How Long Does It Take to Install Hardwood Floors?

Installing hardwood floors is an exciting upgrade that can transform the look and feel of your home. However, many homeowners wonder how long the process will take from start to finish. The answer depends on several factors, including the size of the project, the type of wood flooring, and whether additional preparation is needed before installation.

At Hardwood Floors LLC, we specialize in high-quality hardwood flooring installation in Norwalk, Stamford, Greenwich, Darien, Westport, Wilton, New Canaan, and surrounding areas in Connecticut and Westchester County, New York. If you’re planning to install new hardwood floors, here’s what you need to know about the timeline.

Factors That Affect Hardwood Floor Installation Time

Several factors impact how long it takes to install hardwood floors in your home. Let’s break them down:

1. The Size of the Project

Larger spaces naturally take more time. Here’s a general estimate based on square footage:

• Up to 500 sq. ft.: 1–2 days
• 500–1,000 sq. ft.: 2–3 days
• Over 1,000 sq. ft.: 3+ days

2. Type of Hardwood Flooring

• Prefinished Hardwood: Comes with a factory-applied finish, so it can be installed quickly, usually in 1–3 days.
• Unfinished Hardwood: Requires sanding, staining, and sealing after installation, adding 3–7 days to the process.
• Engineered Hardwood: Has a faster installation time than solid wood, often taking 1–2 days.

3. Subfloor Preparation

If your subfloor is uneven or needs repairs, it can add extra time to the project. Concrete subfloors may require moisture testing, which can extend the timeline by a few days.

4. Acclimation Time

Hardwood flooring needs to adjust to the humidity and temperature of your home before installation. This process, known as acclimation, typically takes 3–7 days depending on the type of wood and your home’s climate.

5. Installation Method

• Nail-down installation: Common for solid hardwood, takes longer due to the manual process.
• Glue-down installation: Often used for engineered wood, requires drying time.
• Floating floor installation: The fastest method, typically completed within a day.

6. Finishing Time (If Needed)

Unfinished hardwood requires sanding, staining, and sealing, which can add another 3–5 days for drying and curing.

General Timeline for Hardwood Floor Installation

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from start to finish:

Step 1: Preparation & Acclimation (3–7 Days)

• Hardwood flooring is delivered to your home to adjust to temperature and humidity levels.
• Any necessary subfloor repairs or moisture testing are completed.

Step 2: Installation (1–5 Days)

• The hardwood planks are laid using the appropriate method (nail-down, glue-down, or floating).
• Additional time may be required for complex layouts such as herringbone or parquet patterns.

Step 3: Sanding & Finishing (If Unfinished) (3–5 Days)

• Sanding, staining, and sealing are done, with drying time between each step.

Step 4: Cleanup & Final Touches (1 Day)

• Excess dust and debris are removed, and baseboards or trim are reinstalled.

How to Speed Up the Installation Process

If you’re on a tight schedule, here are some tips to ensure a smooth and fast installation:

• Choose prefinished hardwood to eliminate sanding and finishing time.
• Prepare the space ahead of time by removing furniture and personal belongings.
• Ensure the subfloor is ready before installation day to avoid delays.
• Hire experienced professionals like Hardwood Floors LLC for efficient and high-quality installation.

Need Professional Hardwood Flooring Installation?

If you’re ready to upgrade your floors, Hardwood Floors LLC is here to help. We provide expert hardwood flooring installation, refinishing, and repair services throughout Norwalk, Stamford, Greenwich, Darien, Westport, Wilton, and New Canaan, CT, as well as Westchester County, NY.

📍 Visit Our Showroom:
Norwalk, CT & Tarrytown, NY
📞 Call Us: (203) 913-4209
🌐 Website: www.hardwoodfloorsllc.com

Let our team transform your home with beautiful, high-quality hardwood floors. Contact us today for a consultation!