The relative humidity (RH) of a room directly affects the moisture content (MC) of timber flooring, causing it to expand or contract.

In modern, low-moisture homes (e.g. RH 45% = MC 10%), flooring with high initial moisture content will lose moisture, leading to shrinkage and potential failure over time. In solid timber, this can cause cracking, checking, and cell collapse.

To address this, Unilin developed dimensionally stable timber flooring that performs reliably even in low-humidity environments (as low as RH 30% = MC 6–7%).

Under the 2022 Wet Area Compliance Codes, flooring prone to gapping is no longer permitted in areas such as:

Kitchens

Toilets

Laundries

Bathrooms

Ensuites

Proper product selection and acclimatization are essential for long-term flooring performance.