Are you wondering how long does it take to install hardwood floors? If yes, you should click here for the key things to know.
It seems Americans have caught the renovation bug, with 58% of homeowners saying they planned or did some type of home renovation. Once you get that renovation bug going, you want the work done right away.
Have you made the decision to add new hardwood flooring to your house? Now that you're excited to see it done, are you wondering, "how long does it take to install hardwood floors?"
Making the investment into real hardwood is a great way to add value and style to your home. Of course, you know that because you chose and now you want to see it done.
Read on to learn about the hardwood installation process and how long it takes to get installed.
How Long Does It Take to Install Hardwood Floors?
Once you have studied the samples, laid them out in your home, and labored over making the decision, you're ready for your hardwood floors.
There are a variety of factors that will contribute to the timeline. When considering the time frame, these factors include:
- Type of flooring
- Condition of your subfloor
- Size of the project
- Installation method
Most jobs can be installed and completed within a few weeks. Of course, the larger the job or the more complex the installation, the longer it will take. Let's take a closer look at the installation process, to better understand the timeline.
Preparing Floors for Hardwood Installation
Before the installation of the hardwood floors can begin, first it's necessary to prepare the space for installation.
If there is carpet on the surface currently, it needs to be removed. Also, any carpet strips or tacks would need to be pulled from the floor.
If there is another type of flooring, like another wood or laminate, those would also need to be removed.
The installer will inspect the subfloor. It doesn't make sense to install beautiful hardwood flooring on a rotting subfloor, for example.
The installation specialist will make sure the subfloor is in good condition, level, and prepped for the new flooring.
All of this could happen in a day or a few days depending on the condition on the floor and the size of the space.
Type of Hardwood Flooring
You might be surprised to learn that the type of hardwood you selected may factor into installation time. There are a few reasons for this.
Pre-Finished Hardwood Flooring
One type of hardwood flooring is flooring that is pre-finished. This means that when it comes to you, it will already have the finishes on it. It has been stained and already has the protective coatings.
This type of wood could take a little longer to arrive. This is, of course, because they have to prep the floor before shipping it.
On the flip side, the pre-finished hardwood flooring is likely to be quicker to install. Since it already has a finish, that step does not need to be part of the installation timeline.
Once the wood arrives, it needs to be acclimated (more on this in a minute), then it only needs laying. If the floor is pre-finished, then the installation goes quickly and once it's secured to the floor, it's done.
Unfinished Hardwood Flooring
The other option you might have chosen is a hardwood that comes to you from the manufacturer unfinished. This means the flooring arrives for installation as bare wood with no stain or protective coating on it.
On the one hand, this means it might get to you for installation a bit faster. Yet, it has more steps involved in the installation process.
After the wood's acclimated, then it can be laid. Then the flooring will need staining and finishing. This process can add a few days to the installation process. Often floors need sanding and protective acting applied multiple times to be properly protected.
One option isn't necessarily better than another. You might want to match the stain to an existing flooring so you select unfinished. On the flip side, you might find a refinished floor that is just what you're looking for.
Acclimating the Wood
This is an important step and actually a simple step in the hardwood installation process. Acclimating the wood means letting the hardwood be in the environment where it will be installed.
Whether your wood is pre-finished or unfinished, doesn't matter. You want to have the wood delivered. Open the packaging. and let the wood adjust to the temperature and humidity of your home.
Most experts believe the wood should sit in the environment from 1 to 3 days to get acclimated before installation. Some experts suggest heavier and more dense woods like a Brazilian Cherry might need even a little longer to acclimate.
This is a key step in extending the overall life of your flooring. It lets your wood take on the makeup of the environment where it will be installed.
Installation Method
The actual installation step will depend on how you want the wood installed. If the room is a simple shape and the wood is going down in straight rows, the installation goes more quickly.
If you have selected a more complex installation pattern like parquet flooring, herringbone, inlays, or are using mixed-width wood then the timeline will likely be increased.
Ultimately, this process could go as quickly as a day or take a few days. The more cabinets, doorways, or curved walls to work around the longer it might take.
Understanding the Wood Floor Installation Process
So, how long does it take to install hardwood floors? It's custom! There are a variety of factors that impact the time frame for the installation of hardwood floors.
Remember, hiring a professional installer and following the timeline will help to ensure your floors have a long life in your home.
Are you interested in getting more information about hardwood floors and their installation? We can help you with all of your hardwood flooring questions. Contact us today.
