Tips to Help Homeowners Deal with Cupping of Hardwood Floors 

07/20/2024

Homeowners with hardwood floors take pride in the beauty and elegance of their flooring. No other flooring alternative can indeed match the universal appeal of different types of hardwood floors. This is why hardwood has retained its popularity across the globe over generations. However, this prized possession does have its own vulnerabilities.  

Moisture is a critical factor that can spell disaster for hardwood floors, leading to many problems including cupping of hardwood floors. Luckily with a little bit of knowledge, it is possible to mitigate the risk of cupping. The first and foremost requirement here is to understand the causes of hardwood cupping.  

What Causes Cupping? 

Changes in moisture levels are the most important factor causing cupping. It may involve increases in moisture below the floor or decreases in the air relative humidity above the floor. Hardwood floor cupping could also result from basement plumbing leaks allowing moisture to move into wood flooring through the subfloor or excessive heat drying out the air.  

Under these circumstances, a moisture imbalance is created from the floor’s bottom to the top. As a result of this imbalance, a conclave shape is imparted on each plank, with considerably raised edges. If you ever notice cupping on your floor, identify the moisture source. Once the moisture problem is identified and addressed, it may be possible to reverse the cupping. 

Minor cupping is considered to wood’s natural reaction to moisture, and should not be a major concern. However, a serious moisture imbalance can quickly lead to severe cupping. This is why all homes with hardwood flooring should use a moisture meter to identify changes in moisture levels so that they can take steps to prevent cupping.   

Preventing Hardwood Floors from Cupping  

Here are a few things you can do to protect your hardwood floors from cupping.  

• Only use acclimated hardwood planks for your flooring. The best approach is to use hardwood that has been manufactured in a climate similar to where it will be installed. This ensures that the floor is acclimated to the humidity levels of the final destination.  
• Please ensure that the floor boards are fastened properly. As hardwood tends to expand and retract throughout the seasons, proper installation and fastening can prevent cupping by taking advantage of the elasticity of the floorboards.  
• You may also consider installing a whole-home humidifier to monitor and create a humidity level that is optimal for your home. These systems control the moisture level by working in conjunction with HVAC systems, and can effectively address the problem of hardwood cupping.   
• Always avoid damp mopping your hardwood floor. Use as little water as possible for cleaning your hardwood floors. When the humidity is high, water evaporates at a slower rate and allows the floor to absorb more water. 
• If you have hardwood floors in your bathrooms or kitchens, you can prevent cupping by running bathroom vents or kitchen vents for more than 10 minutes while showering or cooking.    

If you have any other questions related to hardwood floor maintenance, please get in touch with us at Enoak.