC) in the surrounding air. If the air is humid, the Wood will absorb moisture and swell. If the air is dry, wood fibers will release moisture partially back into the air and shrink. While optimal humidity for interior conditions can change for different types of Wood, seasons, and climates, it’s ideal for keeping moisture somewhere between 40 to 60% to minimize contraction and expansion.
Keeping the humidity and temperature level at the recommended level is essential for maintaining the hardwood floor, and is also advisable for a healthy home environment. Regularly monitor the humidity levels with a digital hygrometer. Most hardwood floor manufacturers recommend humidity levels of around 35%.
How to Regulate Humidity for Hardwood Floors
Humidity in the house is continuously vacillating. If you live in a wet area with high humidity levels or have a home with a basement, it is ideal to use a Dehumidifier. If you live in a place with humid summers, you may need to run it seasonally to keep your wood floors in top shape year-round. The key is controlling the climate in your home, keeping it as consistent as possible.
Excess moisture is detrimental for wood floors but everyone’s health. Mold can grow inside of floors, walls, and ceiling spaces. Installing hardwood floors in basements or over crawl spaces can be challenging unless you have a dehumidifier working. Dehumidifiers can be attached to the central heat and air conditioning unit or portable for use in one room.
The NWFA advises that relative humidity levels range from 30 to 50% for hardwood floors’ best performance and life span. The NWFA estimates that relative humidity issues cause approximately 90% of hardwood flooring failures in the home. Many wood flooring manufacturers will require homeowners to maintain correct relative humidity in the house to keep their warranty active.
Use a Dehumidifier
When a dehumidifier is left on an automatic setting, it will remove excess moisture from the air. This will significantly reduce the amount of moisture your wood flooring will absorb, and most automatic settings will maintain humidity at around 50% RH.
Dehumidifiers are designed expressly to remove moisture. They pull air in across cooling coils and collect the moisture. The cooled air is then reheated and returned to the room for better redistribution. Dehumidifiers have one-tenth of the demands of AC units. Some of the latest models also feature humidistats so you can set the desired humidity levels.
Here are the best Dehumidifiers for wooden flooring (With Reviews)
1. Waykar 40 Pint Dehumidifier for Home and Basements
Featuring a powerful compressor and a 112 CFM system, the Waykar dehumidifier can remove up to 0.66 gallons/2.5 L of moisture or 40 pints per day in spaces up to 2000 square feet. The dehumidifier improves air quality and promotes a comforting environment by keeping your place in the ideal 45%-55% humidity and is suitable for humid basements, office, home, bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, stockroom, living room, laundry room, cellars, crawlspace, etc.
The Waykar dehumidifier is integrated with castor design universal pulley, with 360° rotatable wheels and ergonomically designed lift handles to move the machine around easily. The dehumidifier comes with Humidity Auto Control. You can select the desired humidity level. Once it reaches the designated moisture, it will control dehumidification to maintain pre-set humidity levels. The device also comes with an auto-restart option where the dehumidifier switches off automatically when the bucket is full and switches it on again after the bucket is emptied.
The Waykar dehumidifier features an Intelligent control panel. The device also boasts a 24-hour timer setting for pre-set operation, and reduced energy consumption and power outage automatic restart. Additionally, it generates a scant amount of noise so that it does not disturb when you sleep or at work and comes with adjustable fan speeds for multiple choices.
The Waykar dehumidifier comes with a 6.56 feet drain hose attached to the drainpipe hole to drain the dehumidifier water continually. Once the water tank becomes full, the “Full Tank “indicator will light up, the dehumidifier will automatically switch off until the container has been emptied. The unit is also equipped with a reusable and washable filter that preserves fresh and clean air quality. The Waykar Dehumidifier is covered with 30-Days Money Back, one year warranty, 2nd-year warranty extension, and lifetime expert tech support.
Pros
- Large area coverage
- Tranquil operation
- Competitively priced
- Quickly reduces humidity and maintain at the pre-set level
- Energy efficient
Cons
- Small tank size
- A bit tricky to empty the tank or put in a level position.
Why Buy: The Energy Star certified Waykar PD160B model is an excellent choice for medium-sized rooms. The sleek dehumidifier boasts a lot of features and offers whisper-quiet operations.
2. Ivation 50-Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier
The Ivation dehumidifier can remove 50 pints of moisture a day and is capable of reaching areas up to 3,000 sq.ft. The Compressor dehumidifier comes with a built-In humidity sensor. The LCD panel displays the current humidity level, enabling you to set the ideal level for automatic moisture control.
The Ivation dehumidifier comes with innovative filtration and evaporation systems that prevent mold, mildew, structural cracking, and protect from allergens, mites, and asthma triggers. At just 31 pounds, the compact unit fits discreetly in most spaces and is equipped with four durable, smooth-rolling caster wheels that ensure easy transportation. The device offers two fan settings, regular and turbo fan speeds for optimal comfort and a 6-foot, three-prong power cord, and a quick Auto control that enables you to power on and off without adjusting the humidistat.
The Ivation dehumidifier features a convenient 24-hour timer and an easy-empty removable 0.8-gallon tank with transparent level indicator and comfortable handles for convenient carry and removal. The device also comes with a safety Auto-Shutoff sensor that triggers automatic shutoff when the reservoir fills. The unit also features an Auto-restart option and automatically powers on after a power outage, and reusable, washable Air Filters with clean-filter alert.
The Ivation dehumidifier comes with an optional hose connection that allows continuous draining in damp rooms and easily divert water to the basement drain or slop sink. It is challenging to operate compressed dehumidifiers in freezing temperatures, and hence the device features a Frost Sensor that auto-defrost prevents wasted energy and protects evaporator coils. The compressor dehumidifier is also ENERGY STAR Certified.
Pros
- Easy portability with compact size and low weight
- Washable Air filters
Cons
- Challenging to empty the Water Tank Can Be Tricky
- Comes with a Hose but screws are not included
Why Buy: The Ivation Dehumidifier is smart and practical with a plethora of functions to keep your humidity worries at bay and provide a comfortable climate for family and furnishings.
3. AIRPLUS 70 Pints Dehumidifier
Airplus dehumidifier provides high-efficiency dehumidification and can remove up to 70 pints (under 90% RH @ 86°F condition) of water per day. The compact device is ideal for the bathroom living room, kitchen, RV, closet, etc.
The dehumidifier comes with four modes- standard, raining, drying, and sleep. Based on the environmental factors, the intelligent dehumidifier automatically detects humidity and adjusts accurately to maintain it at the desired level. Additionally, the dehumidifier’s two-way timing function for bedroom frees you from waiting to turn on/off.
The Airplus dehumidifier comes with a dehumidifier hose for constant drainage and a 4.1-liter capacity water tank. If the container is full, the dehumidifier will automatically shut off until it is drained and re-attached, or out through the included hose, if it is installed.
The Airplus dehumidifier comes with a compact storage for the power cord that reduces the risk of a broken power cord. The basement dehumidifier is equipped with premium universal wheels that can be easily carried and ensure flexible and convenient movement. At the same time, the embedded handle is ergonomically designed for ease of use. The device and comes with a 2-year quality service of a replacement or a full refund.
The Airplus dehumidifier is loaded with a detachable and washable filter. The device also boasts advanced auto-defrosting technology that allows the dehumidifier to detect the evaporator’s status and defrost automatically. Despite the auto-detection of frost, the dehumidifier can automatically detect ambient humidity and adjust the working status automatically.
Pros
- Large capacity water tank
- Multi-functional modes
- Ease of Operation
- 360-degree wheels for convenience
- Quiet operation
Cons
- No Child lock feature
- Slightly heavy
Why Buy: The compact and sleek Airplus dehumidifier works effectively in the harshest environment. The device is easy to use and move around and comes with a large tank. Worth consideration!
4. Vacplus 50 Pints Dehumidifier with WiFi
The modern Vacplus dehumidifier can remove up to 50 pints of moisture per day(under 90% RH @ 86°F condition). The Company claims that it improves dehumidifying efficiency by 25%, and is best suited for medium and large spaces such as living room, bedroom, bathroom, RV, basement, kitchen, closet.
The Vacplus dehumidifier is WIFI enabled and can be controlled via the Tuyasmart app. The device comes with four operations modes( standard/raining/drying/sleep). It also features intelligent constant humidity to monitor humidity levels and adjust itself to maintain the pre-selected level. The top-mounted control panel with LED display uses three colors to remind you of the present humidity. The device generates a very low 35.9 dB average sound while working.
The Vacplus bathroom dehumidifier comes with a 24-hr timer that enables you to operate the device for a specific time, making it energy efficient. Additionally, it will automatically shut off when the 3.1-liter container gets full. The dehumidifier can be connected to a drain hose for continuous removal. The Company promises a two years replacement or a full refund.
The Vacplus dehumidifier with high-quality and durable casters and comfortable tuck-away handle makes it more secure and easy to move around.
Pros
- High-quality dehumidifier with a sleek and modern design
- Wide operating temperature range
- Two-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Lightweight and easy to set up and use
- High energy efficiency and low running cost
Cons
- Relatively low dehumidification capacity
- Not suitable for large basements
- Tiny bucket size (0.8 gallons)
Why Buy: With smart features and powerful performance, the Vacplus 50-pint dehumidifier is a must-have option for your house if you are suffering from a sticky and humid environment.
5. TOSOT 4,500 Sq Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier
The TOSOT dehumidifier can remove up to 50 pints of water per 24 hours (70 Pint units under 2012 DOE standard.) The device is equipped with an internal pump that automatically removes collected water from the dehumidifier. Water can be pumped sideways or vertically up to 12 feet away. Water will gather in the bucket until it’s almost full, then the internal pump will automatically start up to remove the collected water.
The TOSOT dehumidifier comes with an auto drain feature that will drain the moisture in the removable water bucket (2-gallon capacity). The dehumidifier will stop running if the water bucket fills up. On constant usage, the drain bucket will be full in about five hours. The container is easy to drain thanks to its swivel handle and spill-resistant baffles. The device can be set up for automatic drainage by attaching a 3/4 inch drain hose to the dehumidifier.
The TOSOT dehumidifier features real-time humidity monitoring. The top-mounted control panel displays the current humidity level, and the device will shut down after reaching the pre-set target. The device can also be programmed to run continuously irrespective of the existing humidity levels by pressing the minus button until the control panel displays “NS.” The dehumidifier will run until the drain bucket is full or will continue to run under the drain set up.
The operating volumes of the TOSOT dehumidifier are 52/50/48 decibels on the high/medium/low settings. At peak sound level (using high speed), it is as quiet as a private suburban street or a regular conversation at home. The dehumidifier is Energy-Star rated and helps you save money on the monthly utility bill. TOSOT Dehumidifiers are also UL-approved, meaning they meet the highest safety standards for home use.
In an electric outage event, the TOSOT dehumidifier will start working once the power comes back and revert to the same settings it was working before the shutdown. The device comes with a washable air filter, which should be cleaned periodically to maintain efficiency. Post 250 hours of operation, a filter light on the display screen will illuminate prompting for cleaning the filter. The filter can be cleaned with warm water and a mild detergent, ensure that the filter is completely dry before reinstalling.
Pros
- Internal Pumping mechanism
- Continuous drainage system
- Whisper-quiet operation
- Extensive coverage makes it ideal for medium to large spaces.
Cons
- Shorter warranty then similar priced products
Why Buy: The robust and durable TOSOT dehumidifier can cover a large area while being energy-efficient. The device comes with a host of features and works effectively without creating a disturbance.
6. Vremi 4,500 SQ FT LARGE ROOM DEHUMIDIFIER
The Vremi “Moisture Maniac” dehumidifier can remove 50 pints (70 Pint 2012 DOE Rating Standard) of moisture per day, and is well suited for medium to large spaces upto 4,500 sq. Ft. Featuring a sleek contemporary design, the compact dehumidifier comes with convenient built-in wheels and handles, making it easier to move around.
The Vremi dehumidifier is smooth to operate. Once you set the ideal humidity levels and let it run continuously until the tank is full, it will automatically shut off. The device also comes with a drain hose outlet for constant drainage.
The Vremi dehumidifier also features a Turbo mode that increases fan speed from normal air CFM 129 to high air CFM 138 for maximum moisture removal. Measuring 16.6 x 11 x 24.3 inches, the dehumidifier comes with a 1.8-gallon water tank capacity.
The Vremi dehumidifier comes with an auto-defrost feature. If frost builds up on the evaporator coils, the compressor will cycle off, and the fan will continue to run until the frost gets disappear. The device comes with an easy to remove, clean, and re-insert water tank, and the instructions printed on the product renders the cleaning task much more comfortable. The device also has an auto-restart feature, ensuring that it will start automatically restart with the earlier programmed settings.
Pros
- Lightweight design coupled with straightforward controls makes it easy to use and operate
- Easy to drain and clean
- Eco and pocket-friendly
Cons
- Loud even at the lowest setting
- Small water tank
Why Buy: Capable of removing up to 9 gallons of moisture a day and coming at a great price point, the Vremi “Moisture Maniac” is an excellent alternative if you don’t care about noise.
If you live in a humid place, then it’s highly recommended that you get a dehumidifier. Keep your wooden flooring looking beautiful by using the best quality dehumidifiers and performing the preventive maintenance work so that your wood flooring is covered under warranty and lasts for many years.
Read also: