Welcome to Ada, Michigan—a place where community spirit and natural beauty synchronously blend to offer a remarkable living experience. This charming town, located just east of Grand Rapids, possesses a unique appeal that captivates residents and visitors alike with its friendly atmosphere and flourishing landscapes.
Ada is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting the serene beauty of the nearby Grand River and lush Ada Township Park. Residents delight in the opportunity to hike, bike, or simply stroll through the picturesque trails and bask in nature’s wonders. The town's
dedication to preserving its natural beauty is evident, fostering an environment where families can thrive and connect with the great outdoors.
Vibrant local businesses and exceptional dining experiences define Ada's community-driven culture. The eagerly anticipated Ada Village redevelopment has invigorated the area with a modern flair while maintaining its historic charm. Each boutique, café, and
Discover the Warmth and Charm of Ada,
4 | HelloAda, Michigan • Spring Issue
Hello Ada, Michigan • Spring Issue |5
Discover the Warmth and Charm of Ada,
restaurant contribute to a thriving economy and a delightful sense of community.
Education is paramount in Ada, featuring top-tier schools that emphasize personalized learning and holistic development. This commitment ensures every child
receives the finest preparation for a prosperous future.
Living in Ada means embracing a peaceful lifestyle where neighbors become friends, and community events stir a sense...
Discover the Warmth and Charm of Ada, Michigan
Welcome to Ada, Michigan—a place where community spirit and natural beauty synchronously blend to offer a remarkable living experience. This charming town, located just east of Grand Rapids, possesses a unique appeal that captivates residents and visitors alike with its friendly atmosphere and flourishing landscapes.
Ada is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting the serene beauty of the nearby Grand River and lush Ada Township Park. Residents delight in the opportunity to hike, bike, or simply stroll through the picturesque trails and bask in nature’s wonders. The town's dedication to preserving its natural beauty is evident, fostering an environment where families can thrive and connect with the great outdoors.
Vibrant local businesses and exceptional dining experiences define Ada's community-driven culture. The eagerly anticipated Ada Village redevelopment has invigorated the area with a modern flair while maintaining its historic charm. Each boutique, café, and restaurant contribute to a thriving economy and a delightful sense of community.
Education is paramount in Ada, featuring top-tier schools that emphasize personalized learning and holistic development. This commitment ensures every child receives the finest preparation for a prosperous future.
Living in Ada means embracing a peaceful lifestyle where neighbors become friends, and community events stir a sense of belonging. Come discover the warmth and charm of Ada—a town where life moves at a pace that allows the time to cherish each moment.
What Most People Get Wrong About Hardwood Floors & Humidity
Hardwood floors are admired for their warmth and natural beauty, yet many homeowners overlook how much humidity affects their performance. This is especially true in regions like Michigan, where dry winters and humid summers create wide swings in indoor moisture. In areas like Grand Haven, East Grand
Rapids, Forest Hills, Spring Lake, and Holland, these seasonal shifts are especially noticeable, and homeowners often see small gaps or cupping appear as humidity levels change throughout the year. Those changes cause hardwood to expand and contract throughout the year, sometimes leading to visible
6 | HelloAda, Michigan • Spring Issue
What Most People Get Wrong About Hardwood Floors & Humidity
Hardwood floors are admired for their warmth and natural beauty, yet many homeowners overlook how much humidity affects their performance. This is especially true in regions like Michigan, where dry winters and humid summers create wide swings in indoor moisture. In areas like Grand Haven, East Grand Rapids, Forest Hills, Spring Lake, and Holland, these seasonal shifts are especially noticeable, and homeowners often see small gaps or cupping appear as humidity levels change throughout the year. Those changes cause hardwood to expand and contract throughout the year, sometimes leading to visible gaps, cupping, or squeaks that surprise homeowners who thought their floors were perfectly stable.
Wood remains a living material even after it has been milled, stained, and installed. It breathes in moisture when the air is humid and releases it when the air is dry. During winter, when heating systems run for months at a time, the indoor air becomes dry, and wood loses moisture. The boards shrink slightly, which creates narrow gaps between them. When summer arrives, the air becomes moist, the wood swells, and those gaps close again. These cycles are normal and expected, but when the humidity fluctuates too much, the movement becomes exaggerated, and the floor can show permanent damage.
A common misunderstanding is that hardwood floors should remain completely flat and perfectly fitted all year. In reality, small seasonal changes are a natural part of owning real wood. The key is to manage the indoor climate so those shifts stay within a safe range. Most flooring specialists recommend maintaining indoor humidity between 35 and 55 percent to limit expansion and contraction. A humidifier in winter and a dehumidifier or air conditioner in summer can help maintain balance, protecting both the floor and the home’s comfort.
Before installation, one of the most important steps is allowing the wood to acclimate to the home’s environment. Acclimation means storing the flooring inside the space where it will be installed for several days so it can adjust to the temperature and humidity levels. Skipping this step is one of the biggest causes of post-installation problems. If wood is installed before it adjusts, the boards may expand or contract significantly after installation, leading to cupping, gapping, or even buckling once the home’s environment changes.
A professional flooring contractor should always measure moisture levels in both the wood and the subfloor before starting installation. This ensures that conditions are stable enough for proper adhesion and long-term performance. Skilled installers also leave small expansion gaps around the perimeter of the room, hidden under trim or baseboards. These gaps allow the flooring to move slightly without creating visible damage. These simple precautions can make the difference between a floor that performs well for decades and one that develops problems within its first year.
The type of hardwood flooring also affects how it responds to humidity. Solid hardwood is made from a single piece of wood, so it expands and contracts more dramatically with moisture changes. Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, is made of multiple layers of wood bonded together in alternating grain directions. This layered design increases dimensional stability, meaning it resists movement and is less likely to warp or cup. Engineered flooring is often the better choice for homes in regions with high humidity or for spaces such as basements and lakefront properties where moisture levels are harder to control.
Proper maintenance is equally important once the floor is installed. Cleaning hardwood floors with excess water or steam can push moisture into the seams and weaken the finish. Instead, a barely damp mop or a hardwood-specific cleaning product should be used. Routine sweeping or vacuuming keeps dirt and grit from scratching the surface, which can expose the wood to moisture more easily. Placing rugs at entryways and mats near sinks helps reduce the amount of water or humidity that comes into contact with the surface.
Home systems also affect how much moisture remains in the air. Heating, cooling, and ventilation all play a role in regulating humidity levels. In older homes, dry winter air can cause the wood to shrink more than expected, while tightly sealed modern homes may trap moisture during humid months. A small, inexpensive hygrometer can help homeowners track indoor humidity and adjust systems as needed. Keeping an eye on those readings throughout the year prevents the slow buildup of damage that often goes unnoticed until it becomes serious.
When humidity control is ignored, signs of trouble usually appear over time rather than all at once. Slight squeaks, small gaps, or subtle unevenness underfoot are often early warnings of changing moisture levels, not structural problems. By recognizing those patterns early, homeowners can stabilize the environment before lasting harm occurs.
Seasonal movement in hardwood flooring is not a defect; it is simply nature’s way of allowing the material to adjust. Understanding how humidity interacts with wood helps homeowners manage expectations and take simple steps to preserve their investment. When indoor humidity is balanced year-round, hardwood floors stay stronger, smoother, and more beautiful for decades. With steady care and awareness, the natural rhythm of expansion and contraction will remain invisible, allowing the beauty of real wood to stand out as it was meant to.
Steve Klaasen
gaps, cupping, or squeaks that surprise homeowners who thought their floors were perfectly stable.Wood remains a living material even after it has been milled, stained, and installed. It breathes in moisture when the air is humid and releases it when the air is dry. During winter, when heating systems run for months
at a time, the indoor air becomes dry, and wood loses moisture. The boards shrink slightly, which creates narrow gaps between them. When summer arrives, the air becomes moist, the wood swells, and those gaps close again. These cycles are normal and expected, but when the humidity fluctuates too much, the movement becomes exaggerated, and the floor can show permanent damage.A common misunderstanding is that hardwood floors should remain completely flat and perfectly fitted all year. In reality, small seasonal changes are a natural part of owning real wood. The key is to manage the indoor climate so those shifts stay within a safe...
A professional flooring contractor should always measure moisture levels in both the wood and the subfloor before starting installat...
About the Author
Steve Klaasen is a dedicated professional known for his practical problem-solving and hands-on expertise. With a passion for craftsmanship, clear communication, and helping others, he brings reliability and resourcefulness to every project. Steve values learning, integrity, and getting the job done right the first time.
HelloAda, Michigan • Spring Issue |7
Ada, Michigan
A Community Where Quality of Life Shines
Ada, Michigan, is a hidden gem that paints a picturesque scene of community charm and modern amenities. Known for its tight-knit spirit, Ada offers residents an exceptional quality of life, boasting a blend of natural beauty and vibrant town energy. It’s a place where neighbors meet for an afternoon at local shops or trails, and families enjoy
spending time together in pristine parks.
Life in Ada revolves around its commitment to creating a harmonious balance between rural tranquility and urban efficiency. The town's meticulously planned green spaces, like the Ada Township Park and Roselle Park, are perfect for leisurely strolls or energetic family outings. These places reflect Ada’s dedication to preserving natural surroundings while providing superb
8 | HelloAda, Michigan • Spring Issue
Hello Ada, Michigan • Spring Issue |9
Ada, Michigan
recreational activities for all age groups.
Education, a key pillar of life here, is second to none. The schools in Ada are renowned for their excellence, cultivating a passion for learning and community spirit. The thriving local economy, supported by small businesses and vibrant marketplaces, offers adequate opportunities for personal and professional growth while maintaining a welcoming, close-knit environment.
Residents revere Ada not just for its scenic landscapes and thriving economy but for its warm-hearted community that truly greets you with a smile. In Ada, Michigan, quality of life isn’t just...
Ada, Michigan: A Community Where Quality of Life Shines
Ada, Michigan, is a hidden gem that paints a picturesque scene of community charm and modern amenities. Known for its tight-knit spirit, Ada offers residents an exceptional quality of life, boasting a blend of natural beauty and vibrant town energy. It’s a place where neighbors meet for an afternoon at local shops or trails, and families enjoy spending time together in pristine parks.
Life in Ada revolves around its commitment to creating a harmonious balance between rural tranquility and urban efficiency. The town's meticulously planned green spaces, like the Ada Township Park and Roselle Park, are perfect for leisurely strolls or energetic family outings. These places reflect Ada’s dedication to preserving natural surroundings while providing superb recreational activities for all age groups.
Education, a key pillar of life here, is second to none. The schools in Ada are renowned for their excellence, cultivating a passion for learning and community spirit. The thriving local economy, supported by small businesses and vibrant marketplaces, offers adequate opportunities for personal and professional growth while maintaining a welcoming, close-knit environment.
Residents revere Ada not just for its scenic landscapes and thriving economy but for its warm-hearted community that truly greets you with a smile. In Ada, Michigan, quality of life isn’t just an aspiration—it’s a delightful reality.
