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Storing timber flooring correctly on-site is crucial to keeping it in top condition and ensuring a smooth installation. Whether you’re using Forté products or any engineered timber, following best-practice storage guidelines will help protect your (or your client's) investment from damage caused by moisture, temperature changes and on-site activity. Here’s a quick guide to storing flooring right, based on Forté’s own expertise as well as broader industry standards.
1. Acclimatise Timber Flooring In-Situ
Before installation, it’s crucial to acclimatise your flooring to the environment in which it will be laid. This helps prevent warping, expansion or shrinkage later on.
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Lay unopened packs flat in the exact rooms where they will be installed for at least 48 hours before opening them.
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Keep the packs away from direct sunlight, radiators, and walls to allow for even acclimatisation to the site's humidity and temperature.
2. Store in a Controlled, Indoor Space
Timber should never be stored outdoors or in unsealed areas.
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Choose a dry, shaded indoor space where temperatures are maintained between 18°C and 25°C.
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A lockable site office or container is ideal for minimising dust, deterring theft, and limiting access by other trades.
3. Elevate Flooring Packs Off the Ground
Concrete and bare ground can transfer moisture into your flooring, causing significant damage.
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Always place packs on battens or dunnage to raise them off the floor.
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Ensure there’s adequate air circulation beneath and between packs. Avoid stacking too tightly to prevent moisture from being trapped.
4. Protect Against Dust, Damage and Trade Traffic
With multiple trades working on-site, it’s easy for flooring to be accidentally damaged or exposed to dust.
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Store packs in a low-traffic area, ideally behind barriers or in a roped-off zone.
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If exposure to dust is unavoidable, cover unopened packs with a breathable material like builder’s paper or canvas— never plastic, which can trap condensation.
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For opened packs or installed flooring, use a resilient, breathable surface protector like Protecta Board or Mason’s Floor Guard + Hardboard, especially in high-traffic areas.
5. Stage Deliveries for Better Control
Avoid bringing all your flooring on-site at once.
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Coordinate with your Forté Project Manager to arrange staggered deliveries. This ensures only what’s needed is on-site, while the rest remains safely stored in Forté’s warehouse, where three months of free storage is available.
6. Inspect Regularly
Ongoing checks can help catch potential issues before they become costly problems.
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Before each day's work, inspect stored packs for signs of moisture damage, mould, insect activity or other concerns.
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If flooring has been stored longer than planned, rotate stock so the oldest packs are used first
Need a Hand with Storage or Installation?
Whether you need tailored advice on protecting your flooring on-site, staging deliveries, or prepping for install, our team can help. Get in touch now or book an appointment with your Forté representative.
