How long should solid wood flooring acclimatise?

Solid wood flooring must acclimatise in the room where it will be laid for 7–14 days, depending on species. Oak and walnut need 14 days; pine needs 7 days. Open the packs and stack with spacers to allow air circulation.

Can I lay solid wood on concrete?

Yes, using flexible flooring adhesive at approximately 1.0 kg/m². The concrete must be dry (≤75% RH), flat (±3mm over 3m) and have a DPM. Alternatively, fix to plywood battens with a DPM underneath.

What is secret nailing?

Secret nailing involves driving nails at 45° through the tongue of each board into the joist or subfloor below. The next board’s groove covers the nail head. Nail at 300mm centres along each board.

What width boards should I choose?

Popular widths for solid wood are 100–150mm. Wider boards (150mm+) are more prone to cupping and require more careful moisture management. Narrow boards are more stable and traditional.

Do I need an expansion gap for solid wood flooring?

Yes. Leave a 12–15mm expansion gap around all walls, pipes and fixed objects. Solid wood expands more than engineered wood, especially across the grain. Cover gaps with skirting or scotia.

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Solid Wood Flooring Calculator — Boards, Fixing & Acclimatisation

Calculate solid wood T&G board count, secret nail spacing or adhesive for concrete, and acclimatisation time by species.

Room Length

Room Width

Wood Species

Affects acclimatisation time

Fixing Method

Board Width

Common: 100\u2013150mm

Price Per m\u00b2 (optional)

How We Calculate This

This calculator determines board count, fixing requirements and acclimatisation time for solid wood flooring based on species and installation method.

The formula

Board count = (Floor area × (1 + Waste %)) ÷ (Board width × Board length)

Secret nails = Board rows × (Room length ÷ Nail spacing)

Adhesive = Floor area × 1.0 kg/m\u00b2

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.