Winter Renovations in Rhode Island: Acclimating and Delivering Flooring in the Cold
Cold boxes, unheated job sites and snow days. How to plan a winter flooring job in Rhode Island so the planks install cleanly and the schedule holds.
Winter is a busy season for fixer-uppers. Houses are cheaper, contractors have more time, and you can have a flip ready for spring listings. But cold weather changes how you handle flooring.
Heat the house first
SPC should be installed in a room between about 65°F and 85°F. On a winter job, get the heat running at least a day or two before the boxes arrive and keep it on through the install.
Let the boxes warm up
Boxes that sat in a cold truck or garage are stiff. Stack them flat in the room for 48 hours so the planks reach room temperature. Cold planks are harder to click together and more likely to chip at the joints.
Plan around snow
- Clear a path from the curb to the door before delivery day. The driver sets pallets at the curb, and you need a safe route inside.
- Keep boxes off wet, salty floors near the entry. Lay down cardboard.
- Have a backup day in mind. Carriers reschedule in bad storms.
Pickup is easier in winter
If the colors you need are In stock in Cranston, pickup avoids waiting on a delivery window during a stormy week. We text you when the order is staged at the dock.
Leave the heat on after install. Big swings between a cold empty house and a warm showing day make any floor move more. Keep the house steady until it sells.
More tips in our step-by-step install guide.
