Hey everyone! I'm planning on creating a library in my parents' new build house using 12 IKEA Billy bookcases that I'll attach to the walls and then caulk and trim to make them look built-in. My question is, how dry do the walls need to be before I start this project? I have a moisture meter showing around 20% in some places, which seems quite high to me. While I'm not overly worried about paint cracking as the walls dry out, I really want to avoid any mold growth behind the bookcases.
We've been using a dehumidifier for about a week, but the moisture levels haven't dropped much. I've read conflicting advice online; some say moisture levels around 15-20% could indicate a leak (which we know isn't the case here), while others suggest new builds should be below 10-15% before adding anything. My main concern is whether it's safe to proceed or if we should wait until the walls are drier. We're kind of eager to get started but don't want to accidentally create a mold issue. Any insights?
1 Answer
Hey! I think you should probably wait at least 4-6 weeks for the walls to dry out properly. Trust me, rushing it can lead to headaches later if you end up with mold. Plus, it seems like the walls are still holding onto some moisture, which isn't great for a build-in project. Maybe use that time to plan your layout or pick out paint colors!
Yeah, better safe than sorry! Plus, it’ll be worth the wait to ensure everything is in the best shape.