Wooden flooring in Pune's monsoon: humidity, termites and care
By the GM La Surfaces team · Updated
Short answer
Wood-based floors take on moisture in the monsoon and give it back in dry months, so they need an expansion gap at the walls, a dry and level subfloor, and acclimatising before installation. Engineered wood moves less than solid wood. Termites can attack any wood-based floor, so treat the site before laying it.
What happens to a wood floor in the monsoon?
Wood fibres absorb moisture from humid air and swell slightly, then shrink when the air dries. Fitted correctly, a floor absorbs this quietly. Fitted tight to the walls or over a damp base, it can lift, cup or open gaps.
How to install for a humid climate
- Check the subfloor for moisture first. A damp screed is the most common cause of trouble.
- Let the planks acclimatise in the room before laying, as the manufacturer advises.
- Leave the expansion gap at every wall and fixed object, hidden by the skirting.
- Use the underlay or moisture barrier the product calls for.
Will termites eat my wooden floor?
Termites feed on cellulose, which is in solid wood, engineered wood cores and laminate's fibreboard core alike. The prevention is the same for all three: a professional anti-termite treatment of the site before installation, and dealing with any existing infestation first.
Daily care
- Sweep or vacuum grit, which scratches finishes.
- Clean with a well-wrung damp mop, never a wet one.
- Wipe spills straight away.
- Use felt pads under furniture and mats at the door.
- Keep rooms ventilated in the monsoon; a dehumidifier helps in closed rooms.
Common questions
- Is wooden flooring a good idea in a humid city?
- Yes, if it is the right product and fitted for the climate. Engineered wood is the usual choice for real timber in humid conditions.
- Why does my wood floor have gaps after summer?
- Boards shrink as the air dries. Small seasonal gaps are normal; large ones usually point to installation or subfloor moisture issues.
- Can I wet mop a laminate floor?
- Use a damp, well-wrung mop only. Standing water can seep into joints and swell the core.
- Is laminate termite-proof?
- No. Its fibreboard core contains wood fibre. Treat the site before installation as you would for wood.